If your cat has been diagnosed with FIP, you may be going through a difficult and emotional time...
The fatal disease known as Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) can strike cats of any age or breed. It is caused by a coronavirus and is a leading cause of death in cats. If your cat is suspected of having FIP, it is important to understand the disease and what you can do to help your furry friend. This article is a guide for those whose cats have been diagnosed with FIP, and it is recommended to read our previous article "Brief Overview of FIP: What is it, Symptoms and Causes" for a general understanding of this disease.
Understanding Different Types of FIP and Their Symptoms
FIP can present in different forms, each with its own symptoms and progression. The different types of FIP are Wet FIP, Dry FIP, Neurological FIP, and Ocular FIP.
Wet FIP:
This is the most common form of FIP and is characterized by the buildup of fluid in the abdomen or chest. The fluid is yellow and sticky, with a high protein content. . Although this form of FIP progresses rapidly, it can be diagnosed and identified with greater ease.
Dry FIP:
This is a less common form of FIP and is characterized by the presence of granulomas or small nodules in the organs. These are often mistaken for tumors. This form of FIP progresses more slowly than Wet FIP, but is hard t diagnose until it evolves into later stages of FIP.
What Are the Final Stages of Fip in Cats?
Neurological FIP:
is a late-stage form of the disease that manifests itself in a variety of neurological symptoms. These symptoms can include seizures, behavior changes, and loss of coordination.
Ocular FIP:
Because the eyes are so close to the cat's brain, this form frequently occurs right before or after neurological symptoms. Ocular FIP affects the eyes and can cause inflammation and damage to the tissues. Redness, cloudiness, and discharge from the eyes are all possible symptoms.
Understanding the different types of FIP can help you understand your cat's condition and what to expect as the disease progresses.
Is Fip Painful for Cats?
Unfortunately, FIP can be a painful disease for cats. The severity of the pain depends on the form of FIP and the symptoms present. Wet FIP can cause fluid to build up in a cat's abdomen, chest, or heart, which can cause pain and discomfort. This can cause difficulty breathing, decreased appetite, lethargy, and discomfort. . On the other hand, cats with dry FIP may feel pain and discomfort because of granulomatous lesions that can affect many organs, including the eyes, brain, kidneys, and liver.
It is important to note that pain management is an essential part of FIP treatment. Your veterinarian can prescribe pain medication to help alleviate your cat's discomfort and improve their quality of life.
Can Cats With Fip Live With Other Cats?
No, cats with FIP should not live with other cats. FIP is caused by a mutated form of the feline coronavirus, which is highly contagious among cats. While not all cats infected with the feline coronavirus will develop FIP, those that do can spread the virus to other cats through their feces, urine, or saliva. This means that if you have multiple cats in your household, it is crucial to isolate the infected cat to prevent the spread of the disease.
In addition to the risk of transmission to other cats, cats with FIP may also have a compromised immune system, which makes them more vulnerable to other infections. Therefore, it is essential to keep them away from other cats to avoid any further health complications.
How Do You Make a Fip Cat Comfortable?
If your cat has been diagnosed with FIP, it is important to prioritize their comfort and well-being. Here are some tips to help make your cat more comfortable:
Provide a warm, quiet, and safe space for your cat to rest and relax.
Keep your cat hydrated by encouraging them to drink water or by administering subcutaneous fluids as recommended by your veterinarian.
Offer small, frequent meals of a high-quality, easily digestible cat food to maintain your cat's strength and energy.
Keep an eye on your cat's behavior, symptoms, and overall health, and report any changes to your veterinarian.
Provide your cat with love, affection, and attention to help them feel comfortable and secure.
While it can be challenging to care for a cat with FIP, providing them with comfort and support can help improve their quality of life and make their remaining time as comfortable as possible.
How Long Can My Cat Live With Fip?
The prognosis for cats diagnosed with FIP is generally poor, with many cats passing away within weeks to months after diagnosis. The length of time that a cat can live with FIP can vary depending on the type of FIP, as well as the cat's individual immune response and overall health.
Cats with the wet form of FIP tend to have a more rapid decline, often passing away within weeks of diagnosis. On the other hand, cats with the dry form of FIP may live for several months, or even up to a year in some cases.
What Can Be Mistaken for Fip?
The symptoms of FIP can be similar to those of other feline diseases, making it difficult to diagnose. Some conditions that can be mistaken for FIP include:
Toxoplasmosis: a parasitic infection that can cause fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and other symptoms.
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV): a viral infection that can cause anemia, weight loss, and other symptoms similar to those of FIP.
Feline infectious peritonitis-like syndrome (FILS): a condition that can cause similar symptoms to FIP, but is caused by a different virus.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): a condition that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss, and can be mistaken for the gastrointestinal form of FIP.
If your cat is showing symptoms of FIP or any other illness, it's important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
To summarize, FIP is a terrible disease that can be extremely upsetting for both cat owners and their feline companions. You and your veterinarian should work closely together to determine the best treatment options for your cat.