FIP was previously a fatal diagnosis in cats. New antiviral treatments have transformed outcomes, making welfare support during treatment a priority for affected cats.
FIP treatment represents one of the most dramatic welfare improvements in veterinary medicine in recent years. Previously, a FIP diagnosis meant inevitable euthanasia within weeks. Antiviral treatment now enables most treated cats to achieve full remission and normal life expectancy. The welfare cost of treatment itself is relatively low - daily injections for 12 weeks require owner commitment but cats tolerate the protocol well. The access barrier - cost - means many cats that could be saved are euthanised due to inability to fund treatment. Charitable support funds and vet payment plans are increasingly important welfare tools.