Feline infectious peritonitis was once a near-universally fatal disease in cats; antiviral treatments developed since 2019 have transformed survival rates but access and cost remain significant welfare barriers.
The transformation of FIP from a death sentence to a treatable condition represents one of the most significant advances in feline medicine in decades. However, welfare inequity is substantial: cats in households that can afford treatment survive, while cats in lower-income households, shelters, and developing countries may still be euthanised. Access to unlicensed but effective compounds varies by country, creating a patchwork of outcomes. Vets face ethical challenges in discussing unlicensed drugs with owners. For cats undergoing treatment, the welfare trajectory is generally positive, with most experiencing rapid resolution of clinical signs within two weeks of starting antivirals. Early detection through clinical signs and laboratory markers is critical to successful outcomes.