Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), a disease once considered difficult to diagnose and largely fatal in cats, has become significantly more treatable thanks to advances in antiviral therapies and increased awareness, according to an expert from Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU).

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çağatay Esin, a faculty member in the Department of Internal Medicine at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, discussed the rising number of FIP cases, the disease's clinical signs, and recent developments in diagnosis and treatment.

FIP Develops Through Coronavirus Mutation

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Esin explained that FIP is not a directly contagious disease in the conventional sense. Instead, it develops when the common feline coronavirus mutates within an infected cat.

He described FIP as a systemic and potentially fatal inflammatory disease caused by an abnormal or uncontrolled immune response to the mutated virus, which invades the body's immune cells and spreads throughout the system.

Multi-Cat Environments Increase Risk

According to Dr. Esin, the increase in reported cases reflects not only improved diagnostic capabilities but also genuine risk factors.

"The virus spreads more easily in crowded environments such as animal shelters, breeding facilities, and multi-cat households. Surgical procedures, changes in ownership, intensive care conditions, and poor nutrition can increase the risk of FIP development. Cats under two years of age are particularly vulnerable."

Early Recognition Is Essential

Dr. Esin noted that the initial signs of FIP, including loss of appetite, persistent mild fever, and lethargy, can easily be mistaken for other illnesses.

He advised cat owners to seek veterinary care if cats develop persistent or recurring fever, abdominal swelling, breathing difficulties, changes in eye color, balance problems, or neurological symptoms.

Major Advances in Treatment

Describing recent developments as "revolutionary," Dr. Esin highlighted the growing success of antiviral medications in treating FIP.

He also warned owners about misinformation circulating on social media, emphasizing that FIP cannot be diagnosed through a single laboratory test. Instead, veterinarians rely on a combination of clinical examination, blood tests, imaging studies, and other diagnostic findings.

Dr. Esin stressed the importance of using only licensed medications prescribed or approved by veterinarians, warning that purchasing unregulated drugs through the internet or illegal sources can seriously jeopardize treatment outcomes.

No Risk to Human Health

Addressing a common misconception, Dr. Esin emphasized that the virus responsible for FIP is specific to cats and poses no threat to humans.

"Rather than abandoning sick cats because of scientifically unfounded fears, owners should ensure they receive appropriate veterinary care."

Collaborative Management for Stray Cats

Dr. Esin also underscored the importance of cooperation among municipalities, veterinary faculties, and animal welfare volunteers in managing FIP among stray cat populations.

He noted that routine health screening, proper hygiene, isolation of infected animals when necessary, and minimizing stress are key strategies for reducing viral circulation and improving feline health.