The main remedy for Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is antiviral medication, primarily GS-441524 (often given orally) or its prodrug Remdesivir (given by injection), which target the FIP virus, dramatically improving survival rates from a previously fatal disease. Treatment involves several months of medication, sometimes with initial intravenous Remdesivir followed by oral GS-441524, plus supportive care like fluid therapy, with high success rates reported, especially with early intervention, though availability and legality can vary by region.
A low to moderate dosage of prednisolone or prednisone (starting at 2 mg/kg, orally, once a day for two weeks and then 0.5-1 mg/kg indefinitely), coupled with a diet high in animal protein (e.g., 1/2 cooked chicken, turkey or rabbit and 1/2 a favorite commercial cat food) and a lot of personal care, is the simplest and ...
Until recently, there was no effective treatment for feline infectious peritonitis. However, therapies have now been developed that are effective for feline infectious peritonitis. Remdesivir and GS-441524 are two treatment options that have shown promise in treating FIP well, but they are not yet widely available.
In Australia, the tablets come with a 50mg concentration. The cost is currently $600 for 10 x 50mg tablets. The cost to treat a 2.5kg cat with effusive FIP for 12 weeks with GS-441524 (25mg per day or HALF a 50mg tablet) requires approximately 42 tablets at a cost of approximately $2500.
Without treatment, if your cat has been diagnosed with wet FIP, they will sadly pass away often within 2 weeks of diagnosis. If your cat has been diagnosed with dry FIP, your cat may survive a few months. The outlook with anti-viral medication is good.
FIP is caused by a coronavirus that spreads through cat poop, saliva, and shared litter boxes. Dry FIP causes your cat to have inflamed organs and possibly seizures. Wet FIP triggers a buildup of fluid in your cat's chest or abdomen. If the fluid buildup is in your cat's chest, they may have breathing problems.
Total cost of 12-week treatment (neurological FIP) using 30mg/ml vials: $3,500 to $4,500 USD. Medium cat (6 kg/13.2 lbs): Total cost of 12-week treatment (wet/dry FIP) using 30mg/ml vials: $3,570 to $4,760 USD. Total cost of 12-week treatment (neurological FIP) using 30mg/ml vials: $4,760 to $5,800 USD.
In most cases of feline diabetes, insulin is the preferred treatment. 1 However, it may be possible to treat diabetes in cats without insulin. Some diabetic cats will respond to low-carbohydrate diets or oral medications that help control blood sugar.
FELV, FIV, and FIP are commonly all mistaken for feline AIDS. Although these diseases can have similar symptoms and are viral diseases, they are very different from each other. Because they can be asymptomatic, it is important to test each new cat or kitten that is being brought into your household for FELV and FIV.
Only a trained professional such as a vet can fit your cat with a microchip. You can arrange an appointment at your local vet. Some animal charities and organisations also offer microchipping. Some will offer it free of charge.
It is not recommended to euthanize a cat, even with FIP, as long as it looks and acts fairly normal. Miracles do happen, but they can't happen unless they are provided time to happen. However, some owners choose to end suffering at an earlier stage, given the grave prognosis.
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a painful, previously untreatable disease that causes the immune system to overreact. It impacts a number of crucial organ systems, and has almost always been fatal. But over the past few years, thousands of cats have been cured of FIP with a newly-approved antiviral drug.
However, seizures were significantly more frequent in animals with marked extension of the inflammatory lesions to the forebrain (P=0.038). Thus, the occurrence of seizures in FIP indicates extensive brain damage and can, therefore, be considered to be an unfavourable prognostic sign.
Steamed chicken is a great choice for cats infected with FIP. It's high in protein, low in fat, easy to digest, and packed with essential nutrients. Just remember not to add any seasoning whatsoever. Also, shred the chicken into thin strips to make it easier for your cat to eat.
The top "silent killers" in cats are Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), often going undetected until 75% kidney failure, and Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), which damages organs without obvious signs until blindness or seizures occur, notes Muirfield Animal Hospital, Pet Health Network, www.springwoodvets.com.au, Close Veterinary Clinic, Killarney Animal Hospital, Physicians Mutual Insurance, Sykesville Veterinary Clinic, Mona Vale Veterinary Hospital, Nimbus Pet Hospital, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Covetrus North America, ASPCA Pet Insurance and PetCareRx. Other serious conditions include Hyperthyroidism, Heart Disease (like HCM), and Fatty Liver Disease (Hepatic Lipidosis).
Signs That a Cat is in Pain
Litter box accidents, urinating outside of their litterbox. Tail flicking. Won't eat or reduced appetite. Limping.
While FIV is related to HIV in humans, there's no way that the cat virus can cross between species and infect people. FIV only affects cats, cannot be transmitted to non-felines.
However, in Australia the incidence in Maine Coons is higher accounting for around 7-10% reported to the Australia and New Zealand FIP Warriors page. Rescue cats are prone to develop FIP due to the stress the cat/kitten undergoes in its life prior to re-homing.
Meet the cats who have overcome FIP, Feline Infectious Peritonitis. These cats and their caregivers have incredible stories of survival after facing a once-incurable disease. Over 15,000 cats have already been treated.
Use a veterinarian in a less expensive area or look for a community or shelter clinic in your area that offers discounted services for animals of the public. Check out local veterinary colleges. Some operate low-cost clinics for limited income clients.
Transdermal Gels: For some cats, transdermal gels are a great alternative to insulin injections for managing diabetes. Medication is applied to the cat's ear skin, allowing for the absorption of the medication without the need for injections.
How can I help my cat at home if they're hypoglycaemic?
Keeping cats as healthy as possible, including preventing infection by other viruses such as feline leukemia virus and calicivirus by appropriate vaccination, where indicated, is likely to decrease the likelihood of FIP. Litter boxes should be kept clean and located away from food and water dishes.
Cats with FIP can show in a variety of ways as the disease can affect any organ in the body. The most common signs are lethargy/tiredness, eating less and losing weight, and a high temperature.
A compounded oral remdesivir preparation (capsule form) has been used successfully to treat cats with FIP when GS-441524 was not available, for example in New Zealand (Renner et al., 2025). Molnupiravir (EIDD-2801) is another nucleoside analogue that inhibits viral replication and is metabolised into EIDD-1931 (NHC).