How to Tell If a Cat Has FIP
📝 Summary
FIP isn't the only cause of ascites—liver and heart issues also cause fluid buildup, though FIP is more serious. This guide lists dry vs wet FIP symptoms and a simple checklist, plus the tests needed to confirm.
1 Identifying FIP in Cats
One: What are FIP symptoms? FIP has two types: dry and wet.
Dry FIP: no obvious chest/abdominal fluid, mild early signs (poor appetite, lethargy, sleepiness) that are easy to miss. As it worsens, the cat refuses food and runs a fever; untreated, the corona reaches the brain and causes neurological signs—weak limbs, incontinence, unsteady movement, hind-limb lameness or paralysis—and eye lesions (common uveitis). Dry FIP can progress to wet FIP.
Wet FIP: most obvious sign is rapidly developing chest/abdominal fluid, easier to diagnose than dry. Also poor appetite, sleepiness, depression, fever; fluid causes rapid, labored breathing and bloating. Wet FIP is easier to detect early; if caught before the virus reaches the brain, cure rates are higher, but they drop sharply once it does.
Two: A simple symptom checklist. 1. Reduced appetite or complete refusal to eat/drink. 2. Lethargy, depression, ‘broody hen’ sleeping posture, hiding in dark places. 3. Persistent or stubborn fever. 4. Normal limbs but swollen belly. 5. Rapid or labored breathing, weak limbs, wobbly walking. 6. Eye inflammation, redness, discharge. 7. Jaundice—yellow skin and visible mucous membranes, with lethargy.
To confirm FIP, take the cat to a vet for blood count, biochemistry, ultrasound, and SAA.
Note: with today’s medicine FIP is no longer a death sentence. If you see symptoms, go to a vet promptly or consult an online vet first. During recovery, supplement lysine and vitamins; feed IGY and vitamin B to boost immunity and aid healing.
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