Feline infectious peritonitis treatment with antiviral drugs has transformed from near-certain death to highly treatable, but cost and access barriers continue to prevent some cats from receiving life-saving therapy.
FIP treatment welfare extends beyond the individual cat being treated to the broader equity question of treatment access. Cats whose owners can afford treatment receive a strong chance of cure; cats in the same condition whose owners cannot afford treatment face euthanasia. This welfare disparity based on financial access rather than treatable disease is a significant ethical concern. Access programs including FIP Warriors assistance and generic medication availability in some countries are addressing this disparity, but cost remains a barrier. Advocacy for licensed affordable FIP treatment globally is an important welfare priority.