Why is it important to know about FIP in cats?
Although FIP is not a particularly common disease, it is important because once a cat develops the disease, the outcome is almost invariably fatal. What is the cause of FIP? FIP is associated with a viral infection called feline coronavirus. There are many different strains of feline coronavirus, which differ in their ability to cause disease.
What to do if your cat dies from FIP?
In addition, if your cat died because of the disease, you should wait 2 months before obtaining another cat to be sure that the virus is no longer present in the environment. A vaccine is available to help prevent feline infectious peritonitis.
How many kittens die from FIP each year?
Purebred (pedigree) kittens and young pedigree cats account for 70% of all deaths to FIP.
When does feline infectious peritonitis ( FIP ) occur?
Learn more. What is feline infectious peritonitis? Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is an important disease of domestic cats. It occurs worldwide in cats of all ages, but the disease is most common in young cats less than two years of age.
How can I tell if my cat has FIP?
Antigen tests to look for FIP virus: False negatives are common. Typically, the vet pulls together as much evidence as possible and gives the most appropriate treatment, and hopes against hope the cat gets better. If they don’t, then FIP becomes even more likely.
What happens if you sell a kitten with FIP?
Cat breeders who sell kittens which are FCoV infected and develop FIP risk being prosecuted or sued. However such is no consolation for people who have gone through the distress of watching their kitten sicken and die.
Why are stray cats more likely to get FIP?
Stray cats – 4% have detectable antibodies against coronavirus (in other words they ‘test positive’ for coronavirus) Only 10% of these cats go on to become sick with FIP. The reason for this is that coronavirus has a split personality.
What kind of protein does a FIP cat have?
Elevations in Total Protein, Alpha-2 and/or Gamma Globulins Total serum protein is a simple value that can be checked in virtually every animal hospital in a matter of minutes. Cats with FIP commonly have very high serum protein levels. That said, there are many types of proteins in the blood.
