Companion Animals

Feline Infectious Peritonitis: A Treatable Disease

Feline Infectious Peritonitis was once a near-universal death sentence for cats, but antiviral treatments have transformed outcomes and welfare.

Key Facts

FIP is caused by a mutated form of feline coronavirus
It was almost invariably fatal before antiviral treatments became available
GS-441524 and other antivirals achieve remission in over 80% of treated cats
Treatment courses last 12 weeks and cost hundreds to thousands of pounds
The disease primarily affects young cats under three years and older immunocompromised cats

Welfare Considerations

FIP causes profound suffering including abdominal effusion, neurological symptoms, and extreme weakness. Without treatment, cats typically die within weeks to months after diagnosis. The availability of effective antivirals has transformed FIP from a welfare tragedy to a treatable condition, but access to treatment is limited by cost and availability. Cats in countries without licensed treatments face worse welfare outcomes.

What You Can Do

Consult a feline specialist promptly if FIP is suspected in your cat
Seek information about antiviral treatment options from FIP-specialist vets
Join FIP owner support groups for guidance on accessing treatment
Advocate for regulatory approval and pricing transparency for FIP antivirals
Support FIP research organisations working to improve access to treatment