Feline infectious peritonitis was once a near-universally fatal disease; antiviral drugs now offer cure rates exceeding 85%, transforming the welfare landscape for affected cats.
The FIP treatment revolution represents one of the most dramatic welfare improvements in companion animal medicine in decades. A disease that previously meant watching a young cat deteriorate and die over weeks — with only palliative care available — is now curable in most cases with antiviral therapy. The welfare significance is profound: cats that complete successful treatment experience full recovery and normal life expectancy. However, barriers remain. Treatment cost — several thousand dollars for a full course — is prohibitive for many owners. Access to licensed products is still limited in some countries. Early diagnosis improves outcomes; FIP mimics other conditions and can be difficult to confirm. Every week of delay worsens prognosis.