FIP is an awful disease that one hopes to never deal with. Feline Infectious Peritonitis or FIP is a strain of what is commonly called the corona virus ( a kitty cold ). There are 12 different kinds of corona virus of which FIP is one. While most corona virus' are easily treatable, FIP is fatal.
Corona virus is very common in cats and most cats have come into contact with it at some point. Cats that are at risk of developing FIP are those that have come in contact with the corona virus or a cat that has an active infection. However, this does not mean that the cat will actually develop FIP itself.
The most likely felines to develop FIP are ones with a weakened immune system. Most cats with FIP tend to be younger than 2 years, but the reality is that any age cat can contract the disease. The newest research is developing medications that prolong quality of life and also shows that the disease is not contagious.
FIP is a very uncommon disease in the general population. Rescues, shelters and breeders may see more of FIP since they are logically dealing with a larger population of cats.
As with many diseases, FIP tends to mimic other illnesses. Checking with a vet is paramount when your cat gets sick. Things to watch out for are the symptoms of a common cold or diarrhea that do not go away. Since cats are the masters of hiding disease it can make it even more challenging to diagnose the disease.
There are two forms of FIP: one is effusive or wet and the other is noneffusive or dry. The dry form of FIP develops slower that the wet form. The wet form of FIP is characterized by fluid that accumulates in the abdomen and chest. This rapidly causes the cat to have difficulty breathing. The dry form causes a slow wasting away of the cat characterized by a prominent spine.
Diagnosing FIP can be another challenge because there is no actual test for it. Tests are specifically for the corona virus but there are 12 types of those. Most vets will only make a diagnosis based on the symptoms. Treatment is not very helpful and the disease is ultimately fatal.
Be sure to talk to your vet about FIP and make a plan for your home. If you are planning to add a new furry friend you will definitely want to keep the cats separate for some time. Protecting your cats from infection and stress is key.
Corona virus is very common in cats and most cats have come into contact with it at some point. Cats that are at risk of developing FIP are those that have come in contact with the corona virus or a cat that has an active infection. However, this does not mean that the cat will actually develop FIP itself.
The most likely felines to develop FIP are ones with a weakened immune system. Most cats with FIP tend to be younger than 2 years, but the reality is that any age cat can contract the disease. The newest research is developing medications that prolong quality of life and also shows that the disease is not contagious.
FIP is a very uncommon disease in the general population. Rescues, shelters and breeders may see more of FIP since they are logically dealing with a larger population of cats.
As with many diseases, FIP tends to mimic other illnesses. Checking with a vet is paramount when your cat gets sick. Things to watch out for are the symptoms of a common cold or diarrhea that do not go away. Since cats are the masters of hiding disease it can make it even more challenging to diagnose the disease.
There are two forms of FIP: one is effusive or wet and the other is noneffusive or dry. The dry form of FIP develops slower that the wet form. The wet form of FIP is characterized by fluid that accumulates in the abdomen and chest. This rapidly causes the cat to have difficulty breathing. The dry form causes a slow wasting away of the cat characterized by a prominent spine.
Diagnosing FIP can be another challenge because there is no actual test for it. Tests are specifically for the corona virus but there are 12 types of those. Most vets will only make a diagnosis based on the symptoms. Treatment is not very helpful and the disease is ultimately fatal.
Be sure to talk to your vet about FIP and make a plan for your home. If you are planning to add a new furry friend you will definitely want to keep the cats separate for some time. Protecting your cats from infection and stress is key.
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