by Nomi Berger
 
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is caused by a coronavirus unique to cats and isn’t contagious to people, dogs or other animals. Spread, in most instances, through contact with feces, this virus typically lives inside a cat’s intestinal tract.
 
The majority of cats are exposed early in their lives to the organism causing FIP -- sometimes from their mothers – and while almost all of them carry the organism, it’s believed less than 5% actually go on to develop FIP. Most cats who develop FIP are between three months and two years of age, although cats of any age can develop it. Not only does the disease require a specific interaction between a cat’s immune system and a mutated form of the organism, but it’s also, sadly, the main reason there’s no reliable diagnostic test for the disease. In fact, FIP is one of the least understood of all cat diseases.
 
Typically diagnosed through a process of elimination, cats suffering from FIP may present with a variety of symptoms from several other conditions such as abdominal tumors, toxoplasmosis or an infection with mycobacterium. To complicate matters further, a cat’s symptoms will also depend on which organ or organs are affected, since FIP can negatively impact the liver, kidneys and pancreas, not to mention other organ systems, ranging from the eyes to the abdomen to the central nervous system.
 
Most infected cats begin exhibiting signs of the illness by eating poorly, running a fever and/or behaving lethargically. There are two forms of FIP: Wet (or effusive): this causes bloating and swelling in the abdomen (ascites) and may also affect the heart and lungs. Cats with this form of the disease may pant and seem sleepy and droopy. Dry (or non-effusive): this usually affects the eyes (many cats will go blind) and causes such neurological symptoms as problems with balance and seizures. Cats with no immune response develop wet FIP, those with a partial immune response develop dry FIP, and some actually show symptoms of both forms of the disease.
 
Respiratory transmission, while possible, is less common. But because the traditional route of infection is contact with infected feces from litter boxes, cats living in a multi-cat household and who may share litter boxes are the ones most at risk. And yet, developing the disease requires a specific interaction between the virus and their immune systems. It’s not uncommon, then, to see one cat die of FIP and the others remain healthy.
 
Although vets can easily diagnose “wet” FIP by drawing a sample of fluid from the affected cat’s abdomen for analysis, other cats may require additional testing to rule out other possible diseases, leaving FIP as the likeliest culprit. And because FIP is almost always fatal and has no specific cure, vets can, at this point, only offer them supportive care. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids (e.g., prednisolone) along with specific drugs that suppress the immune system (e.g., cyclophosphamide) may both extend their lives and improve their quality of life.
 
Several experimental drugs, currently being investigated for use in the battle against FIP and not yet approved by the FDA, include one known as GS441524 or simply GS441. Expensive, stressful for owners and cats, and not always successful, it requires stringent monitoring and dosing for a period of 84 days, and is available in both injectable and pill form. (The costs and dosages vary depending on the weight of the infected cat). The goal is for the cat to remain symptom-free upon completing the treatment for an observation period of another 84 days.
 
While a vaccine for feline coronavirus exists, it has its limitations. First, it’s only approved for kittens older than 16 weeks of age. And second, vaccinating cats in multi-cat households may be ineffectual since feline coronavirus is so common that most of them will be infected by the time they’re old enough to receive it. For these reasons, the American Association of Feline Practitioners does NOT recommend routine usage of the FIP vaccine.

by Nomi Berger
 
Frustrated by your favorite feline peeing outside the litter box? Wondering how to prevent it?
 
Because most cats urinate inappropriately for one of two reasons, medical or behavioral, the first step is a visit to your vet. The vet will perform a thorough physical examination of your cat and collect a urine sample to either rule in or rule out the following medical conditions:
 
Bladder stones: These stones can not only irritate the bladder but block it, and if your vet suspects they’re the cause, x-rays are essential in determining their size and number. While smaller stones may dissolve on a special diet, larger ones may need to be removed surgically. 
 
Idiopathic cystitis: Cystits is an inflammation of the bladder, idiopathic means the cause is unknown, and cats with this condition often have blood in their urine. A urine sample is of utmost importance since the blood is often only detectable microscopically. If your vet finds blood in your cat’s urine with no sign of crystals, stones or bacteria, the likely diagnosis is idiopathic cystitis, and it’s usually treated through dietary changes and environmental enrichment, with pain and anti-anxiety medications often prescribed as well.
 
Metabolic disease: Among the metabolic diseases that may increase your cat’s urination are chronic kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, and thyroid problems. If your cat has been drinking water more and/or you’ve been cleaning her litter box more often, mention this to your vet who may then run some blood work to see if one of the aforementioned issues is the culprit.
 
Urinary tract infections: An inflammatory response in the urinary tract caused by bacteria, UTI’s are treated with antibiotics. Once the antibiotics are finished, vets usually recommend follow-up testing to make certain the infection is gone. When one or more urinary issues are chronic, however, this is referred to as feline lower urinary tract disease or FLUTD. If your cat is diagnosed with FLUTD, your vet may recommend a special urinary diet and/or supplements to support the health of her urinary tract.
 
Urinary problems often lead to urinary obstructions, especially in male cats. If yours is “posturing” to urinate and little or no urine is being eliminated, he may have a blockage or partial obstruction. Because either condition can swiftly become life threatening, bring him to your vet immediately.
 
If, on the other hand, there are no medical reasons for your cat’s inappropriate urination, the cause is, most likely, behavioral. The usual suspects: a dirty or uncomfortable litter box, the location of the litter box or unappealing litter; stress due to the presence of another animal or a new person in your household, and the lingering scent of their own urine long after that soiled area has been cleaned up.
 
Consider, then, these solutions:
- Ensure your cat’s litter box is both comfortable and clean – the larger the better, and if possible, leave it uncovered.
- Place the litter box in a quiet yet accessible area of your home – far from where your cat eats and drinks – and preferably out of sight.
- If yours is a multi-story house, place a litter box on each floor.
- Use a shallow box or place a ramp at the entrance of the litter box to make it easier for older cats to access.
- Use an unscented, scoopable litter that most cats seem to prefer.
- Many vets recommend having two boxes in a single-cat household. Why? Because some cats feel best using one for urine and the other for stool.
- Thoroughly clean any areas where your cat has urinated with an enzymatic cleaner to eliminate all traces of the odor and, hopefully, discourage her from continuing to pee there.
- Last, but certainly not least, make your cat’s environment an enriched and happy one. Add both vertical and horizontal stimulants – from cat trees and wall ledges of varying heights to cat tunnels and puzzle games. Provide her with numerous toys to keep her constructively occupied and set aside some time each day to play, play, play with her.
 
If, however, these environmental changes prove ineffective, your vet may prescribe a medication to reduce her anxiety and stress.