How antiviral treatments for feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) have transformed the welfare outlook for cats with a previously fatal disease.
The transformation of FIP from a universally fatal disease to a treatable condition represents one of the most significant welfare advances in veterinary medicine in recent years. Cats that would previously have been euthanized within weeks of diagnosis can now achieve full remission and healthy lives with antiviral treatment. However, the welfare gains are unevenly distributed: the significant cost of treatment creates a stark welfare inequity where a cat survival depends on owner financial resources. Veterinary practices, animal welfare organizations, and pharmaceutical companies all have roles to play in improving access to FIP treatment. Cat owners should be informed about treatment options rather than immediately counseled toward euthanasia, and support organizations exist to help with treatment costs.