Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a severe and often fatal disease affecting cats worldwide. Cat owners often wonder if this complex feline illness can be transmitted to humans.
Is FIP Transmissible to Humans?
FIP is not transmissible from cats to humans. The virus responsible, feline-specific coronavirus (FCoV), has evolved to infect only felines. It cannot infect human cells because they lack the necessary receptors. Therefore, direct contact with an FIP-affected cat or its bodily fluids poses no health risk to people.
Understanding Feline Infectious Peritonitis
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a severe feline disease stemming from the common, usually mild, feline enteric coronavirus (FCoV). Most FCoV-infected cats show no symptoms or only mild gastrointestinal upset. However, in a small percentage, the virus mutates internally, transforming into the FIP-causing strain and leading to systemic disease. FIP manifests in two main forms: effusive (“wet”) FIP, characterized by fluid accumulation in body cavities, and non-effusive (“dry”) FIP, involving inflammatory lesions on organs. Common signs include persistent fever, lethargy, appetite loss, and weight loss. Neurological or ocular changes may occur in dry FIP.
How FIP Spreads Among Cats
The feline enteric coronavirus (FCoV), which is the precursor to FIP, is highly contagious among cats. Transmission primarily occurs through the fecal-oral route, meaning cats can ingest the virus through contact with contaminated feces. This often happens in multi-cat environments through shared litter boxes, mutual grooming, or using contaminated food and water bowls. FCoV can survive in the environment for several weeks, contributing to its ease of spread. While FCoV spreads easily, the mutated FIP-causing virus is generally not shed in significant amounts by cats with active FIP, meaning FIP itself is not considered directly contagious from cat to cat.
Preventing FIP in Cats
Preventing FIP in cats largely focuses on minimizing exposure to the common feline enteric coronavirus (FCoV). Maintaining stringent hygiene practices is important, including daily cleaning of litter boxes and regular disinfection of food and water bowls. Reducing stress in households with multiple cats can also help, as stress can potentially weaken a cat’s immune system. Managing cat populations to avoid overcrowding can significantly decrease the risk of FCoV transmission. While an FIP vaccine exists, its efficacy is considered limited, and it is typically recommended only for specific high-risk situations after consultation with a veterinarian.