Answers for calicivirus, herpesvirus, and Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP).
These are the ones we get most.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
What is Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)?+
A serious, progressive disease from a mutation of the feline coronavirus. It used to be fatal; today it can be treated with GS-441524.
What is GS-441524?+
A nucleoside analogue antiviral that blocks replication of the FIP virus, given over a full protocol.
What is the success rate?+
Across studies of over 650 cats, the combined GS-441524 success rate is approximately 92%.
How long is treatment?+
An 84-day protocol, then a monitoring period to confirm remission.
Wet vs dry FIP?+
Wet involves fluid buildup and faster progression; dry causes inflammatory lesions without fluid. Same core protocol.
Injectable or oral?+
Injectables are the core protocol; oral suits cats or owners who cannot manage injections. We will help you decide.
What if my cat relapses?+
FIP protocols carry a relapse guarantee. If it relapses, contact us and we will make it right.
Can Feline Infectious Peritonitis be treated?+
Yes. Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) was once fatal, but antiviral treatment with GS-441524 has a 92% success rate. The earlier treatment starts, the better the outcome.
How quickly will I see improvement?+
Most cats improve within the first 5 days. Appetite usually returns first, then energy. This is not the finish line, because the full 84 day course still has to be completed.
Is Feline Infectious Peritonitis contagious to other cats?+
No. A cat with Feline Infectious Peritonitis does not pass it to other cats, dogs or people. The underlying feline coronavirus can spread between cats, but it rarely mutates into Feline Infectious Peritonitis.
Can GS-441524 be used with other medications?+
GS-441524 can be given alongside other medicines to support your cat's overall health. Lysine, however, is not recommended during treatment. Always check with your specialist first.
What is the relapse guarantee?+
If your cat relapses within 12 months of completing an 84 day course on CureFIP products, we cover up to 50% of the relapse treatment cost. A final blood test and some other conditions apply.
How long can a cat with FIP live?+
Without treatment, Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is fatal. With GS-441524 given for the full 84 days, the combined success rate across studies of more than 650 cats is about 92%, and the earlier treatment starts, the better the chance.
Feline Calicivirus (FCV)
What is Feline Calicivirus (FCV)?+
A common feline virus that inflames the mouth and gums, causing ulcers, drooling, and bad breath, often for months or years.
Is FCV the same as stomatitis?+
Chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS) is the severe mouth inflammation many FCV cats develop. Many cats labelled with stomatitis are fighting FCV.
My vet recommended full-mouth extraction. Is there another option?+
Extraction is one path. An antiviral targets the virus itself and may be worth discussing first.
How is CaliciX different from antibiotics and steroids?+
Those manage symptoms and inflammation. CaliciX is an antiviral aimed at the infection.
CaliciX vs CaliciX Max?+
CaliciX is 15 mg EIDD-1931; CaliciX Max is 30 mg, for more severe or long-standing cases.
How long does treatment take?+
It depends on the case. Send the history and we will tell you what to expect.
Will the mouth pain come back?+
Some cats improve steadily, others need ongoing management. We will be honest about your cat's course.
What should I feed a cat with Feline Calicivirus?+
Soft, warm, strong smelling food is easiest for a sore mouth and a blocked nose. Warming food gently lifts its aroma and encourages eating. Keep fresh water available at all times.
Is Feline Calicivirus contagious to other cats?+
Yes. Feline Calicivirus (FCV) passes easily between cats through saliva, nasal and eye discharge, and shared items. Isolate the sick cat and clean shared surfaces.
Can Feline Calicivirus spread to humans or dogs?+
No. Feline Calicivirus (FCV) infects cats only. It does not spread to humans, dogs, or other non feline pets.
Does the vaccine prevent Feline Calicivirus?+
Vaccination reduces the severity of illness and is strongly recommended, but because Feline Calicivirus (FCV) has many strains it cannot guarantee full protection. Keeping vaccines current still helps a great deal.
What is Virulent Systemic Feline Calicivirus?+
VS-FCV is a rare but severe form that causes high fever, swelling of the face and limbs, and organ involvement. It can be life threatening and needs urgent veterinary care.
Do cats stay carriers after they recover?+
Some cats keep shedding Feline Calicivirus (FCV) for weeks or months after recovering, and a small number carry it long term. These cats can still infect others, so ongoing hygiene matters.
Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1)
What is Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1)?+
A common virus behind recurring eye and respiratory signs: squinting, weepy or red eyes, conjunctivitis, sneezing.
Can FHV-1 be removed from the body?+
No. FHV-1 stays latent for life. Treatment controls and shortens flares.
What does HerpX do?+
HerpX (famciclovir 180 mg) is an antiviral that helps reduce the severity and length of flares.
How often will my cat get flares?+
It varies from cat to cat, and stress or illness can trigger a flare. Treatment aims to make flares less frequent, shorter and milder.
All the time, or only during flares?+
Depends on your cat's pattern. Tell us how often flares happen and we will plan.
My cat only has an eye problem. Could it still be FHV-1?+
Often yes. FHV-1 frequently shows up mainly as a recurring eye issue.
Is FHV-1 contagious to my other cats?+
It can spread, especially during flares. We can talk through precautions for a multi-cat home.
Can my cat infect me or my dog?+
No. Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1) infects cats. It is not the same virus as the human cold sore herpes virus and does not spread to people or dogs.
Can vaccinated cats still get Feline Herpesvirus?+
Yes. Vaccination reduces the severity of disease but does not fully prevent infection or carrier status. It is still strongly recommended.
Does L-lysine help?+
L-lysine is widely sold for Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1), but the published evidence is mixed and several studies found no clear benefit. Discuss it with your veterinarian rather than relying on it as a main treatment.
Why does my cat keep getting eye infections?+
Recurrent eye infections are a classic pattern, driven by the latent virus reactivating during stress. A plan focused on reducing stress and treating flares promptly helps most.
How long does a flare take to settle?+
Most flares ease within days to a couple of weeks with prompt, appropriate care. Some cats keep shedding the virus for longer, even after the visible signs have cleared.
Can cat flu or herpes clear up on its own, or with home remedies?+
Home care helps your cat feel better: gently cleaning the eyes and nose, a few minutes of steam, warm strong-smelling food and less stress. It does not remove the virus, which stays in the body for life. Most flare-ups settle within a few days to two weeks with prompt care, and eye signs need a vet quickly.
Not sure which one?
Tell us the symptoms and we will point you to the right treatment.