You are excited about the new addition to your family, took her to the vet for a general health check, and then heard the dreaded words: “Your cat tested positive for coronavirus.”

So, what is this infection? How common is it? And how worried should you be?

Rest assured! Chances are, your kitty will be fine.

Feline coronavirus is a very common viral infection, and most cats remain symptom-free for life. Approximately 50–90% of cats test positive for coronavirus, and while some may experience mild diarrhoea, most stay completely healthy. There is a rare possibility, however, that some positive cats develop a fatal disease called feline infectious peritonitis (FIP).

What exactly is FIP?

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a serious disease in cats caused by certain strains of feline coronavirus (FCoV). In rare cases, the virus mutates inside the cat and triggers an abnormal immune response — that’s when FIP develops.
(Important: This virus is not COVID-19 and cannot infect humans.)

Which cats are more at risk of FIP?

Any cat can get FIP, but the risk is higher if your cat is:

Under 2 years old
Living in a multi-cat household, shelter, or breeding colony
A pedigree breed (Ragdolls, British Shorthairs, etc.)
Recently stressed (rehoming, cattery stay, surgery, illness, or meeting new cats)

The virus mainly spreads through cat faeces (shared litter trays), but it can also spread via saliva, grooming, food bowls, and possibly sneezing.

What are the signs and symptoms of FIP?

Early signs are often vague, such as:

Poor appetite
Weight loss
Low energy or lethargy
On-and-off fever
Diarrhoea or vomiting

As it progresses, FIP usually shows up in two main forms (though some cats may have a mix):

Wet (effusive) FIP:

Swollen belly (from fluid)
Trouble breathing (fluid in the chest)
Sticky yellow fluid on testing

Dry (non-effusive) FIP:

Neurological signs (tremors, wobbliness, seizures)
Eye problems (cloudiness, bleeding, squinting)
Yellow gums or skin (jaundice)
Enlarged organs or abdominal lumps

Because these signs overlap with other illnesses (like liver disease or cancer), a veterinary check is essential for diagnosis.

How is FIP diagnosed?

Unfortunately, it is quite difficult to diagnose this disease. There isn’t a single “yes/no” test for FIP. Vets usually combine:

Your cat’s history (young, pedigree, multi-cat home, recent stress)
Blood tests (signs of inflammation, high proteins)
Imaging (X-rays, ultrasound for fluid or organ changes)
Eye and neurological exams
Fluid testing (the sticky yellow fluid is highly suggestive)
Sometimes biopsies

In rare cases, final confirmation only comes after a post-mortem.

Is there treatment for FIP?

Yes – and this is the good news! Until a few years ago, FIP was almost always fatal. But new antiviral medicines have changed everything, with success rates above 85%. Treatment usually includes:

Antivirals (injections and/or tablets for at least 12 weeks — cats often improve within days)
Supportive care (appetite boosters, fluids, pain relief, seizure medication, eye drops if needed)
Hospitalisation (for very sick cats needing intensive care)

If treatment isn’t possible and your cat’s quality of life is very poor, euthanasia may sadly be the kindest choice.

Can FIP be prevented?

There’s no reliable vaccine and no guaranteed way to prevent FIP entirely. Since stress plays a huge role in the development of this disease, you can lower the risks by:

Avoiding overcrowded homes (ideally no more than 4 cats… tell that to Dr Zenya)
Providing one litter tray per cat, plus one extra, and cleaning daily
Keeping food and litter areas separate
Minimising rehoming, cattery stays, or sudden changes
Avoid breeding from cats that have repeated FIP cases in their kittens

Most cats exposed to coronavirus never develop FIP, but good hygiene and stress reduction can help.

When should I call the vet?

See your vet promptly if your cat shows:

Ongoing fever, low appetite, or lethargy
Swollen belly or breathing difficulties
Neurological issues (tremors, seizures, wobbliness)
Eye changes (cloudiness, bleeding, squinting)

Trust your instincts — you know your cat best. If something feels wrong, don’t wait; call Panacea vets and book an appointment with one of our awesome vets.