Feline infectious peritonitis is a viral disease that is fatal in most cases. Although it can affect any cat, it usually occurs in kittens and cats older than 10 years old. The disease rarely affect cats that are between three and ten years old.

Cause

Feline infectious peritonitis is caused by a virus known as feline coronavirus. Most strains of this virus aren’t harmful, but certain strains can cause disease. Only a small number of cats infected with the coronavirus will actually develop feline infectious peritonitis. The virus is normally transmitted via exposure to feces and saliva of infected cats. Your cat can also be exposed to the virus from bedding and food and water dishes.

Symptoms

After being exposed to a harmful strain of the coronavirus, your cat may not show symptoms for months or years. There are two forms of the feline infectious peritonitis referred to as wet and dry. Cats with the wet form will initially show symptoms such as fever, weight loss, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Since feline infectious peritonitis can affect many different organs, other symptoms will depend on which organ has been affected.

If affected with the dry form of feline infectious peritonitis, your cat will display the initial symptoms of the wet form. Also, your cat may develop anemia which will cause pale gums. Fluid will also accumulate in the abdomen which will cause your cat to appear pot-bellied. If fluid accumulates in the chest, your cat may have trouble breathing.

Treatment

Unfortunately, there is no cure for feline infectious peritonitis. Most cats with the wet form of the disease die within a few months of showing symptoms. The dry form progresses more slowly so cats will live longer. Treatment of feline infectious peritonitis consists of supportive care which will help your cat live a little more comfortably.

Supportive care involves proper nutrition, fluid therapy, and draining of accumulated fluid in the chest or abdomen. If your cat is suffering from severe anemia, blood transfusions may be needed. Antibiotics can also be used to prevent secondary infections that can occur as a result of the feline infectious peritonitis.

Prevention

There is a vaccine available that is designed to prevent feline infectious peritonitis. This vaccine, which is up to 75% effective, can be used in cats that are at least four months old. However, vaccination has a few risks in addition to the benefits, so you will need to weigh them with your veterinarian. In most cases, the vaccine is only given to cats that routinely come into contact with wild cats. The vaccine for feline infectious peritonitis will also be recommended for cats that live in a household with another cat that has had the disease.