Feline infectious peritonitis was once a uniformly fatal disease, but antiviral drugs now offer high cure rates, raising important questions about access, cost, and equity in feline medicine.
Before antivirals, FIP caused profound suffering through fluid accumulation, neurological deterioration, and wasting. The emergence of effective treatment has transformed FIP from a welfare catastrophe to a manageable disease for cats whose owners can access and afford treatment. However, significant welfare inequity persists. Cost barriers mean that cats from lower-income households are more likely to be euthanized while treatable. Geographic access gaps leave cats in some countries without licensed options. Advocating for affordable licensed treatment, supporting access funds, and educating veterinarians about emerging options reduces preventable suffering across the feline population.