Feline Infectious Peritonitis

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a contagious cat disease that can be fatal to cats. The feline infectious peritonitis is caused by a virus known as the feline coronavirus that is passed from infected cat to other cats. Most cats that come in contact with the feline coronavirus never develop any cat disease symptoms. Some cats may have the infection for years before showing signs or symptoms of the infection.

Kittens, senior cats, and cats with other infections are more susceptible to developing feline infectious peritonitis. Most cats that develop the infection have been infected from birth by their mothers. Other cats may get the infection from coming in contact with saliva or feces from infected cats.

The first signs of feline infectious peritonitis are often a rough coat, loss of appetite, fever, weight loss, and depression. Once a cat shows symptoms of feline infectious peritonitis, the prognosis generally is poor. A cat with feline infectious peritonitis may develop a high fever. This cat disease causes failure of several internal organs. This cat disease often affects young adult cats that have not been vaccinated for the condition before being exposed by the disease. Vaccinations do not protect cats against cat diseases after the cat has been infected.

There are two types of feline peritonitis. One form of feline infectious peritonitis, called the wet form, causes fluid buildup in the abdomen and rapid weight loss. Fluid may also buildup in the chest of the cat. The cat is likely to have a high fever and refuse to eat. The dry form of feline infectious peritonitis causes a persistent fever, weight loss, anemia, and depression. Depression can show as lethargy or lack of physical play and decreased social interaction with the cat owners or other pets.

Diagnosis and treatment for feline infectious peritonitis is difficult. The veterinarian may perform blood tests to test for parts of the virus or test the fluid caused by the wet form of feline peritonitis. There is no known effective treatment. Treatment may be aimed at reducing the discomfort and symptoms of feline infectious peritonitis. Some cats may respond positively to veterinary care and experience a short remission. In most cases, feline infectious peritonitis is fatal once chronic symptoms of feline infectious peritonitis develop.