Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) was once invariably fatal. New antiviral treatments have transformed outcomes, making welfare-positive diagnosis and treatment a realistic goal for most affected cats.
FIP causes profound suffering: fever, weight loss, neurological signs, and the distress of accumulating abdominal or pleural effusions. The welfare imperative has shifted dramatically with the availability of effective antiviral treatment. Cats that would previously have faced euthanasia within weeks can now achieve full remission. Access to treatment is the primary remaining welfare barrier — cost and regulatory status vary by country. Owners, shelters, and vets should be informed about available treatment pathways. Welfare-positive practice now involves prompt diagnosis using accessible PCR and protein testing, early treatment initiation, and monitoring for relapse during and after the treatment course.