Feline infectious peritonitis was once a near-universally fatal disease, but antiviral treatments developed since 2019 are transforming outcomes and raising new welfare questions about treatment access and cost.
The transformation of FIP from a death sentence to a treatable condition represents one of the most significant welfare advances in companion cat medicine in decades. Cats previously euthanised within weeks of diagnosis now have a realistic prospect of full remission with appropriate treatment. The welfare challenge that remains is access — treatment costs place effective care out of reach for many cat owners, creating a situation where outcome is determined by financial capacity rather than clinical need. Advocacy for licensed affordable treatment options, improved pet insurance coverage and veterinary discussion of all treatment pathways including generic options is essential to ensuring this welfare advance reaches the cats that need it.