The development of effective antiviral treatments for feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) represents one of the most significant recent advances in companion cat welfare.
FIP was for decades a death sentence for infected cats, causing prolonged suffering through effusive accumulation of fluid or progressive neurological deterioration. The emergence of effective antiviral treatments represents a genuine welfare revolution for affected cats, transforming a universally fatal disease into a manageable and often curable condition. Access to these treatments has been complicated by regulatory delays and pharmaceutical pricing, meaning that some owners have accessed medicines through unofficial channels. Improving regulatory access, reducing treatment costs, and ensuring veterinary expertise in FIP management are the current welfare priorities for this condition.