FIP - Treatment, Prevention, and Control

There is no specific treatment for feline infectious peritonitis. Although recovery from signs has been reported, it is uncommon. Up to 95% of cats with feline infectious peritonitis will die from the disease. In one study, half of the affected cats died within 9 days. However, some cats may live for several months.

Treatment with drugs that reduce inflammation and suppress immune reactions, along with supportive care, can make the cat more comfortable. In some cats (probably less than 10%), treatment may extend survival time by several months. Treatment offers the most hope for cats that are still in good physical condition, still eating, have not yet developed nervous system problems, and that do not have additional disease (such as feline leukemia virus infection). If a cat shows no improvement after 3 days of treatment, it is unlikely to improve. If the cat's quality of life is poor and treatment has not helped, euthanasia is often considered.

When a cat in a household develops feline infectious peritonitis, all in-contact cats will have already been exposed to the same virus. Fortunately, in most cases, in-contact cats will not develop the disease. (Recall that most cats that are infected with coronavirus never develop feline infectious peritonitis.) However, cats with feline infectious peritonitis should not have contact with any new cats, especially kittens, that have not been exposed to the virus. In addition, if your cat died because of the disease, you should wait 2 months before obtaining another cat to be sure that the virus is no longer present in the environment.

A vaccine is available to help prevent feline infectious peritonitis. However, many adult cats will have been previously exposed to the virus, so vaccination will not prevent their infection. The vaccine is labeled for use beginning at 16 weeks of age, which may be too late to protect kittens in households where the virus is present. The American Association of Feline Practitioners lists the FIP vaccine as “not recommended.”

Vaccination alone cannot be relied on to control the disease within a cat facility. Other measures to reduce exposure include frequent removal of feces (the primary source of coronavirus), early weaning, and isolation of cats that test positive for coronavirus antibodies. Additionally, isolation and testing of cats after shows, proper sanitation and cleaning using viral disinfectants, and vaccination against other feline viruses can reduce exposure. These control measures should be combined with an overall preventive health program. However, in households or facilities with large numbers of cats, it can be very difficult to eliminate feline coronavirus and, as such, there will be a risk for the development of feline infectious peritonitis.