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Can Cats Fully Recover from FIP? A 12-Week Guide After Treatment

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) was once regarded as an untreatable and fatal illness in cats. Thanks to antiviral therapies such as GS-441524, thousands of cats worldwide—including here in the United Kingdom—are now living proof that recovery is possible.


Can Cats Fully Recover from FIP?

Yet completing the standard 84-day course of treatment is not the end of the journey. Cats require a further 12-week observation period to confirm full recovery and ensure the disease does not return.


At CureFIP, our aim is to guide cat owners through this critical phase with clarity and reassurance.


What Is the Observation Period?

The observation period is the 12 weeks following treatment, during which your cat’s condition must be carefully monitored.

Even if symptoms disappear and blood test results improve, relapse is still possible. This is why veterinary specialists recommend structured observation for every cat that has completed FIP treatment.



The 12-Week Timeline

The observation period combines daily monitoring at home with regular veterinary testing:

  • Day 30 – First blood test: checks liver, kidney, and protein levels.

  • Day 60 – Second blood test: confirms stability and rules out inflammation.

  • Day 84 (end of treatment) – Third blood test: final assessment before observation begins.

👉 At home: monitor appetite, weight, energy levels, and body temperature daily.



Signs of Healthy Recovery

Positive signs during the observation period include:

  • Eating regularly with good appetite

  • Steady weight gain (100–200 grams per week in adults)

  • Increased energy: playful, grooming, and interactive

  • Stable body temperature with no recurring fever

  • Consistent blood test results within normal ranges

  • No abnormal fluid in the abdomen or chest

The more of these signs observed, the greater the likelihood of long-term recovery.


Red Flags: Signs of Relapse

Relapse can occur even in cats that initially appear well. Contact your veterinarian promptly if you notice:

  • Sudden loss of appetite

  • Unexplained or rapid weight loss

  • Fever returning or fluctuating body temperature

  • Weakness, lethargy, or excessive sleeping

  • Fluid accumulation in the chest or abdomen

  • Neurological issues (seizures, unsteady walking, sudden blindness)

  • Ocular issues (cloudy or inflamed eyes)



How to Support Your Cat During Observation

Nutrition

  • Feed a high-quality, protein-rich diet.

  • Avoid raw food that may introduce harmful bacteria or parasites.

Environment

  • Keep stress levels low. Provide a calm, comfortable living space.

  • Offer warmth, routine, and gentle enrichment.

Daily Monitoring

  • Record appetite, activity, body weight, and temperature each day.

Hygiene

  • Clean litter trays regularly.

  • Reduce contact with other cats to lower FCoV exposure risks.

Veterinary Care

  • Schedule blood tests on days 30, 60, and 84.

  • Monitor liver and kidney function carefully.


Conclusion

So, can cats fully recover from FIP? Yes. With GS-441524 therapy, many cats in Britain and worldwide have achieved complete recovery. The 12-week observation period is vital for long-term success. If your cat remains active, symptom-free, and stable during this stage, the chance of relapse becomes very low.


As a responsible cat owner, your role is to monitor daily, provide the best care, and act quickly if red flags appear. With vigilance and compassion, FIP recovery is no longer a rare exception—it is becoming an achievable reality.


FAQ

Q: Can cats fully recover from FIP?

Yes. With GS-441524 treatment, many cats have made complete recoveries.


Q: How long is the observation period?

12 weeks, with important blood tests at days 30, 60, and 84.


Q: What are the signs of healthy recovery?

Normal appetite, steady weight gain, active behaviour, no fever, and stable bloodwork.


Q: What are the signs of relapse?

Loss of appetite, recurring fever, weight loss, fluid buildup, or neurological/ocular changes.


Q: What should I do if my cat shows relapse signs?

Contact your veterinarian immediately. Further treatment or dose adjustments may be necessary.

 
 
 

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