Can Feline Infectious Peritonitis Be Cured? How to Prevent It

1 Diagnosis: Wet vs. Dry FIP

FIP is split by whether fluid builds up. In wet FIP, the coronavirus leaves the gut and invades other organs; the immune response releases mucus mixed with protein, white cells, and plasma — ascites that collects in the belly, so the abdomen swells noticeably.

Dry FIP shows no ascites but produces other signs such as eye inflammation, twitching, or seizures.

Ascites is only one symptom: its presence doesn’t prove FIP, and FIP can occur without it. Diagnosis needs the full picture.

2 Treatment

FIP is usually managed with supportive care — corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, and similar drugs to fight inflammation and suppress immunity. Even with the newer targeted antivirals, your company, good food, and a quiet space still matter enormously.

3 Prevention

The coronavirus behind FIP is fragile and most disinfectants kill it, so simply keeping the environment clean is the best defense.

A cat’s immune system is the first line against viruses, so a good diet that strengthens immunity lowers infection risk.

Despite the name, FIP isn’t directly contagious — it arises from a mutated coronavirus, not cat-to-cat spread. But if one cat has FIP, the others are far more likely to carry the coronavirus.