FIP was once a universally fatal cat disease. New antiviral treatments have transformed outcomes dramatically, representing a major welfare advance for affected cats.
The transformation of FIP from a death sentence to a treatable disease represents one of the most significant veterinary welfare advances in decades. Where once a diagnosis meant weeks of deteriorating quality of life before inevitable death, effective antiviral treatment now offers the majority of cats a genuine chance at remission. The remaining welfare challenge is access: treatment costs remain prohibitive for many owners, and licensing delays in some countries create inequitable access. Advocacy for affordable access to FIP treatment is a concrete welfare priority.