FIP in Cats: What Owners in Cyprus Should Know

FIP is a serious disease in cats, and many owners in Cyprus have been worried about it, especially since the big outbreak in 2023. The good news is that today there is treatment that helps many cats get better.

What is FIP?

FIP (feline infectious peritonitis) starts with a very common virus, the feline coronavirus. Most cats that carry this virus never get seriously ill, maybe just a little diarrhoea. In some cats, though, the virus changes inside the body and becomes dangerous. That is what we call FIP.

The feline coronavirus is not the same as the human coronavirus, and people cannot catch it from cats.

What happened in Cyprus in 2023?

In 2023 Cyprus had a large FIP outbreak. It started in Nicosia early in the year and spread across the island within a few months. Experts believe a new, more aggressive type of the virus was behind it, so many more cats became ill than usual, both pets and street cats. Since then many owners have been more careful, and that is a good thing.

Which cats are most at risk?

• Young cats, usually under two years old
• Cats living in homes or colonies with many cats
• Cats under stress, for example after a house move or a new cat at home

What are the signs?

FIP is often described in two forms, called wet and dry. In the wet form, fluid builds up in the belly or chest. In the dry form there is no fluid, but organs, eyes or nerves are affected. The most common signs are:

• A fever that does not go down with antibiotics
• A swollen belly
• Weight loss and poor appetite
• Tiredness and hiding
• Yellow gums or yellow eyes
• Changes in the eyes, such as cloudiness or a different colour
• Wobbly walking in some cats

If you notice any of these, book an appointment without waiting.

How is it diagnosed?

There is no single simple test that says for sure "this cat has FIP". The vet puts several pieces together:

• The cat's age, history and physical exam
• Blood tests
• Ultrasound, to check for fluid and look at the organs
• Testing the fluid, if there is any
• Sometimes a special PCR test

At Vet to Pet, blood tests are done in the clinic, and we have ultrasound and an AI digital microscope, so we can move quickly.

Is there treatment?

Yes. In the past, FIP was almost always fatal. Today there are antiviral medicines that help many cats recover. Treatment lasts several weeks and needs regular check-ups with the vet.

Can my other cats catch it?

The common feline coronavirus passes easily from cat to cat, mainly through faeces and shared litter trays. This does not mean every cat in the house will get FIP. Most will never become ill. But if one of your cats has FIP, watch the others for fever, tiredness or weight loss, and clean the litter trays more often.

If your cat is on treatment

• Give the treatment exactly as the vet explains, and do not stop early
• Weigh your cat regularly, because the dose changes with weight
• Come to the check-ups for blood tests and ultrasound
• Keep your cat in a quiet, warm place with food and water close by

Many cats start to look better within a few days, but the full course must be finished.

Can we prevent it?

There is no way to rule it out completely, but you can lower the risk:

• Clean litter trays every day
• Have enough litter trays, so many cats do not share one
• Keep your cat's life calm, with a steady routine and quiet hiding spots
• When you bring home a new cat, keep it apart for a few days and bring it in for a check
• Have regular check-ups, so we find problems early

This article is for information only and does not replace an examination by a vet. If you are worried about your pet, please contact us.