# From Challenge to Cure: A Look at Feline Infectious Peritonitis and Emerging Treatment Strategies and Breakthroughs

**Authors:** Sheema Mir, Mykah Peters, Gloria Penny, Alexis Agsaoa, Mohammad Mir

PMC · DOI: 10.3390/vetsci12070650 · 2025-07-08

## TL;DR

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a deadly disease in cats caused by a mutated coronavirus, and this review highlights the need for better detection, treatment, and prevention strategies.

## Contribution

This review emphasizes the gaps in FIP understanding and the urgent need for improved diagnostics and therapies.

## Key findings

- FIP is caused by a mutated form of feline coronavirus, which is usually harmless.
- Current diagnostic and treatment options for FIP are limited and require further research.
- The review highlights the importance of continued research to improve FIP outcomes.

## Abstract

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a deadly disease that affects cats and is caused by a mutation of feline coronavirus, a virus that many cats carry without ever falling seriously ill. In rare cases, the virus changes inside the cat’s body and leads to FIP, which is often fatal. This article looks at how FIP develops, how it spreads between cats, and why it is so hard to diagnose. It also covers the current tools and treatments available to help cats with FIP, though they are still limited. The review emphasizes how much more we need to learn about this disease and highlights the importance of research in finding better ways to detect, treat, and hopefully prevent FIP in the future.

Background: Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a complex and devastating viral disease in cats caused by feline coronavirus (FCoV). While FCoV is commonly encountered and typically innocuous, the emergence of a mutated variant can lead to the development of FIP, a severe and often fatal condition. Method and Results: This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the etiological factors, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and challenges associated with FIP. Additionally, it underscores the critical need for further research to enhance diagnostic capabilities and develop effective therapeutic interventions. Conclusion: By shedding light on the intricate dynamics of FIP, this review paper aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the disease via fostering therapeutic advancements that can improve outcomes for afflicted felines.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** Feline infectious peritonitis (MONDO:0025491)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** viral disease (MESH:D014777), FIP (MESH:D016766)
- **Species:** Feline coronavirus (no rank) [taxon 12663], Felis catus (cat, species) [taxon 9685]

## Figures

1 figure with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12299834/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12299834