Is FIP Contagious?

Is FIP Contagious in Multi-Cat Environments? The short answer is "NO."

In a multi-cat environment, separating cats makes tracking how much the FIP cat is eating and their specific litter box habits easier. Typically, a cat is more stressed when separated from their housemates. Many people with multiple cats, where one has FIP, will allow all the cats to remain together. A viable option is to feed the FIP cat separately from the other cats, at least at the beginning of treatment, to observe eating patterns accurately.

95% of cats have been or will be exposed to (and would test positive for) the feline coronavirus (FeCOV). A small percentage of those with FeCOV will mutate and develop FIP. Dr. Pedersen doesn't believe FIP is horizontally transmissible from one kitty to another, meaning it isn't contagious. It's essential to clean litter boxes daily to avoid FeCOV transmission.

FCoV is transmitted through the fecal-oral route, and it's common for cats to become exposed in multi-cat households, shelters, feral colonies, or catteries. Most cats that contract FCoV will NOT develop FIP. The virus must undergo a mutation within the cat to cause FIP. The mutation is not shed enough to pose a risk to other cats.

Since FCoV IS contagious, it's essential to use good hygiene practices, minimize stress, and manage existing infections to reduce FCoV transmission and potential FIP.

Dr Pedersen has answered questions about multiple cat environments and the shedding of coronavirus, including not using GS441524 to eliminate Feline Enteric Coronavirus! NOT all FECV mutates into the FIPV! The misuse of antivirals can cause drug resistance.

Dr. Pedersen doesn't believe exposing a cured FIP cat to a coronavirus-positive cat will cause a relapse in the cured FIP cat, but that it's theoretically possible.