FIP Treatment Timeline Explained: What Cat Owners Can Expect Week by Week with GS-441524

BasmiFIP Philippines
22 hours ago
5 min read

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a serious and complex illness caused by a mutation of the feline coronavirus (FCoV). For many years, an FIP diagnosis felt overwhelming because effective treatment options were limited. Today, however, GS-441524 has significantly changed outcomes for many cats worldwide.

What Cat Owners Can Expect Week by Week with GS-441524

For cat owners, understanding the GS-441524 treatment timeline can greatly reduce uncertainty. Knowing what changes are expected — and when — helps you stay calm, confident, and proactive throughout the recovery journey.

Most treatment protocols follow an 84-day (12-week) course. Improvement happens gradually, and each cat progresses at its own pace.

👉 Read more: Understanding FIP in Cats and How to Manage It

How GS-441524 Works and Why Treatment Often Starts with Injections

GS-441524 is an antiviral medication that interferes with the virus’s ability to reproduce inside a cat’s body. During the early stage of treatment, many cats are still very sick and may experience:

Poor appetite
Vomiting or diarrhea
Fever and lethargy

Because of these challenges, injectable GS-441524 is usually recommended at the beginning. Injections allow the medication to be absorbed reliably, even when digestion is unstable, and often lead to faster visible improvement.

Once a cat becomes stable — eating well, energetic, and free from digestive upset — oral capsules may be introducedto improve comfort and long-term convenience.

💡 Important clarification: Switching to oral medication does not mean injections are less effective. It simply reflects that the cat’s condition has improved enough for oral absorption to be dependable.

The GS-441524 Treatment Timeline: What Usually Happens

Below is a general week-by-week overview of what many owners observe during treatment.

Week 1: Initial Stabilization

Primary goal: Halt viral activity and stabilize vital functions.

Common observations:

Noticeable improvement often appears within 3–5 days
Fever begins to decrease
Appetite slowly returns
Energy improves slightly, though weakness may persist
Early weight gain may be seen toward the end of the week

Monitoring focus: Blood tests may be used to assess inflammation and organ response.

Weeks 2–3: Clear Signs of Improvement

Primary goal: Confirm that the cat is responding consistently.

Typical changes include:

Improved appetite and hydration
Increased alertness and grooming behavior
Reduced abdominal or chest fluid, if previously present
Fewer digestive issues such as vomiting or diarrhea

Owner reminder: Consistent dosing and injection timing are critical during this phase.

A follow-up blood test is often recommended to evaluate protein levels and inflammatory markers.

Weeks 4–6: Recovery Gains and Stabilization

Primary goal: Support healing while monitoring internal recovery.

Expected progress:

Steady weight gain
Improving albumin and globulin balance
Energy levels approaching normal

What to keep in mind:

Occasional tiredness is still normal
Treatment should never be stopped early, even if the cat appears healthy

Some cats may be ready to transition to oral GS-441524 during this period if:

Appetite and activity are consistently stable
No vomiting or diarrhea is present
Blood test trends show improvement

Weeks 7–9: Ongoing Healing with Close Observation

Primary goal: Maintain progress and catch issues early.

Positive signs often include:

Healthier, shinier coat
Continued weight gain
Playful, curious behavior
Albumin-to-globulin (A/G) ratio generally above 0.6

Possible concerns:

Short-term appetite dips
Temporary fatigue

If symptoms return or worsen, veterinary guidance is essential. Dose adjustments may sometimes be necessary.

For cats on oral medication, this stage is especially important for ensuring consistent absorption.

Weeks 10–12: Completing the Treatment Course

Primary goal: Achieve full viral suppression and prepare for observation.

At this stage, most cats show:

Stable body weight
Normal eating and litter box habits
Blood test results within healthy ranges

⚠️ Key reminder: Finishing 84 days of treatment is not the end of monitoring. Most veterinarians recommend an additional 12-week observation period after treatment to ensure the virus does not return.

Transitioning from Injections to Oral Capsules

Many owners ask about switching from injections to oral medication.

When Is the Switch Considered?

According to guidance followed by BasmiFIP Philippines, a transition may be appropriate:

After 2–4 weeks of steady improvement
When fever, appetite loss, and fluid buildup have resolved
When digestion is stable

Which Cats Are Good Candidates?

Cats experiencing injection-site discomfort
Cats with reliable appetite and weight gain
Owners who can administer capsules consistently at the same time each day

What to Watch After the Switch

Any changes in appetite or stool quality
Energy level and behavior
Ongoing weight gain
Follow-up blood testing every 4 weeks

If setbacks occur, returning to injections is sometimes recommended and should not be viewed as a failure.

Understanding Blood Test Monitoring During FIP Treatment

Blood tests play a key role in confirming recovery and guiding treatment decisions.

Commonly Monitored Tests

Test	Purpose	Signs of Improvement
CBC	Red and white blood cells	Counts moving toward normal
Total Protein	Overall inflammation	Gradual normalization
Albumin & Globulin (A/G Ratio)	Protein balance	Rising A/G (>0.7)
Liver & Kidney Enzymes	Organ health	Stable or improving values

Typical Testing Schedule

Before or at treatment start
Around weeks 4 and 8
At week 12
After treatment: weeks 4, 8, and 12

Signs of Progress vs. Warning Signs

Signs GS-441524 Is Working

Normal body temperature (38–39°C)
Steady appetite and hydration
Weight gain and improved muscle tone
Bright, alert eyes
Reduced fluid accumulation

Contact Your Veterinarian If You Notice:

Fever returning after improvement
Ongoing vomiting or diarrhea
Refusal to eat for over 24 hours
Weight loss or increasing weakness
Worsening pain or swelling at injection sites

Common Concerns During Treatment

Plateaus: Progress may slow temporarily — this is common
Slow responders: Certain FIP strains or other infections can delay recovery
Temporary setbacks: Stress, diet changes, or mild infections may cause short regressions

Consistency, accurate dosing, and open communication with your veterinary or support team are essential.

Final Thoughts: Staying Patient and Hopeful

GS-441524 has transformed FIP from a devastating diagnosis into a condition many cats can overcome. The 12-week treatment journey requires dedication, but steady improvement — even when slow — is meaningful progress.

Track your cat’s weight, appetite, and behavior, and stay in close contact with your veterinary provider or treatment support team.

If you need guidance or case-specific support, you may request a FREE consultation through BasmiFIP Philippines:

Website: basmifipphilippines.com

Viber: +60 1154 1804 42‬

Instagram: basmifipph

Facebook: BasmiFIP Philippines

Early support helps you move forward with confidence, clarity, and care for your cat.