Get to know FIP, the coronavirus of felines!

One of the most dangerous diseases threatening the health of felids is feline FIP disease or feline infectious peritonitis (Feline Infectious Peritonitis). This feline FIP virus is part of the same family as the human coronavirus, but there are fundamental genetic differences between the two viruses that make the transmission of the animal strain to humans impossible. This means that if your cat contracts this disease, you need not worry about your health or that of your loved ones, the feline coronavirus does not transmit to humans. However, this disease can be fatal for cats just as it can be dangerous for humans. Just like in humans, the feline coronavirus can manifest in different forms, and each cat may experience different symptoms. Fortunately, with advancements in research, many cases of feline coronavirus can be treated. In this article, you will learn about feline infectious peritonitis, its symptoms, and how it is transmitted.

What is feline FIP disease?

Today, with the advancements in veterinary science, many animal diseases can be definitively treated. Some diseases can also be prevented with timely vaccination of pets; however, feline infectious peritonitis is an exception and can create serious health issues for cats. This disease arises from a viral attack by a virus known as coronavirus in cats. The virus affects the cat’s immune system and attacks the intestinal wall. As a result, one of the first symptoms of this disease is gastrointestinal problems, and this disease is also known as feline enteric coronavirus. Interestingly, this virus is present in the digestive systems of most cats, but in rare cases, it leads to serious health problems for the animal.

Differences between feline coronavirus and human coronavirus

In the table below, we summarize the differences between feline and human coronaviruses:

How is feline FIP treated?

You might wonder what the treatment for feline FIP is? Despite the efforts made, unfortunately, there is no definitive treatment for feline coronavirus. However, new treatments for FIP are available in Iran and can help control this disease. In fact, until a few years ago, there was no effective treatment for FIP, and most infected cats only received supportive care. Recently, however, a drug named GS-441524 has been introduced for the treatment of FIP. This drug has been highly successful in treating FIP and offers hope for recovery to affected cats. The treatment protocol with this drug typically includes subcutaneous injections for 84 days and requires monitoring and regular testing. FIP treatment with another drug named Remdesivir is also used, but its success rate is lower than that of GS and it may have side effects. Therefore, the selected drug in most cases is GS, which has provided good results in many treatments. Overall, veterinarians can slow the progress of the disease by using existing methods and prescribing medications such as antibiotics. Owners of cats affected by this infection can also add vitamins to their cat’s diet after consulting with a veterinarian. Veterinarians can also assist in controlling feline FIP by draining infectious secretions from the cat’s respiratory tracts.

What types of FIP are there; how does feline coronavirus manifest?

Feline coronavirus usually presents in two forms; the “dry” form and the “wet” form, with the latter being more dangerous and having a higher potential for lethality. Below, you will learn more about each of these types.

Wet FIP

In this form of feline coronavirus, excess fluid accumulates in the body’s cavities such as the abdomen or chest, causing swelling and making it difficult for the cat to breathe. Other symptoms of this type of disease include severe weakness and lethargy, chronic fever, loss of appetite, and jaundice.

Dry FIP

In this form, fluids do not accumulate in the body. However, nodes, kidneys, liver, and other internal organs of the cat become inflamed. This type of disease has symptoms such as animal seizures, imbalance, and eye disorders such as swelling and blindness. Certainly, accurate diagnosis of the type of disease plays an important role in its management and the specific care required. We will further examine the symptoms related to this disease in both forms.

Clinical Symptoms in Cats with FIP

The first symptoms of FIP in cats may be vague, meaning they can be mistaken for other cat diseases. Therefore, as a cat caregiver, you should be sensitive to the slightest signs to report them to the veterinarian at the early stages of the disease. Some of the early signs include:

• Weakness
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite or decreased appetite
• Weight loss and fluctuating fever

Usually, after a few days to a few weeks, other symptoms of FIP become apparent. At this stage, most cats become infected with the wet form of FIP, which is associated with fluid accumulation in body cavities. If fluid accumulates in the abdomen, it leads to abdominal swelling or swelling of the chest cavity, making breathing difficult.

Some cats become infected with dry FIP, where not much fluid accumulates or no fluid accumulates at all. The dry form often involves severe inflammation in one or several organs, including the eyes, brain, liver, intestine, or other body organs, leading to clinical symptoms. Most cats with dry FIP only show eye symptoms. In the wet form, fluid accumulation is seen in the chest cavity. In the dry form, lethargy, loss of appetite, and chronic fever occur. Additionally, eye involvement symptoms, especially corneal discoloration, are observed and in about 25% to 33% of cases, neurological involvement also occurs, depending on which areas are affected, these neurological symptoms differ, but usually include imbalance, nystagmus, and sometimes seizures. One common symptom of FIP in cats is jaundice. Jaundice in this disease occurs due to an increase in the number of macrophages in the body. These macrophages destroy red blood cells through a process called phagocytosis, resulting in the manifestation of jaundice in the animal’s body. In severe cases of this disease, the cat may require a blood transfusion. Particularly if we observe jaundice in cats over one to two years old, one of the main suspicions will lean towards FIP.

Ways to Diagnose Feline Coronavirus Disease

Diagnosing FIP in cats presents many challenges. In this regard, rapid diagnostic kits or rapid tests are used, but sometimes positive results from these tests do not necessarily indicate the presence of the disease. Even a positive PCR result cannot definitively indicate that a cat has FIP, as this virus may exist in the bodies of many clinically healthy cats. In some cases, the FIP virus can undergo genetic mutations, and only in this case cause clinical symptoms and disease in cats. In many instances, diagnostic kits are used during routine check-ups for cats, which may lead to misdiagnosis of the disease. For accurate diagnosis of FIP, results of clinical examinations and blood tests, including hematology and blood biochemistry, and if there are fluids in the body, a complete analysis of these fluids must be thoroughly evaluated.

Fluid accumulation in the chest or abdominal cavity can have various causes, including heart failure, so a comprehensive evaluation of the fluids and analysis of test results can assist in correct diagnosis. In general, diagnosing feline coronavirus requires a series of tests and clinical evaluations; some of these tests include:

Ways of Transmitting Coronavirus in Cats

Cats’ coronavirus is transmitted through several different routes and can lead to feline infectious peritonitis. Below, we will discuss the key points of…

We will discuss the ways of transmission of feline coronavirus or FCoV:

• Transmission of FIP through feces

Feline coronavirus primarily spreads from the feces of infected cats to other cats. Healthy cats can transfer the virus into their bodies by coming into contact with contaminated feces or by licking themselves after contact with contaminated environments. Environments where multiple cats live are at greater risk of viral outbreaks.

• Indirect transmission through contaminated objects

Objects and surfaces that have been in contact with contaminated feces, such as food bowls, bedding, and toys, are good sources for virus transmission.

• Transmission of FIP through respiration and saliva droplets

Moreover, feline coronavirus can also be transmitted through the saliva or respiratory droplets of infected cats. This occurs more often in places with a high number of cats.

• Transmission from mother to kittens

In some cases, infected mother cats can pass the virus to their kittens. This transfer occurs through direct contact or shared environment.

Factors influencing the transmission of FIP

Some of the most important factors influencing a cat’s susceptibility to FIP include:

Which cats are more at risk from FIP?

FIP infection is considered dangerous for all cats; however, older cats are more vulnerable to this infection due to weakened immune systems. Additionally, kittens under 2 years old, who do not yet have a fully developed and strong immune system, experience a difficult and dangerous illness if they contract this infection. If you notice illness in the mother, separate the kitten and observe it closely. Consult your veterinarian about what food to give the kitten food. As mentioned, FIP infection is more dangerous for those cats that have weaker immune systems; thus, cats living in stressful environments need more care. Recent studies show that kittens have greater resistance to the coronavirus until they are 9 to 10 weeks old. It seems that maternal antibodies, which are transferred from mother to kitten, still exist in the kittens’ bodies at this age and protect them against the coronavirus. In fact, this natural immunity continues to exist due to these antibodies until around ten weeks, and after this age, as maternal antibody levels decrease, cats may become more susceptible to FIP. Therefore, if symptoms similar to FIP disease are observed in kittens younger than 9 to 10 weeks, this disease can likely be ruled out.

• FIP can be seen at any age, but the likelihood of infection is higher from two months to two years of age and also increases after ten years.

Prevention of FIP

Regarding the ways to prevent feline coronavirus disease, as mentioned, the coronavirus can be seen at any age, but the risk of infection is very high between 2 months and 2 years old. Preventing the coronavirus disease in felines includes various measures that help reduce their likelihood of infection.

Separating healthy catsInfected cats should be separated from healthy cats, even if the disease is not as contagious as other viruses. Preventing direct contact is important.Living environment hygieneRegular cleaning of surfaces, litter boxes, and resting areas of the cats can help reduce the viral load in the environment.Periodic health careRegular check-ups, adherence to vaccination schedules, and consultation with a veterinarian help in early diagnosis and disease prevention.Strengthening the immune systemOne of the stress-related diseases in cats is specifically the feline coronavirus. Reducing stress, providing a suitable diet, and creating a calm environment help strengthen a cat’s immunity, thereby lowering the risk of developing FIP.

FIP vaccine for cats

The only vaccine that has been approved so far to prevent FIP is the one produced by Zoetis in the USA, which is administered intranasally. This vaccine has around 0 to 75 percent efficacy, but it is not as effective as other vaccines like the panleukopenia vaccine. Unfortunately, this vaccine is not available in Iran. Therefore, special measures need to be taken by caregivers for Iranian cats to first prevent cats from contracting this virus, and then, if infected, to initiate immediate treatment to manage the cat’s illness and minimize suffering.

Nutritional care for cats infected with FIP

Nutrition plays a key role in the treatment of FIP (feline infectious peritonitis). This disease is associated with weakened immunity and widespread inflammation, so the diet of an infected cat should be high quality in terms of nutrients and digestibility. The main goal is to strengthen the body to combat the disease, prevent secondary infections, and maintain energy and overall health of the animal.

For cats with FIP, it is recommended to use natural, fresh, and well-cooked food. The most important nutritional tips are as follows:

• High-quality protein:
  Foods like boiled chicken, beef, or fish are good sources of protein. These protein sources help repair tissues, maintain muscle mass, and support immune system function.
• Providing arginine with red meat:
  Daily consumption of about a tablespoon of raw red meat or liver – which is rich in the amino acid arginine – is considered essential for maintaining the health of immune cells, especially monocytes.
• Fatty fish for combating inflammation:
  Fish such as salmon or trout that contain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA) can help reduce inflammation. However, their intake should be balanced, and high vitamin A fat supplements like cod liver oil should be avoided.

• Addressing appetite loss:
  If appetite decreases, food can be pureed with a blender and administered to the cat with a syringe. Sometimes adding a small amount of chicken or homemade meat broth can help increase appetite.
• Supplying vitamin B12:
  Subcutaneous B12 injections are recommended weekly. This vitamin helps increase red blood cell production, improves nervous system function, supports digestive health, and boosts metabolism.
  Natural sources of B12 include meat, eggs, fish, and liver, but using supplements during the disease period will also be beneficial.
• Choosing the type of food:
  Dry food (kibble) is generally preferred over wet food to prevent plaque buildup and reduce the risk of oral infections. However, if the cat has gastrointestinal issues or weak teeth, softer food may be more suitable.

In addition to nutrition, the cat’s living environment should be calm, sterile, and stress-free. Careful control of environmental conditions, regular cleaning of food and water dishes, and removal of stress-inducing stimuli can greatly enhance the chances of recovery.

Prevalence of feline infectious peritonitis

FIP is one of the major viral diseases in cats, and its prevalence has been increasing in recent years. This rise in prevalence is linked to reasons such as breeding purebred cats, which reduces genetic diversity and weakens the immune system, as well as keeping cats in closed, overcrowded environments that increase the likelihood of exposure to high quantities of the virus present in feces.

Should a cat with FIP be euthanized?

The decision to euthanize a cat with FIP should be made based on the quality of life of the animal, not merely the presence of disease. With advancements in medicine, the chances of treatment and recovery for cats with wet or dry forms of FIP have increased, but in cases of severe disease progression and unmanageable pain, euthanasia may be considered a humane and compassionate option Experts generally recommend that when good days are fewer than bad days and the cat shows signs such as difficulty breathing, uncontrolled pain, instability, and severe lack of appetite, a discussion about euthanasia with the veterinarian should be initiated. Sometimes this decision can ultimately prevent prolonged suffering and decline in the cat’s quality of life.

Summary

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) caused by Feline Coronavirus is one of the most serious and deadly diseases among these animals. This disease primarily affects young cats with weak immune systems and is divided into two types: wet and dry, each presenting diverse and specific symptoms. Diagnosing feline infectious peritonitis is often challenging. However, by conducting tests at the Central Veterinary Hospital lab, the presence of this disease in the animal can be identified. One common question regarding the transmission of FIP is whether a cat infected with FIP can transmit the disease to healthy cats. Scientific resources state that this disease is not as contagious as it is believed, and various factors must coexist for the Feline Coronavirus to transform into FIP and transmit to a healthy cat. Preventing FIP in cats is significantly achieved by maintaining environmental hygiene, avoiding contact with infected cats, regular veterinary check-ups at the hospital, reducing stress, and strengthening the immune system of the cats. Although there is no definitive treatment for FIP in felines, supportive therapies and the use of antiviral medications help reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life of cats affected by FIP. For receiving services in dealing with this disease, you can seek help from veterinarians at the Central Veterinary Hospital. Services such as regular check-ups, vaccinations, conducting tests, and supportive treatments are provided in this hospital under the supervision of experienced veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can FIP be transmitted from cats to humans? No, FIP is not a zoonotic disease and poses no risk to humans. What causes cats to develop FIP? FIP is caused by an infection of feline coronavirus. Some strains of this virus can mutate and become a more dangerous type that causes FIP. How do cats become infected with FIP? Cats usually become infected through oral contact with feces contaminated with the coronavirus. This virus can remain viable for months in cold temperatures and can be transmitted through clothing or objects in a limited manner. Do all feline coronavirus infections lead to FIP? No, most feline coronavirus infections are benign. However, in some cats, the virus may mutate and lead to FIP. What are the clinical signs of FIP in cats? Cats affected by FIP typically exhibit weakness, lethargy, decreased appetite, weight loss, and fluctuating fever. They may later develop the “wet” form with fluid accumulation or the “dry” form with inflammation in organs. Is blood testing effective in diagnosing FIP? Blood tests help in diagnosing FIP but are not definitive. A positive test can reinforce the likelihood of FIP but is not sufficient alone. What age group of cats is at higher risk of developing FIP? Most affected cats are between 3 months and 2 years old, although cats of any age can contract FIP. Which cats are more susceptible to FIP? Cats living in multi-cat households, shelters, and those under stress, surgery, or concurrent infections are more susceptible to FIP.

Is there a treatment for FIP in cats? There is no definitive drug, but Remdesivir is sometimes used, and new options like GS are under development. Is there a vaccine for FIP? Vaccines have been developed to help prevent FIP, but due to the specific features of the virus and the possibility of infection occurring prior to vaccination, their success is not guaranteed. Are other cats in the household at risk of FIP? Other family cats may be at risk of feline coronavirus. It is advisable to prevent the introduction of a new cat for one month after the infected cat’s death to reduce the likelihood of virus transmission. “`