FIP Virus.?

Question

I just tried checking out some information on the FIP virus on the net, but I got way too many different answers. I adopted my cat Prince a couple weeks ago, from our local SPCA. I just found out that one of the cats that was housed with Prince died from it.. I am so scared for my little boy! Is it very contagious or contagious at all? This cat was adopted out in November, and he was diagnosed last week with FIP and died shortly after. I'm scared my little boy is going to get this. Since Prince and "Thomas" (cats name) were housed together for several months. Does anyone have some information on it?

Thank you so much, I was quite worried. The way a girl explained it to me today I thought my poor Kitty was in for it. Thanks for the encouragement!

Answer 1

It is actually the corona virus that causes FIP. The test for FIP only tests for exposure to the corona virus. It is more common in litters...meaning that if one in a litter hhas it, the other are at a VERY higher risk. I have had several kittens die from FIP over the last few years, and all of them had contact with my cats. I also had other kittens that had been housed with these kittens and they so far have had no problem.
Our shelter rescued a bunch of Siamese years ago. There were 30 adults taken and four litters. One entire litter died of FIP over a 13 month time frame. No other cats or kittens were affected.
Sometimes you vets are not sure it is FIP and are just making the "best guess". Just because they test positive for the corona virus, it does not mean they have FIP.

http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/brochures/fip.html

The Cornell site is pretty helpful. I have had several of my kittens go there for treatment/diagnosis. even Cornell will rarely commit to a diagnosis of FIP. It is very hard to confirm.

We can never be sure as you know, but to this day, all of mine are fine and all the other Siamese from the rescue are too!!! I still do not hesitate to bring home a kitten with "suspected FIP".
It is a HORRID disease!!!!! Too bad there is no cure!!!!!

Enjoy Prince!!!!!!!