Feline infectious peritonitis was until recently a near-universally fatal disease. The development of antiviral treatments has transformed welfare outcomes for affected cats, though access and cost remain significant barriers.
The FIP antiviral story represents one of the most remarkable welfare transformations in recent veterinary history. A disease that caused immense suffering and was considered uniformly fatal in cats - often young cats in loving homes - has become largely treatable. The welfare challenge now is ensuring that this treatment is accessible to all cats with FIP, not only those owned by people who can afford high treatment costs. As licensed products become available at lower prices, more cats will benefit. The story also illustrates the welfare value of owner communities and veterinary researchers working together to accelerate treatment access outside conventional regulatory timelines.