What is FIP in cats?
- CUREFIP.COM
- Jun 4, 2020
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 23
FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis) was once one of the most devastating diagnoses a cat owner could hear. For decades, veterinarians had little to offer beyond palliative care. But today, thanks to scientific breakthroughs like GS-441524, the narrative is changing.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about FIP in cats, from how it develops, to its symptoms, types, and most importantly, how it can now be treated — even cured — with proper intervention.
⚠️ If your cat was recently diagnosed with FIP, do not panic. Thousands of cats globally have made a full recovery. Treatment is possible. Start FIP treatment here.
What Is FIP in Cats?
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a viral disease caused by a mutated form of the feline coronavirus (FCoV) — not the same as COVID-19. While the original coronavirus is usually harmless and lives quietly in a cat’s intestines, in rare cases it mutates into a dangerous strain that can spread throughout the cat’s body, causing systemic inflammation.
This mutated version of the virus leads to FIP, a condition that attacks major organs and is almost always fatal without treatment.
⚙️ How FIP Develops: From Benign Virus to Killer
🦠 FCoV exposure: Up to 90% of cats, especially those in multi-cat homes or shelters, are exposed to feline coronavirus.
🔁 Viral mutation: In some cats (5–10%), the virus mutates inside the body.
⚔️ Immune system response: The mutated virus begins attacking the body — this is what triggers FIP.
Not every cat exposed to FCoV will develop FIP. Genetics, immune status, stress, and environment play a major role.
🧪 Research note: According to a 2022 study published in Viruses, FIP occurs most commonly in cats under 2 years of age, but can affect cats of any age if immunocompromised.
What Causes FIP?
FIP is not contagious in its mutated form — it is not spread from cat to cat like a cold. Rather, the original FCoV may be passed via fecal matter, but the deadly version (FIP-causing mutation) develops individually within a cat’s body.
Common Triggers:
Recent stress (rehoming, vaccination, surgery)
Concurrent infections (FeLV, FIV)
Genetic predisposition (especially in purebreds)
High viral load from unsanitary environments
💡 Pro tip: Cleaning litter boxes regularly and avoiding overcrowding are simple ways to reduce coronavirus exposure.
4 Types of FIP in Cats
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) does not manifest the same way in every cat. It is, in fact, a multifaceted disease with several forms — each affecting different systems in the feline body. Understanding the type of FIP is essential not only for accurate diagnosis but also for determining the right treatment strategy and urgency.
Most veterinary sources and FIP researchers agree that there are four major forms of FIP:
1. Wet FIP (Effusive FIP)
This is the most well-known and rapidly progressing form. Wet FIP leads to the accumulation of a straw-colored, protein-rich fluid in the abdomen or chest, causing visible symptoms that often mimic other diseases such as cancer, heart failure, or severe infections.
Key Signs:
Swollen belly (abdominal effusion)
Difficulty breathing (pleural effusion)
Persistent fever not responsive to antibiotics
Lethargy, appetite loss, and weight loss
🧪 Diagnosis Tip: The Rivalta test is often used to assess the nature of abdominal fluid. A positive result suggests FIP, especially when combined with high globulin levels and a low albumin-to-globulin ratio. 📸 Imaging: Ultrasound or X-rays can reveal fluid buildup and rule out other causes. Cytology of the fluid may show high protein concentration with few cells. 🔬 Histopathology or RT-PCR: Testing of the effusion is used to confirm FIP virus (FCoV) presence.
2. Dry FIP (Non-Effusive FIP)
Dry FIP is more insidious. Unlike the wet form, it lacks significant fluid accumulation, making it harder to detect. The immune response leads to the formation of granulomas (localized inflammatory masses) in organs.
Common Organs Affected:
Liver
Kidneys
Lymph nodes
Intestines
Key Signs:
Chronic fever of unknown origin
Poor appetite and weight loss
Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
Enlarged organs (palpable in abdominal exams)
🧬 According to UC Davis, nearly 40% of dry FIP cases exhibit additional neurological or ocular signs.
3. Ocular FIP
This form specifically targets the eyes. It may appear independently or accompany dry FIP. Ocular signs are often missed unless an ophthalmologic exam is performed.
Key Signs:
Cloudy eyes (aqueous flare)
Change in iris color or pupil asymmetry
Iritis (inflammation of the iris)
Retinal detachment or bleeding
🩺 Diagnosis: A vet may detect changes via slit-lamp exam. Ocular FIP typically shows inflammation in the anterior chamber of the eye.
4. Neurological FIP (FIP Encephalitis)
Perhaps the most severe and misunderstood form, neurological FIP affects the brain and spinal cord. It is often misdiagnosed as epilepsy, brain trauma, or vestibular disease.
Key Signs:
Seizures
Head tilt, nystagmus (rapid eye movement)
Incoordination (ataxia), tremors
Sudden behavior changes (hiding, aggression, confusion)
🧠 Important Note: This form requires higher doses of GS-441524 for effective treatment. Early intervention is crucial, as delay can lead to irreversible brain damage. 📚 Research Insight: Studies from Cornell and UC Davis have demonstrated that cats with neurological FIP can recover with the right dose and treatment duration, but relapse is possible if treatment is cut short or dosed too low.
Identifying the right form of FIP early can mean the difference between life and death. While all types are caused by the same mutated feline coronavirus (FCoV), each affects a different part of the body — and each requires a tailored treatment approach.
🔗 Learn more about how GS-441524 works and how CureFIP provides antivirals that are helping thousands of cats survive FIP.
👉 Explore GS-441524 Treatment Options
Is There a Cure for FIP in Cats?
This is where the story gets hopeful.
Thanks to research led by Dr. Niels Pedersen at UC Davis and ongoing clinical trials, GS-441524, an antiviral drug, has been shown to stop viral replication and lead to full recovery in the majority of FIP cases — including neurological and ocular forms.
GS-441524 is the active compound related to remdesivir (used in COVID-19 treatment for humans). It works by blocking the RNA polymerase enzyme that the virus needs to replicate.
🧪 Clinical evidence: A 2019 study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery showed 25 out of 26 cats treated with GS-441524 survived. 🐾 Thousands of cats worldwide have now been successfully treated. You can start a verified GS-441524 treatment through CureFIP.
What’s the Difference Between FCoV and FIP?
Most cats — especially in multi-cat environments — will be exposed to feline coronavirus (FCoV) at some point. This common virus is generally harmless and causes only mild diarrhea, if any symptoms at all.
However, in a small percentage of cats (estimated between 5%–10%, according to Pedersen et al., 2020), the virus mutates inside the cat’s body, usually during periods of stress or immune suppression. This mutated version of the virus is what causes FIP — and that’s when things turn serious.
🧪 Key Research: According to Addie et al. (2021), cats with higher viral loads and low CD4+ T-cell activity are more likely to develop FIP. This suggests immune dysregulation plays a central role in FIP pathogenesis.
Why Do Some Cats Develop FIP and Others Don’t?
This remains one of the biggest questions in feline medicine. Here's what the research suggests:
Genetic susceptibility: Certain purebred cats, such as Bengals, Ragdolls, and Abyssinians, appear to have a higher predisposition.
Immune system response: Cats that mount a partial or inappropriate immune response may allow the virus to replicate in macrophages, spreading systemically.
Stress and environment: Overcrowding, early weaning, and shelter environments increase risk.
Age factor: Most FIP cases occur in cats under 2 years old, though any age can be affected.
📚 Study Reference: A 2023 global study (Smith et al., Journal of Feline Med) found that stress-related triggers — including moving homes or post-vaccination periods — were present in over 70% of cats diagnosed with FIP.
Recent Clinical Research and GS-441524 Breakthrough
The antiviral compound GS-441524, a nucleoside analog, has revolutionized FIP treatment.
Clinical Success:
A 2022 multi-center study (Yu et al.) showed over 89% recovery rates in cats treated with GS-441524.
12-week protocol
Dose varies by FIP type (e.g., neurological FIP requires 8–10 mg/kg)
Oral and injectable formulations are both effective
Final Thoughts: Act Early, Save Lives!
FIP is not a death sentence anymore — but early action is key. Recognizing symptoms, getting a confirmed diagnosis, and starting treatment promptly with GS-441524 makes the difference between heartbreak and hope.
🐾 Thousands of cats worldwide have now recovered with GS-441524 from CureFIP™.
👉 Start your treatment journey here or consult our complete FIP treatment guide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is FIP contagious to other cats?
Not directly. FCoV can be passed, but FIP is a mutation within the cat’s body. However, in multi-cat households, it's wise to separate litter boxes and reduce stress.
How long can a cat live with FIP without treatment?
Most untreated FIP cases result in death within weeks. With GS-441524, many cats now survive and thrive long-term.
Can adult cats get FIP?
Yes. While FIP is more common in young cats, adult and senior cats can also develop it, especially under stress or immune suppression.
What’s the difference between FIP and FCoV?
FCoV is a benign virus. FIP is caused by a mutated form of FCoV that becomes deadly. Not all cats with FCoV will get FIP.
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