Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) was once considered a death sentence for cats. Antiviral treatments developed since 2019 have transformed outcomes dramatically.
FIP caused devastating suffering until recently -- affected cats deteriorated rapidly with fluid accumulation, neurological signs, and severe systemic illness before death. The transformation brought by antiviral treatment is remarkable: cats that were days from death have achieved full remission and lived normal lives post-treatment. The welfare obligation now is ensuring treatment access -- the medications are effective but expensive, and regulatory status means they are not yet licensed in all countries. Organizations that subsidize FIP treatment for owners who cannot afford it directly reduce feline suffering. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment initiation improves outcomes.