Feline Infectious
Peritonitis is one of the most misunderstood feline diseases.
As
a responsible breeder I have found that the possibility of FIP
developing in any kitten placed in a pet home is worthy of
discussion with prospective pet buyers, especially in view of
the seemingly unknown random way FIP continues to choose its
victims, breeders cannot predict. Much has been learned about
FIP over the few past years. Breeders are coming together
through the Orion Foundation, Winn feline foundation and other
groups to help each other deal with the emotional and all the uncertainties created by FIP.
FIP is a mutation
from a harmless common corona virus (FEVC) that is found in
about 90% of cats in catteries. The majority of cats
with FECV (about 95% or more) remain healthy. There are
thousands of FEVC strains and they are as common as the common
cold in humans and dirt.
FIP occurs when the
common form of FEVC mutates into FIP. Recent research has shown
that mutant FECVs arise within an individual cat. Thus, we now
know that the vast majority of cats do not "catch" FIP, but they
develop it themselves from their own mutant FECV. Transmission
of FIP from cat to cat is considered to be rare. This fact has
caused leading FIP researchers to state that cats who are ill
with FIP are unlikely to be a risk to other cats and thus do not
need to be isolated
To date there are no
test for breeders to know what cats are susceptible to
producing kittens
that may go onto develop FIP in the future. There is no
laboratory test that can guarantee that any cat is free of FIP. So for breeders there
is no way to predict, or guarantee your kitten or cat will not develop FIP.
FIP is almost always
fatal to cats. This is why I think
it's important for kitten buyers to beware of the risk and
understand FIP before purchasing a kitten or cat.
FIP affects ALL
BREEDS OF CATS and can affect ANY BREEDER.
Here I have added
some valuable links on this topic for future pet owners.
Education is key in awareness of FIP.
