Virus still poses risk for kitties

Bernhard Pukay, The Province
Published: Sunday, December 04, 2005

Q: Three years ago, I bought a female calico cat at a pet store. After a year, I got a second cat, a male. Six months after I got the second cat, my calico was diagnosed with FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis) and I had to put her down. My male also tested positive for FIP and the vet said I could never get a second cat.

It has been a year since my calico cat has passed away and my male cat has absolutely no signs of FIP. Does he still have it?

A: Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a serious viral disease that affects only cats. It can cause disease within two weeks of exposure but can also remain dormant in some cats for months and even years.

Most cats exposed to the virus show no obvious clinical signs. Some may experience mild upper respiratory signs (sneezing, runny eyes, clear nasal discharge) or mild gastrointestinal disease. Most cats recover.

Because various body systems can be affected, clinical signs of FIP can be quite variable. Non-specific signs may include fever, gradual loss of appetite and weight loss that lasts for several weeks.

Cats with FIP are infectious to other cats during the initial two-to-four-week period immediately following infection. It is at this time that large numbers of viruses are shed in the saliva and feces. After this stage, the virus becomes inactive within the cat and the cat does not show any signs of disease.

This stage may last for several months or even years. If during this time, the cat becomes stressed in any way, virus-shedding may occur and any cat exposed may get the disease.

My advice is to have your cat retested. If the test is once again positive, you run the risk you could be dealing with FIP. If your cat tests negative, you are safe to adopt as many cats as you care to.

Dr. Bernhard Pukay is an Ottawa vet.
© The Vancouver Province 2005