Diseases Cats
FIP in cats: symptoms, diagnosis and today's treatment options
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) used to be a death sentence. Learn the signs, how FIP is diagnosed in Bangladesh, and what modern antiviral treatment means.
Key takeaways
- FIP is most common in young cats and in multi-cat homes and shelters.
- Signs include stubborn fever, weight loss, a swollen belly, eye changes or wobbliness.
- A positive coronavirus antibody test alone does not mean FIP.
- Antiviral treatment now cures many cats — it needs a vet's diagnosis and close monitoring.
On this page
For decades, an FIP diagnosis meant heartbreak. That has changed. If your cat has been diagnosed with — or is suspected of having — FIP, here is what you need to know.
What is FIP?
Most cats meet feline coronavirus (FCoV) at some point. It usually causes nothing more than mild diarrhoea. In a small number of cats, the virus mutates inside the body and starts infecting immune cells, which carry it around the body and trigger severe inflammation. That is FIP.
FIP is most common in:
- cats under 2 years old
- cats from multi-cat homes, catteries and shelters
- cats under stress (a move, surgery, a new pet)
- some pedigree breeds
The two main forms
Wet (effusive) FIP
- A swollen, fluid-filled belly (“pot belly” in a thin cat)
- Fluid in the chest causing fast or difficult breathing
- Fever, poor appetite, weight loss
Dry (non-effusive) FIP
- Fever that doesn’t respond to antibiotics
- Weight loss and poor growth
- Eye changes — cloudiness, colour change, bleeding inside the eye
- Neurological signs — wobbliness, seizures, behaviour change
Many cats show a mixture.
How FIP is diagnosed
There is no single test that proves FIP. We put the pieces together:
- History and examination — age, background, fever, fluid, eye changes
- Blood tests — high globulin, a low albumin-to-globulin ratio, anaemia and low lymphocytes are common
- Rapid coronavirus antibody test — supportive, but many healthy cats test positive too
- Fluid analysis — FIP fluid is typically yellow, sticky and high in protein
- Referral tests such as PCR when needed
Our in-house lab runs blood counts, biochemistry and rapid tests the same day.
Treatment has changed
Antiviral drugs related to remdesivir, including GS-441524, have transformed FIP from almost always fatal to often curable. Treatment is usually given for around 12 weeks, with regular check-ups and blood tests to adjust the dose and confirm recovery.
Important things to discuss honestly with your vet:
- Availability and quality. Products vary, and not all are licensed in every country. Your vet can advise on reliable options.
- Cost and commitment. A full course is a significant investment of time and money.
- Monitoring. Stopping early, or under-dosing, can lead to relapse.
- Supportive care. Fluids, nutrition and treating complications matter too.
Living with other cats
The coronavirus spreads through shared litter trays, but FIP itself is not usually “caught” from another cat with FIP. Keep litter trays very clean, reduce overcrowding and stress, and don’t introduce new cats while one is sick.
When to see a vet
A young cat with fever that doesn’t settle, a swelling belly, weight loss, or changes in the eyes should be examined promptly. The sooner FIP is diagnosed, the better the chance treatment works. Call 01783-121256 or book a visit.
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis. If your pet is unwell, call us or visit a registered veterinarian.
Frequently asked questions
Is FIP contagious to other cats?
The coronavirus that can lead to FIP spreads easily through litter trays, but FIP itself develops inside an individual cat when the virus mutates. Other cats in the home usually do not develop FIP, although it can occasionally occur in related kittens.
Can FIP be cured?
Yes, in many cases. Antiviral drugs related to remdesivir (including GS-441524) given for around 12 weeks have high success rates in published studies. Treatment must be supervised with regular check-ups and blood tests.
How is FIP tested in Rangpur?
At our clinic we combine the physical exam, blood count and biochemistry (including the albumin-to-globulin ratio), rapid coronavirus antibody tests and, if there is fluid, analysis of that fluid.
Can people or dogs get FIP?
No. FIP only affects cats.