Signs of Feline Infectious Peritonitis


Disclamer: This page is not to be used as a substitute for your own Veterinarian's adivce for your pet. I am not a veterinarian and I do not pretend to be one. Below is a compendium of information that I have collected from several sources. Some of these sources have links at the bottom of this page Please visit these sites for a more information. This page is intended to be a reference source only. This page is not intended to replace your own veterinarian's diagnosis. If after reading the descriptions below, you think your kitty may have FIP you should consult your veterinarian for further evaluation.



Initial exposure:

With the first exposure to the FIP virus most cats do not show any obvious signs of inection. Some cats may develop a mild upper respiratory infection that may present with:


  1. Sneezing


  2. Watery eyes


  3. Watery nasal discharge



Onset of symptoms:

  1. Intermittant loss of appetite


  2. Depression


  3. Changes in fur or coat texture


  4. Weight Loss


  5. Fever




Lethal Onset:

There are two types of FIP Effusive or "wet" and noneffusive or "dry". there also combinations of both.

Effusive (wet):

  1. The most common sign is the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen and/or chest


  2. This accumulation of fluid causes Respiratory difficulty.



Noneffusive (dry):

Onset of symptoms is usually slower tha effusive FIP.

    Fluid accumulation (usually less than the effusive form of FIP)

  1. Weight loss


  2. Depresson


  3. Anemia


  4. Fever


  5. Kidney Failure


  6. Liver Failure (jaudice)


  7. Vomiting


  8. Diarrhea


  9. Diabetes


  10. Neurologic changes (loss of balance,behavioral changes, paralysis, seizures)


  11. Eye disease (usually in the form of inflammation or blindness)

Note: These symptoms may occur in various combinations.



Please note: These symptoms are not meant to provide a diagnosis. This can only be provided by a veterinarian.










This page updated: june 18, 1999


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