What is FIP?

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a common and highly fatal coronavirus (FCov) disease in cats.

FIP is caused by the feline enteric coronavirus (FECV). FECV is similar to coronavirus causing diarrhoea or bronchitis in humans, as well as other animals such as piglets, foals, ferrets, calves and poultry.

In about 10% of cats, mainly kittens, the enteric coronavirus experiences mutations. The corona virus usually attacks the gut lining causing an ooze, however FIP lies dormant and later attacks the lining of the blood vessels (with the wet form manifesting in the abdomen or chest and the dry form becoming evident in the brain and/or eye).

It escapes the cells that line the lower intestine and infects the most basic cell of the immune system, the macrophage. This mutated virus is known as feline infectious peritonitis (FIPV) and initially affects local lymphatic tissues associated with the lower intestine. FIPV infected macrophages then spread the infection to other sites within the abdomen and chest cavities, and sometimes to the eyes and brain.

More detailed information on FECV infection and clinical manifestations of FIPV disease can be found at ccah.vetmed.ucdavis.edu

Around 90% of affected cats experience diarrhoea which is usually undetected, and then recover. A positive Corona test does not necessarily mean a cat will go on to develop FIP. FIP has high mortality but low morbidity i.e., has a high death rate if not treated, approaching 99%, but is largely not contagious.

What is FIP Cats Australia?

FIPCA are a not for profit association that raises money to help cats suffering from FIP to get treatment.

FIPCA also educates and informs cat owners, breeders and anyone who has anything to do with the health of cats understand FIP. We have all sorts of resourses and help for anyone wanting to know more about FIP in cats and how they can be helped.

We support those owners in Australia who are going through diagnosis of FIP in their cats, helping them by making available lots of information so they can make informed choices about options and treatment. Our mentor program gives them someone that they can talk with and get support from during a very stressful time. Buddy survival bags are also something we organise to help get treatment started.

Learn more about our story and why FIP Cats Austalia started and the legacy Zeke has left here.