Feline infectious peritonitis was once a near-universally fatal diagnosis, but antiviral treatments developed in the last decade have transformed outcomes for many cats, offering hope where there was previously none.
The transformation of FIP from a death sentence to a treatable condition is one of the most significant welfare advances in feline medicine in decades. Cats diagnosed with FIP before effective treatment became available faced a rapidly deteriorating quality of life, requiring euthanasia within weeks. Now, many cats achieve full clinical remission and return to normal lives. The remaining welfare challenges are access and cost — treatments are expensive, and in some countries access remains difficult. Owner advocacy and insurance coverage are important factors in ensuring more cats can benefit.