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29 results for “FIP”
Does Abdominal Fluid in Cats Always Mean FIP?
Fluid in a cat's abdomen, or ascites, is a sign—not a diagnosis. It can stem from liver or heart disease, kidney failure, malnutrition, or peritonitis caused by infection, viruses, or injury, and only one of those causes is feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). Because the symptom alone cannot confirm FIP, diagnosis needs bloodwork, imaging such as X-ray or ultrasound, and viral testing. If your cat shows a swollen belly, lethargy, fever, or breathing trouble, see a veterinarian promptly to find the real cause.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP): Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a chronic, progressive, and often fatal viral disease of cats caused by a mutated feline coronavirus. It is marked by inflammation of the abdominal lining, accumulation of fluid in the abdomen (the 'wet' form), and a high mortality rate. Young cats under 12 months, purebreds, and cats in multi-cat or shelter environments are most at risk.
What Is Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) and Its Symptoms
FIP is an often-fatal disease; the coronavirus is the culprit. Many cats catch the coronavirus, but few develop FIP.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP): Symptoms and Treatment
FIP has always been one of the feline diseases that owners are very wary of, not only because of high medical costs but also because the cat may lose its life because of it. This article mainly helps everyone correctly understand feline infectious peritonitis, as well as how to diagnose and prevent it, and view FIP with a scientific attitude.
Can Deworming Kill a Cat? Understanding the Rare but Real Risk
In one reported case, a cat given both a topical and an oral dewormer at the prescribed dose vomited severely through the night and died of dehydration despite IV fluids. It is rare, but it shows deworming is not trivial. Possible causes: an acute allergy to ingredients like albendazole or selamectin (throat swelling, breathing failure, anaphylactic shock); hidden liver or kidney disease that slows drug clearance, worsened by using both products together; stress from rough handling triggering latent illness; and poor management of complications like prolonged vomiting causing low potassium or aspiration pneumonia. To stay safe: dose strictly by weight and age, space topical and oral products 3-5 days apart, and rush to a vet if vomiting exceeds twice an hour.
Choosing a Cat Dewormer: Why Combination Spot-Ons Suit Multi-Cat Homes
For mostly-indoor cats, a broad-spectrum, gentle combination spot-on is the most cost-effective and stress-free choice—and because most cats hate pills, a transdermal drop avoids force-feeding and the anxiety it causes, which is ideal for beginners and multi-cat households. Useful active types include imidacloprid-moxidectin (prevents a dozen-plus internal and external parasites and heartworm), fipronil-methoprene-eprinomectin-praziquantel (adds tapeworm and tick coverage for outdoor or raw-fed cats), and selamectin (very gentle from six weeks, pregnancy-friendly). In a multi-cat home the real work is operational: deworm all cats together, dose strictly by weight, use an Elizabethan collar and separation to stop licking, and avoid baths 48 hours around treatment. Above all, prevention beats treatment.
Best Parasite Treatments for Cat Ear Mites
Cat ear mites are a common parasite that causes intense itching and dark, waxy debris; left untreated they can lead to secondary bacterial infection, otitis media or interna, and hearing loss, while constant head-shaking and scratching risk ear hematomas. The key treatment is a parasiticide—but not every product kills ear mites, so checking the label’s spectrum matters. In general, spot-ons containing imidacloprid-moxidectin or selamectin work well at home, also covering scabies, demodex, fleas, lice, roundworms, hookworms, and preventing heartworm, with a gentle, stable profile. A typical plan is one dose every 21–28 days for three rounds to stop recurrence. Early on, a cleaner or miticide with compound nystatin helps soothe and disinfect the ear.
Causes and Treatment of Abdominal Breathing in Cats
Abdominal breathing in cats is often a symptom of an underlying disease—pleural effusion, a congenital diaphragmatic hernia, or feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) among them—so it always warrants attention and a prompt trip to the vet. A healthy cat breathes 20–40 times per minute; obvious difficulty, rapid or shallow breaths mean seek care immediately. Beyond treating the root cause, prevention matters most: keep up with vaccinations, schedule regular check-ups, and maintain a clean, well-ventilated, smoke-free environment to protect your cat's respiratory health.
How to Choose a Combined Parasite Treatment for Your Cat
Even indoor cats catch parasites—fleas, ear mites, roundworms, and mosquito-borne heartworm all reach them. Combined spot-ons treat inside and out in one dose without pills, which is why they are the top choice for house cats. The real question isn't 'which brand' but 'which active ingredients fit your cat's risks.' Here is the science, minus the marketing.
What to Keep in Mind When Using Topical Flea and Tick Treatment on Cats
Cats can pick up external parasites at any time of year, so regular preventive treatment matters. Topical products come as sprays or spot-on drops, and their coverage depends on the active ingredient, so the right choice depends on your cat's lifestyle and the parasites it faces. Apply spots along the spine, dose by weight, avoid bathing for a few days, and use an Elizabethan collar to prevent licking. Kittens can start around two months old with monthly treatment; adults need it every one to three months, more often in warm seasons or for outdoor cats. Never use dog-only products containing permethrin on cats.