FIP, once a fatal diagnosis in cats, now has effective antiviral treatments but access challenges mean many cats still die unnecessarily.
The transformation of FIP from a universally fatal diagnosis to a treatable condition represents one of the most significant advances in feline medicine in decades. The welfare implications are profound: cats who would have died within weeks can now recover fully and live normal lives. However, the welfare benefit is unevenly distributed. Cost remains the primary barrier, with treatment pricing out of reach for many owners without pet insurance. Geographic availability varies enormously, with licensed products unavailable in many countries. Before licensed products existed, grey-market access to active compounds raised quality-control concerns but saved many lives. Veterinary awareness has also been uneven, with some FIP cases still going undiagnosed or mistreated due to unfamiliarity with the newer diagnostic and treatment protocols.