What is FIP (feline infectious peritonitis) in cats?
FIP is an uncommon but severe disease which is most often diagnosed in young cats (less than 2 years old). It is caused by an infection with feline coronavirus. It’s important to note that this is different from the coronavirus that infects people and leads to COVID-19. Feline coronavirus infection is very common, and in most cats, it only causes mild signs. However, in rare cases, the virus mutates and interacts with the immune system to cause FIP.
A mutated feline coronavirus can trigger feline infectious peritonitis, so before we get to the specifics of the FIP disease in cats, let’s look at what the feline coronavirus is and how your pet might get it.