FIP Cat eats a lot: causes and consequences explained

Have you noticed that your cat has been eating a lot more than usual lately?
This could be a warning sign, especially if it is a cat that may have FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis).

Increased appetite may occur in FIP, although this is not one of the classic symptoms.
In this blog post, you will learn all about FIP ​​in cats, its symptoms, diagnostic methods, treatment options and how you can best protect your cat.

What is FIP in cats?

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a serious and often fatal viral disease that affects cats. It is caused by a mutation of the feline coronavirus, which is normally relatively harmless. However, when the virus mutates, it can attack the cat's immune system and cause severe inflammation. This disease can affect all cats, but young and immunocompromised cats are especially susceptible.

The disease presents itself in two main forms: the wet form and the dry form. Both forms are characterized by inflammation that can affect different organs. The wet form often leads to fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity, while the dry form is characterized by granulomatous inflammation in organs such as the kidneys, liver or brain. These inflammations can lead to a wide range of symptoms that greatly affect the cat's well-being.

How do cats become infected with FIP?

Infection with the feline coronavirus (FCoV), which causes FIP, occurs mainly through contact with infected feces. This is particularly a risk in environments with many cats, such as animal shelters or multi-cat households. The viruses can also be transmitted through contaminated objects such as food bowls or litter boxes. It is important to understand that not every infection with the coronavirus leads to FIP; the disease only develops after a mutation of the virus in the cat's body.

In addition to transmission through feces, there are other ways in which cats can become infected with the virus:

• Direct contact with infected animals, especially through nose and mouth contact.
• Transmission by people who have been in contact with infected cats and carry the virus on their hands or clothes.

Although contagious, not all exposure to the virus results in disease. The cat's immune system plays a crucial role in the development of FIP after infection.

Wet vs. dry form of FIP

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) occurs in two main forms: wet and dry. The wet form of FIP is characterized by the accumulation of fluid in body cavities such as the abdomen. This fluid accumulation can lead to peritonitis and affect breathing and other vital functions. The wet form is often easier to recognize due to visible symptoms such as a swollen abdomen.

In contrast, the dry form of FIP does not usually show obvious fluid accumulation. Instead, it is inflammation in various organs characterized by granulomatous changes. These can occur anywhere in the body, including the eyes, brain, and abdominal organs. Although less obvious, the dry form can cause serious symptoms, such as:

• weight loss
• behavioral changes
• Neurological deficits

The diagnosis of this form is often more complex because the symptoms are varied and do not always directly indicate FIP.

Recognizing Symptoms of FIP in Cats

If you suspect your cat may have Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), it is important to recognize the symptoms early . Some of the most common signs include:

• fever , which is often difficult to control
• Diarrhea and vomiting , which can lead to dehydration
• Weight loss and decreased appetite despite normal or increased food intake

These symptoms may initially appear nonspecific and are often difficult to distinguish from other diseases.

The wet form of FIP often results in an increase in the abdominal girth due to fluid retention, which can cause severe pain. The dry form, on the other hand, is characterized by granulomatous inflammation in organs, which can lead to other symptoms such as eye inflammation and neurological abnormalities . Both forms of the disease can significantly affect your cat's well-being, so it is crucial to see a veterinarian at the first signs.

Diagnosis of FIP in cats

Diagnosing FIP in cats is often difficult and requires a combination of different tests. Since there is no single test method that allows a reliable diagnosis, veterinarians must resort to a series of diagnostic tests. These include blood tests, which particularly analyse the albumin-globulin ratio and the total protein value. Another important method is the Rivalta test, which tests for the presence of FIP-typical fluid in the abdominal cavity. This fluid is usually yellowish and stringy and usually contains a lot of protein but few cells.

In addition to blood tests and the Rivalta test, a diagnostic laparotomy can be performed, in which the abdomen is opened and samples are taken for histopathological examination. The PCR (polymerase chain reaction) technique also allows the detection of specific mutations of the coronavirus responsible for FIP. Although a positive PCR result can be a strong indicator of FIP, a negative result does not completely rule out the disease. Therefore, it is crucial to consider all available test results together with the cat's clinical signs to make a reliable diagnosis.

Treatment options for FIP

The treatment of Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) has made significant progress through the development of new drugs. One of the most promising drugs is GS-441524, an antiviral drug specifically developed for the treatment of FIP. This drug has shown high success rates in studies and offers hope for affected cats and their owners. Treatment with GS-441524 must be carried out daily for a period of 12 weeks , and initial improvements are often visible after just a few days.

In addition to GS-441524, Remdesivir is also being discussed as a treatment option for FIP. Although originally developed to treat Ebola, Remdesivir has shown positive effects in treating FIP in some cases. However, the selection and use of these medications should always be done in consultation with a veterinarian to ensure that the best possible treatment is chosen for the cat's specific situation. It is important that cat owners are patient when treating FIP and work closely with their veterinarian to minimize stress on the animal.

Vaccinations against FIP: Useful or not?

The availability and effectiveness of vaccinations against Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) are topics that are often discussed among veterinarians and cat owners. In Germany, a local, intranasal vaccine is available, but its effectiveness is controversial. Many expert committees are of the opinion that vaccination against FIP ​​is not recommended due to the limited protective effect. The effectiveness of the vaccination is questionable , as it is ineffective in cats that have already had contact with coronaviruses.

The decision as to whether vaccination against FIP ​​is advisable should therefore always be made individually and in consultation with an experienced veterinarian. The following points should be taken into account:

• The cat's medical history : Cats that have already had contact with the coronavirus will not benefit from vaccination.
• The cat's environment : In multi-cat households or animal shelters, the infection pressure may be higher.
• The age and health of the cat : Young and immunocompromised cats are particularly susceptible to FIP.

Ultimately, the decision depends largely on the specific circumstances and the risk of FIP infection.

Life expectancy in cats with FIP

The life expectancy of cats diagnosed with FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis) varies greatly and depends on several factors, including the type of FIP and when it was diagnosed. Generally speaking, without treatment, cats have a very limited life expectancy, which can range from a few days to a few months. The main forms of FIP, the wet and dry forms, also affect lifespan. The wet form often leads to more rapid and severe symptoms, which can significantly shorten life expectancy.

Despite the bleak outlook, there is hope through new treatments that may improve the quality and duration of life of FIP cats. The introduction of antiviral drugs such as GS-441524 has shown high success rates in trials, and many cats show significant improvement after starting treatment. Key points that affect life expectancy include:

• Early detection and immediate treatment : The earlier FIP is detected and treated, the better the chances of survival.
• Type of treatment : The use of antiviral drugs can prolong life.
• General condition of the cat : Stronger and younger cats often have a better chance of surviving treatment.

When should you visit the vet?

If you notice your cat exhibiting symptoms such as persistent fever, loss of appetite, or unusual apathy , do not hesitate to seek veterinary attention. These signs may indicate FIP or other serious conditions. It is especially important to act quickly if your cat is young or has a history of immune problems. An early vet visit can be crucial to getting the right diagnosis and treatment.

In addition to the obvious symptoms, there are other reasons why you should see a veterinarian:

• Your cat shows behavioral changes such as sudden aggression or withdrawal.
• You notice physical changes such as a swollen stomach or weight loss.
• Your cat is having difficulty breathing or showing other signs of discomfort. These symptoms may indicate the wet form of FIP, which requires immediate medical attention.

Protect your cat with Flappies smart flap

Did you know that Flappie 's smart cat flap not only keeps your home clean, but can also help protect your cat's health? Prey detection using a camera and AI technology prevents your cat from bringing prey such as birds or mice into the house. This is especially important because such prey can transmit diseases that could affect your cat's health.

The Flappie cat flap also offers selective access control , which ensures that only your cat and no other unwanted animals can enter. In addition, the Flappie app offers the possibility to monitor your cat's behavior:

• Push notifications inform you when your cat tries to come home with prey.
• Videos and statistics give you insights into your cat's daily behavior.

These features help you to actively monitor your cat's health and well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a cat with FIP feel pain?

Yes, cats with FIP can experience pain, especially in the wet form of the disease, which causes fluid to build up in the abdomen. This buildup can lead to peritonitis and severe pain. The dry form can also cause pain due to inflammation in various organs.