FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis) has long been a death sentence for cats. The disease is caused by a feline coronavirus that mutates once it has taken hold inside a cat’s system. It presents a wide and often confusing list of symptoms that often go undetected in the early stages. As the disease progresses some symptoms are obvious and range from the accumulation of fluid inside a cat’s belly or chest, to changes in the eyes, and coordination problems with walking or jumping. But FIP more often manifests in subtle ways; the cat might have bouts of not feeling well, may lose weight from not eating much, develop occasional fevers, or sleep more and interact less. Astute observers would probably notice these changes and schedule a vet visit, but it is common for them to go undetected for a period of time. While there is no test for FIP, a vet can determine that FIP is likely by noting the cat’s symptoms and ordering bloodwork.
With no cure, a diagnosis of FIP used to kill about 1 out of every 100-300 cats under five years old. In the 2010’s however, research led to the development of an anti-viral treatment (GS-441524) that was proven to cure FIP. Not FDA approved at that time, it was only available online through a dedicated group trying to help cats. Vets could not prescribe or monitor its use. Thankfully in 2024 that changed, and GS-441524 became available to pet parents through two avenues: 1) FIP Warriors 5.0 (a nationwide volunteer group organized through Facebook) and 2) a veterinarian’s prescription. Daily treatment usually lasts about three months, with another three months of observation before a cat can be declared cured.
Since 2020, LCCR has successfully cured 27 foster cats of FIP through FIP Warriors 5.0, and another 8 are currently undergoing treatment. While veterinarians can prescribe a different brand of GS through their practices, many vets are still unaware of this change. LCCR works to help veterinarians understand that euthanasia does not have to be the outcome for these cats and has also helped numerous pet parents navigate treatment options. FIP is no longer the death sentence it was at the turn of this century.
You can learn more about FIP at www.sockfip.org.