Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) was once considered uniformly fatal, but antiviral treatments developed in recent years have transformed outcomes. Understanding FIP helps owners recognize and respond quickly to save their cat's life.
FIP was historically a death sentence — cats with confirmed FIP typically died within days to weeks, often after a period of significant suffering from fluid accumulation, neurological dysfunction, or organ failure. The development of effective antiviral treatments has transformed FIP from universally fatal to largely treatable, representing one of the most significant recent advances in feline medicine. However, the welfare window remains narrow — early diagnosis is essential for best outcomes, and delayed treatment allows the disease to progress painfully. Owners who recognize early signs and access veterinary care promptly can now save cats that would previously have had no hope.