FIP Prevention in Cats

A Comprehensive Guide to Lowering Feline Coronavirus Risks

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal, systemic inflammatory disease caused by mutations of the feline coronavirus (FCoV). While FCoV is widespread in cats, not all infected individuals develop FIP. According to Addie et al. (2009), factors such as viral load, host immunity, and environmental stress play a major role in triggering the disease. Fortunately, FIP risk can be significantly reduced through science-based preventive strategies.

1. Reducing FCoV Infection Rates

Maintain Hygiene

FCoV is primarily transmitted via the fecal–oral route. Key hygiene measures include:

• Clean litter boxes daily

• Use enclosed litter boxes if possible

• Change litter every 1–2 days

• Disinfect floors, food and water bowls regularly with diluted bleach (1:32)

FCoV can survive in cat litter for more than 7 days at room temperature (Addie et al., 2003).

Limit Group Housing

Larger cat populations correlate with higher FCoV transmission. Recommended practices:

• Separate FCoV-positive from negative cats

• Do not allow kittens to share litter boxes or feeding tools with adults

• One litter box per cat is ideal; keep cat density under 3 cats per 20m²

2. Minimize Mutation Risk

Stress Management

FIP is often triggered during periods of stress (e.g., moving, surgery, new environment). Avoid:

• Frequent bathing, relocation, or social disruption

• Introducing new cats without a proper 2-week quarantine

• Sudden changes in environment or feeding routine

Stress weakens immunity, increasing the chance of FCoV mutation (Riemer et al., 2016).

Immune Support

• Add lactoferrin or probiotics to the diet to support gut immunity

• Monitor high-risk cats (e.g., chronic FCoV shedders) for AGP or A:G ratio

• Keep vaccinations up-to-date

• Note: There is currently no proven effective FIP vaccine.

3. Prevent Vertical Transmission & Protect Kittens

• Pregnant FCoV-positive queens should be isolated during pregnancy and nursing

• Kittens should remain with the queen in isolation for at least 8 weeks

• Avoid rehoming or introducing kittens under 3 months into high-risk environments

4. Laboratory Screening & Monitoring

5. Current Status of FIP Vaccination

The only commercial FIP vaccine, Primucell-FIP® (by Fort Dodge, USA), is a modified-live intranasal vaccine. However, the ABCD (Advisory Board on Cat Diseases) does not recommend its routine use, because:

• Protection is limited to cats with no prior exposure

• Vaccination may interfere with diagnostic testing

• Efficacy in high-exposure environments is questionable

6. Summary

Although FIP is not entirely preventable, proper management of hygiene, stress, and viral exposure can dramatically lower its incidence. This is especially important in multi-cat households, catteries, and shelters.

Multi-dimensional monitoring + Scientific control + Veterinary oversight = Best FIP prevention

References

1. Addie DD, et al. Feline coronavirus infections. ABCD Guidelines. J Feline Med Surg. 2009.

2. Pedersen NC. A review of feline infectious peritonitis virus infection: 1963–2008. J Feline Med Surg. 2009;11(4):225–258.

3. Riemer F, et al. Clinical and laboratory features of cats with FIP. Vet Microbiol. 2016;183:183–190.

4. ABCD. FIP Prevention Guidelines. European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases. 2022.