Companion Animal Welfare

Cat FIP Prevention and Husbandry

While FIP antivirals now treat the disease, understanding and reducing FCoV transmission reduces both FIP incidence and welfare costs.

Key Facts

Feline coronavirus (FCoV) is ubiquitous in multi-cat environments with up to 90% seropositivity
FIP develops in approximately 5-10% of FCoV-infected cats through viral mutation
Reducing litter tray sharing and increasing tray-to-cat ratios reduces FCoV transmission
Stress reduction in multi-cat households may reduce FIP incidence by limiting viral replication
Sourcing kittens from seronegative catteries reduces initial FCoV exposure

Welfare Considerations

FIP prevention through FCoV transmission reduction in multi-cat environments reduces welfare harm from both the disease itself and treatment. Understanding FCoV epidemiology guides practical management in catteries and multi-cat households.

What You Can Do

Provide individual or small-group litter trays to reduce FCoV transmission in multi-cat households
Consider FCoV serostatus testing before introducing cats into breeding environments
Manage stress in multi-cat environments to reduce FCoV-related welfare risks