Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a serious and usually fatal viral disease that affects cats. It is caused by mutation of coronavirus and can lead to a range of clinical signs and symptoms, including fever, lethargy, weight loss, and organ damage. FIP is not a disease that is directly contagious between cats in the same way that some other infections, like feline leukemia (FeLV) or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), that can be spread through close contact or fighting.
It is very common to have a cat with FIP in a multi-cat household. This may confuse cat parents on wether the FIP cat can still interact with its feline siblings or not.
To answer this question, it's important to understand that cats with FIP are generally not in good health, and their immune systems are compromised. Therefore, allowing a cat with FIP to interact with other cats, especially healthy ones, is not recommended. There are a few reasons for this:
Risk of Secondary Infections: Cats with FIP have weakened immune systems, making them more susceptible to other infections. If a cat with FIP interacts with non-FIP cats, it could potentially transmit other diseases to them, leading to further health issues.
Stress: Introducing a cat with FIP to other cats can be stressful for all the cats involved. Stress can weaken the immune system further and exacerbate the symptoms of FIP.
FIP Transmission: Although FIP is not directly contagious, the coronavirus (FCOV) that can mutate into FIP is contagious among cats. Most cats that are exposed to this virus do not develop FIP, but some do. To prevent potential transmission of this virus, it's a good practice to keep infected cats separated from healthy ones.
Important Tips:
Consider separating FIP cats from others immediately.
Get your other cats tested to Feline Corona Virus (FCoV).
If one or more cat are positive for FCoV, it is strongly advised to separate them from the negative ones.
FCoV cats are allowed to interact with FIP cats as long as they're familiar with each other or it doesn't cause them to get stressed. However, the risk of secondary infections for FIP cats is still valid in this situation.
In summary, it's generally best to keep a cat diagnosed with FIP separated from other cats to prevent potential health risks, stress, and transmission of any related viruses. Always consult with your veterinarian for guidance on how to best manage a cat with FIP and to discuss the specific circumstances of your situation.
FIP is a fatal disease yet treatable. Contact The FurPurr to get a suitable treatment for your FIP kitty.
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