Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) in Cats is a deadly virus that affects cats. If your cat suddenly loses its appetite, experiences drastic weight loss, develops an enlarged abdomen, a fever, and other symptoms, it could be a sign of FIP.
To help you understand this virus better, here are some key facts you should know:
FIP Cats: High Mortality Rates Explained
FIP is a viral disease that affects the immune system of cats. It occurs when a mutated form of Feline Coronavirus (FCoV) infects a cat's cells. FIP is known to affect about 1-2% of the global cat population each year, and unfortunately, the mortality rate is very high, with around 96% of cats succumbing to the disease.
FIP in Cats Symptoms
The symptoms of FIP in cats can be varied and often include:
Loss of appetite
The cat experiences sudden and unusual abdominal enlargement
Unusual discoloration of the cat's eyeballs
The cat's body such as the gums, ears, nose, palms and eyeballs are discolored yellow.
The cat does not look as active as usual
The cat appears to be urinating less frequently than usual.
Fever
Is FIP in Cats Contagious?
Although FIP is caused by the FCoV, which is contagious, the disease itself is not contagious. FCoV can be transmitted from one cat to another through direct contact with infected saliva, urine, or feces. However, not all cats infected with FCoV will develop FIP. Cats with FIP do not shed the virus, and therefore, they cannot transmit the disease to other cats.
FCoV: The FIP Carrier
FCoV is a coronavirus that occurs in cats. This virus is only transmitted between cats with the most severe symptoms usually being diarrhea. Nearly 80% of the global cat population is infected with this virus. Also keep in mind that FCoV is not deadly, but it is a carrier of FIP. When your cat is infected with the FCoV virus, you should avoid stressful things as much as possible because when your cat has the FCoV virus, stressful things will increase the likelihood of the FCoV virus mutating into FIP. Also make sure that when your cat has the FCoV virus, it must avoid contact with other cats so as not to get infected.
Can a Cat Survive FIP? Breakthroughs in Treatment
Thanks to a medical breakthrough, FIP is now curable through an antiviral drug called GS-441524. GS-441524 is an antiviral drug developed by Dr. Niels Pedersen in research to cure FIP in cats. It has gone through clinical trials and proven to be very effective in curing cats affected by FIP, with an efficacy rate up to 87%.
GS-441524 can be given through injection or oral capsules. The veterinarian will adjust the injection dose or capsule according to the cat's weight and condition, such as the type of FIP the cat is experiencing. It is essential to follow the veterinarian's instructions carefully and not to change the dosage or administration schedule without approval.
If you suspect that your cat may have Feline Infectious Peritonitis, it is important to act quickly. Contact your veterinarian immediately to schedule an appointment and discuss your cat's symptoms. Remember, early diagnosis and treatment can make all the difference in your cat's recovery. Don't hesitate - take action today and give your cat the best chance for a successful outcome.
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