Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

⚠️ We are not veterinarians, and this page does not replace professional medical care. If you suspect FIP, always contact your vet — but know that many vets are unfamiliar with modern FIP treatment protocols.

First and Foremost, THERE IS HOPE! Please read through all information and advocate for your cat if you suspect FIP. There is a LOT of support out there!! FIP use to be a guaranteed death sentence for cats but THERE IS HOPE!

FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis)

Is a serious disease in cats caused by a mutation of a common virus called feline coronavirus (FCoV).
This mutated form can attack the cat’s immune system, leading to FIP.
It can be fatal but with early treatment many cats have been cured.
Many cats (especially in multi-cat households) carry benign feline coronavirus (Feline Covid) in their intestines. In some unlucky cats, the virus mutates inside the body.
FIP is not contagious like respiratory diseases and does not spread through boarding facilities or casual contact. Not all cats exposed to coronavirus develop FIP—only some, depending on genetics and immune response. Keeping litter areas clean and reducing stress can help lower risk.
There are numerous reasons the virus mutates; including stress, illness or other. Do NOT blame yourself if your cat has FIP!
There currently is no definitive test for FIP itself just a test to show a cat was exposed to Feline Covid. The test is a combo of bloodwork results and symptoms along with the Covid exposure that will likely point to a FIP Diagnosis. You likely will have to request your Vet perform the tests.
If you think it’s FIP but waiting on results or a vet you can start treating for it and it won’t harm the cat if it ends up not being FIP. You don't wait for the test results.
It's a long treatment process and can be costly but there is support available to you and your kitty. Keep reading!

Symptoms may show as:

Fever that doesn’t respond to antibiotics
Lethargy
Poor appetite
Weight loss
Swollen belly (from fluid)
Difficulty breathing
Neurological signs (wobbliness, seizures)
Eye inflammation

Many local vets may not know that FIP is now treatable with antivirals, and early action can save lives.

Is it Contagious?

The benign coronavirus is contagious among cats and is common that cats have it, especially in multi-cat environments.
The mutated, disease-causing FIP virus is not contagious — it usually happens inside each individual cat.

We strongly recommend you join one or more of the following trusted support groups on Facebook:

🔹 FIP Warriors®
🔹 FIP Global Cats

🔹 FIP Treatment USA

🔹 Feline Infectious Peritonitis Education and Awareness by Help for FIP®

🔹 FIP Fighters

✅ After joining:

Read the pinned posts for instructions and guidance first
Post your cat’s age, symptoms, test results (if any), and photos
Wait for a group admin or experienced member to reply

Acting quickly saves lives — and with the right support, FIP is treatable!

Types of FIP

FIP can appear in different forms — and sometimes, a cat can show signs of more than one type at the same time:

Wet (Effusive) FIP:
The most recognized type, often causes fluid buildup in the belly or chest. Cats may look suddenly pot‑bellied or have trouble breathing.
Dry (Non‑effusive) FIP:
No fluid buildup, but causes inflammation in organs like the liver, kidneys, eyes, or brain. Symptoms can vary and sometimes appear slowly.
Neurological FIP:
Affects the nervous system, leading to tremors, unsteady walking, or behavior changes.
Ocular FIP:
Causes eye inflammation, cloudiness, color change, or sudden vision issues.

Cats can start with one form and later develop another — which is why quick diagnosis and treatment are so important.

FIP Treatment

For decades, FIP was almost always fatal.
But now, there are effective antiviral drugs (like GS-441524 and GC376) that have saved thousands of cats worldwide.
These treatments aren’t yet FDA-approved in many countries, but they have dramatically changed the outlook for cats diagnosed with FIP, even cats at the brink of death are significantly improving after starting treatment.

FIP antivirals come as injections or oral pills. Injectable meds are proven effective but require daily shots for weeks. Oral versions are easier to give but may need longer treatment.

These drugs aren’t yet FDA-approved for FIP. Despite this, many cats recover well with proper treatment.

If you choose injectable meds and need guidance, it's worth posting in your local Facebook Community Groups asking for help. Others who've dealt with FIP may be willing to help!

The reason for this unconventional approach is because the antiviral medications are not yet FDA-approved, even though thousands of cats have been saved — including many who were critically ill.
Treatment can be extensive and costly, but do not lose hope.
Use the support groups above, and share what you learn with your vet so they can become your ally.

The creators of this website know of several cats right here in Erwin/Unicoi whose lives were saved by quickly suspecting FIP, pushing for early diagnosis, and starting treatment with the help of these Facebook groups.

Veterinarians who potentially can help with FIP. We cannot guarantee but it's worth phoning to inquire if they can help with FIP as awareness grows.