Feline coronavirus is nearly ubiquitous in multi-cat environments, and its mutation into feline infectious peritonitis causes devastating disease whose welfare management has been transformed by new antiviral treatments.
FIP causes profound suffering including fluid accumulation causing breathing difficulty, neurological signs, and systemic illness. Before effective antivirals, FIP was among the most welfare-damaging feline diseases due to its progressive, fatal course. The development of GS-441524 represents a transformative welfare advance, though access remains limited by cost. Shelters and multi-cat environments should focus on reducing coronavirus transmission through proper hygiene, appropriate group sizes, and stress reduction to prevent the viral mutations that lead to FIP.