What Are the Early Symptoms of FIP That Cat Owners in the Philippines Should Know?
- BasmiFIP Philippines
- 3 hours ago
- 5 min read
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is one of the most misunderstood yet increasingly treatable diseases in cats today. For years, FIP was seen as a hopeless diagnosis — but now, thanks to modern antiviral treatments, thousands of cats have recovered and lived full, happy lives.
Recognizing the early FIP cats symptoms is very important. The earlier you act, the higher your cat’s chance of recovery. Many cat owners mistake these symptoms for common illnesses, which delays the treatment.
At BasmiFIP Philippines, we’ve helped over 87,000 cats worldwide recover from FIP through science-based antiviral therapy. This guide will help you understand the early signs of FIP, its types, and what you can do to help your cat.
What Is Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)?
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a viral disease caused by a mutation of the feline coronavirus (FCoV) — not related to the human COVID-19 virus.
Most cats exposed to FCoV only develop mild digestive issues like soft stool or diarrhea. However, in some cats, the virus mutates inside the body and triggers an abnormal immune response that leads to FIP.
It’s important to understand that FIP is not contagious. The original coronavirus can spread between cats, but once it mutates into FIP, it can no longer be transmitted. One FIP-positive cat will not infect others in your household.
👉 Read more: Understanding FIP in Cats and How to Manage It
Common Early Symptoms of FIP in Cats
So, what are the first feline infectious peritonitis symptoms in cats that you should watch for?
Here are the most common early signs of FIP, which are often mistaken for other minor illnesses:
General Early Symptoms (All FIP Types)
Persistent fever that doesn’t respond to antibiotics
Loss of appetite or reduced eating
Weight loss, even if eating normally
Lethargy or tiredness
Rough or dull coat, poor grooming habits
Types of FIP
FIP has two main types — Wet FIP (Effusive) and Dry FIP (Non-effusive).If not treated early, these can progress into Neurological FIP or Ocular FIP.
Wet FIP (Effusive Form)
Wet FIP happens when fluid builds up in the abdomen, chest cavity, or both.Cats with this form often look bloated or pot-bellied, and may have trouble breathing because of pressure on the lungs.
Sometimes, the abdomen feels firm or tight even though it’s filled with fluid. Your veterinarian can collect and test this fluid to help confirm the diagnosis.
Common symptoms:
Swollen or distended belly
Difficulty breathing or panting
Reduced appetite and energy
Occasional coughing or weakness
Dry FIP (Non-effusive Form)
Dry FIP affects internal organs such as the liver, kidneys, or lungs but does not cause fluid buildup.The affected organs may become hard or enlarged, which can be felt during a veterinary examination.
Common symptoms:
Gradual weight loss, even with normal food intake
Persistent fever and general weakness
Pale gums or yellowing (jaundice) due to liver involvement
Dry FIP tends to progress slowly, which is why it’s often diagnosed later than Wet FIP.
Neurological FIP
When FIP affects the central nervous system, it’s known as Neurological FIP.Symptoms can differ from cat to cat, depending on the area affected, but often include:
Tremors or seizures
Loss of balance or unsteady walking (ataxia)
Muscle weakness or partial paralysis
Changes in behavior or alertness
Difficulty jumping or walking straight
Nystagmus (involuntary eye movement) — becoming increasingly common in neurological FIP cases
Cats with Neurological FIP may seem disoriented, fall frequently, or struggle to walk properly.
Ocular FIP
Ocular FIP happens when the virus affects the eyes.This form often causes visible changes, including:
Eye inflammation (uveitis)
Cloudy or discolored eyes
Reduced or lost vision
Cataracts or inflammation around the iris and lens
Anisocoria (uneven pupil sizes) — one pupil appears larger than the other
Eye-related symptoms may occur alone or along with other FIP signs. While supportive care can help manage discomfort, antiviral treatment is necessary to stop disease progression.
👉 Quick Summary:
Early symptoms of FIP in cats include persistent fever, loss of appetite, and weight loss. As it develops, cats may show fluid buildup (Wet FIP), organ damage (Dry FIP), or neurological and eye-related problems.
FIP Symptoms in Kittens vs. Adult Cats
Kittens and young cats (under 2 years old) are more prone to FIP because their immune systems are still developing.
Signs of FIP in Kittens:
Sudden tiredness or reluctance to play
Failure to gain weight or losing weight quickly
Swollen belly that feels soft or fluid-filled
Rapid progression from mild illness to severe weakness
Adult Cats
Adult cats usually develop FIP more slowly.They may seem less playful, eat less, lose weight gradually, or hide more often than usual.
Because FIP can progress quickly in kittens, even slight symptoms should never be ignored.
When to See a Veterinarian
If your cat shows fever, appetite loss, or unusual behavior, take them to a veterinarian familiar with FIP as soon as possible.
Common diagnostic tests include:
Complete Blood Count (CBC) — to detect anemia or inflammation
A/G Ratio (Albumin/Globulin) — a low ratio often suggests FIP
Rivalta Test — to check for FIP fluid in the abdomen or chest
PCR or Immunohistochemistry tests — to confirm viral presence
No single test is 100% accurate on its own, but combining these results with clinical signs gives a strong diagnosis.
Early diagnosis = better recovery chances.
What To Do If You Suspect FIP
If you suspect your cat has FIP — don’t lose hope. FIP is no longer a death sentence.
Your first step should be contacting a vet who understands FIP treatments.Some traditional vets may still believe it’s incurable, but thousands of recovered cats worldwide prove otherwise.
At BasmiFIP Philippines, we offer GS-441524-based antiviral therapy, the most effective and scientifically proven treatment for FIP today.Our team has helped over 87,000 cats recover and return to their playful, healthy selves.
Next Steps:
Consult your veterinarian and request FIP-specific testing.
Contact BasmiFIP Philippines for expert advice and treatment support.
Monitor your cat’s progress carefully throughout recovery.
👉 Learn more about FIP treatment and inspiring recovery stories at basmifipphilippines.com.
FAQs About FIP in Cats
1. What are the first signs of FIP in cats?
Common signs include fever, loss of appetite, and lethargy. As the disease progresses, cats may develop swollen bellies, weight loss, or eye and neurological problems.
2. Can FIP be cured?
Yes! With GS-441524 antiviral therapy, most cats recover completely. Thousands of success stories have come from BasmiFIP’s treatment program.
3. How long can a cat live with FIP?
Without treatment, cats may only survive for a few weeks or months.With early diagnosis and antiviral therapy, recovery rates now exceed 90%.
4. What should I do if my cat shows FIP symptoms?
See a vet immediately and contact BasmiFIP Philippines for professional guidance.Early action saves lives.
5. Is FIP contagious?
No. While the feline coronavirus can spread, the mutated FIP form is not contagious to other cats.
6. Can FIP return after treatment?
Relapses are very rare, especially after completing the full course of antiviral therapy. Regular checkups are still advised.
Conclusion
FIP used to be one of the most heartbreaking diagnoses for cat owners. But today, it’s a treatable and curable disease.
By recognizing early FIP cats symptoms — like fever, appetite loss, and swollen belly — you can act fast and save your cat’s life.
At BasmiFIP Philippines, we’ve seen thousands of cats recover fully through science-based antiviral therapy and compassionate care.
If you suspect FIP, contact basmifipphilippines.com today — early detection gives your cat a second chance at life. For consultation and full FIP treatment guidance, contact:
Instagram: @basmifipph
Official Viber: +639395419784
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