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FIP (Feline infectious peritonitis)
FIP is a viral disease caused by a (mutated) coronavirus. This feline coronavirus (FCoV) is initially harmless and only causes some
mild diarrhea, however if it mutates the disease FIP can arise. Most cats go through an infection with the coronavirus at some point in their lives.
Within some cat populations as many as 80-
cats have thus once been in contact with the coronavirus. 1 -
Some of the cats that have once gone through an infection with corona can remain carriers, the virus then remains present in the body.
These cats are not sick from this but they can spread the virus. The current theory is that under certain circumstances the coronavirus, which is still
present in the body, will mutate (= change DNA) composition) into a malignant variant. We then speak of FIP.
The mutated virus can penetrate and grow in certain white blood cells, particularly in macrophages.
The reaction of the immune system is usually an inflammation in the relevant tissues. FECV is a fairly common virus, especially where large groups of cats
are kept together (shelter, catteries, etc). Cats become infected by inhalation or ingestion of the virus. The most common source is feces, although
contaminated surfaces, such as food plates and clothing, can also transmit the virus. Despite the presence of FECV, most infected cats do not get FIP.
Usually exposure to FECV only results in mild diarrhea and the cat shows no further signs.
A cat without the characteristics can therefore just as well be a carrier of the FECV virus and pass it on to other cats. For every cat infected with FECV
there is a risk that the virus mutates into FIP: this chance is increased for cats whose resistance is lowered, for example very young or very old cats.
A genetic transmissibility of susceptibility to the virus is also suspected.
FIP exists in two forms:
Acute FIP (wet FIP) and chronic FIP (dry FIP).
Both forms are fatal, but the acute form occurs more often (60-
Typical for the wet form of FIP is the accumulation of fluid in the chest or abdominal cavity (ascites), causing respiratory problems.
Other symptoms are lethargy, fever, weight loss, jaundice and diarrhea. Also in dry FIP the lethargy, fever, jaundice, diarrhea and weight loss manifest
themselves, but the accumulation of fluid does not occur. Typical for a cat with dry FIP is the loss of vision (sight) and failure of the neurological system.
It can for example become difficult to get up, to walk and eventually the cat can become paralyzed. Most characteristics of FIP are actually characteristic
of many diseases, and FIP is therefore difficult to establish.
The diagnosis is usually made by a strong suspicion, physical complaints that the cat shows and possibly examination of the tissue.
The fluid caused by FIP is often yellow in color and has an increased protein content.
Blood tests can also sometimes offer a solution, by examination for presence of antibodies for the Coronavirus.
Apart from the physical characteristics, the presence of these antibodies is not seen as decisive (the cat can after all only be a carrier) and is only used to confirm a possible suspicion of FIP.
The only way to diagnostically confirm FIP is to examine affected tissue histologically with the help of immunofluorescence.
Since no cure for FIP is possible, the treatment of FIP is aimed at combating the symptoms and
is palliative.Usually the owner of the cat is advised to make it as easy as possible for the cat,
until it is clear that the cat suffers too much.
Prednisone or other suppressive medication can prolong the cat's life for a few more weeks or
months, but gives a contra-
Wet FIP moreover often develops too quickly to make intervention possible.
Note for breeders:
In young cats you often see growth retardation
Often cats are presented to the veterinarian for a vaccination. They are then around 1 or 1.5
kilograms in weight. However, the age does not match the appearance of the cat. They look 3
months old but in reality they are already 6-
because they have adult dentition. The milk teeth are replaced by the permanent dentition at an
age of 6-
A kitten of 6 months should weigh around 2-
Symptoms of FIP
Anorexia
Weight loss
Lethargy
Fever
Diarrhea
Shortness of breath
Swollen belly
Muscle weakness
Pale mucous membranes
Yellow / jaundiced mucous membranes
Eye problems
