Feline infectious peritonitis was previously almost universally fatal. New antiviral treatments have transformed outcomes but raise welfare questions about treatment burden and cost access.
FIP treatment welfare encompasses both the disease burden and the treatment experience. Untreated FIP causes progressive, ultimately fatal suffering including fluid accumulation, neurological signs, and organ failure. The advent of effective antiviral treatment means that most FIP-affected cats can now recover and live normal lives, representing a major welfare breakthrough. However, treatment involves 84+ daily injections, which can be stressful for cats and owners. The high cost of branded treatments has created significant welfare inequity, with access depending on financial resources. Generic alternatives and increasingly available treatment options are improving access equity. Supporting owner compliance through injectable technique training and stress-reduction measures during treatment improves outcomes.