Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is caused by a mutant form of feline coronavirus and was historically uniformly fatal. The development of antiviral treatments has transformed FIP from a death sentence to a manageable condition.
The transformation of FIP from a fatal disease to a treatable condition is one of the most significant welfare advances in feline medicine in decades. Cats that would previously have suffered a painful death within weeks can now achieve full remission with appropriate treatment. The welfare challenge is now access - treatment remains expensive and not all owners can afford or access it. Supporting charitable funds for FIP treatment and advocating for insurance coverage of FIP treatment are practical welfare actions that address this inequity.