Cats diagnosed with FIP(feline infectious peritonitis) do not appear to be very contagious to cats that they come in contact with. Although this has been based mainly on clinical observations, it has also been confirmed by laboratory studies. Contact transmission has not been observed in experimental settings.

While FIP not as contagious as some other feline diseases, but FIP  virus is still highly infectious and cat owner should be aware of the potential risks.

In comparison to other infectious diseases that cats may be vulnerable to, FIP has a lower likelihood of transmission. Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is caused by infection with feline coronavirus (FCoV).

It should be noted that FIP does not affect all cats even when exposed; factors like age, breed, genetics, stress levels and a number of others influence how likely they are prone to developing the disease after exposure.

Types of FIP Viruses

Feline infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is caused by two distinct viruses, the feline enteric coronavirus (FECV) and the feline coronavirus type 2 (FCoV).

FECV is a highly infectious virus associated with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). It can be shed in the feces of infected cats, and transmission mostly occurs through direct contact with these secretions or surfaces containing them.

FCoV is an infectious viral pathogen. Although FCoV is a relatively common cause of mild and self-limiting gastrointestinal illness in cats, it can be shed intermittently by infected cats over several months or even years. FCoV is most often spread through direct contact between two cats with the symptomless carrier passing on the disease unknowingly to another cat.

How is FIP transmitted?

FIP is typically spread through direct contact, indirect contact, fecal-oral route, and respiratory droplets.

Learn more to better understand how your cat can be affected and take precautions!

• Direct Contact

Direct contact is the simplest and most common way for cats to contract FIP. Through direct contact, such as sorting and sharing food bowls or trash cans with each other.

In addition, it can also be connected through closer physical interactions, such as hugging owners who have recently come into contact with cats known to carry FCOV.

Another important factor is that sneezing droplets spread FCOV from one cat to another. Although this mode of transmission is less common compared to other infections, it is still one of the ways of transmission between animals.

Therefore, pet owners must train their pets to develop correct hygiene habits and always maintain close attention when cuddling with kittens.

• Indirect Contact

Indirect contact can play an important part in the transmission of Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP). This refers to contact with contaminated surfaces or objects that have been touched by an infected cat. Such as clothes, toys and grooming equipment can contaminate a cat’s fur and carry the virus for a short time before it is lost from these surfaces. As cats often groom themselves and other cats, they are at risk of infection through this means even if there has been no direct contact between them.

Multi-cat households or crowded environments may be particularly prone to indirect transmission of the virus where there are many surfaces across which contamination could occur frequently.

• Fecal-Oral Route

The fecal-oral route is one of the most common modes for FIP transmission in cats. Feline coronavirus (FCoV) can be found in infected cats’ saliva, but is primarily spread through contact with feces contaminated by an infected cat.

This type of transmission occurs when an uninfected cat consumes material that has come into contact with the virus-complex from a litterbox or other surface, such as food bowls and bedding.

Due to its communicable nature, crowded living conditions increase the risk of transmission due to high levels of fecal contamination. In multi-cat households, owners should separate their cats and provide them with individualized care and attention whenever possible.

This means giving each cat his or her own litter box that provides easy access for cleaning out after use.

It’s also important to remember not only regular cleaning but disinfecting surfaces used by all cats in multi-cat households on a weekly basis to reduce the chance of transmission further still.

• Respiratory Droplets

FIP is rarely spread through sneezed or coughed respiratory droplets. The virus can become airborne and contaminate the cat’s surrounding environment, but it requires close contact for transmission from one animal to another.

Factors affecting how prone your cat is to FIP

Age, breed, living conditions, genetics, stress and immune system status can all influence the risk of FIP in cats.

• Age

Cats under two years old are most commonly affected by FIP, with around 80% of all cases appearing in cats within this age range. Kittens aged 4-12 months have the highest risk of contracting FIP: nearly half of all diagnosed cats fall into this age group.

• Breed

Owners of purebred cats need to be especially aware of their susceptibility to FIP, Purebreds are more likely than mixed breed cats to develop FIP due to genetic deficiency in their cellular immunity, and certain breeds such as cheetahs, Persians, Bengals and Scottish Fold are particularly prone.

• Crowded living conditions

Crowded living conditions can have a huge impact on cats and their health. Crowding brings additional stress to cats, which can be harmful as it weakens the immune system over time and increases the likelihood of catching or transmitting infection, including Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP).

Indirect contact with infectious material such as feces from an infected cat onto food dishes or scratching posts that are subsequently used by uninfected cats increase the risk for further spread of FIP in a crowded environment like shelters and catteries.

Therefore, having ample space for your pet cat(s) is paramount when it comes to improving its overall wellbeing coupled with increasing its resistance against common ailment including FIP infection.

• Genetics

Genetics play a role in Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) and can become important indicators in determining its spread. Studies have indicated that male cats are more frequently affected than female cats, highlighting the potential influence of gender on FIP development and infection risk.

When it comes to breeding if one parent is infected with an appropriate type of viral virus such as feline enteric coronavirus (FeCV), kittens could potentially receive a strand which can later cause them to develop into FIP even without contact with other infected animals.

• Stress

When cats are stressed due to re-homing, recent surgery, or concurrent infections their immune response is compromised and they become more prone to contracting FIP

In a crowded living environment with multiple cats in close proximity, levels of stress can rise quickly which further weakens immunity and increases susceptibility for FIP infection.

• Immune system status

Cat immunity plays an important role in the development of FIP. Cats with weakened immune systems are more likely to contract this virus, while those with strong, functioning immune systems may have natural resistance.

Age is a factor that affects a cat’s immunity and risk of developing FIP as older cats generally have weaker immunities when compared to younger felines; thus, increasing their susceptibility

Certain breeds also come with varying amounts of inherent strength against disease-causing agents such as FIP. Purebred cats are often genetically predisposed to certain illnesses, including FIP, however some domestic cats may be resistant due to genetics too.

Stress can also lower immunity making it harder for a kitty’s body fight off infections like feline infectious peritonitis; what might seem minor inconveniences or changes could greatly upset household routines and trigger reliese in your furrbaby’s immunity defense system which can leave them vulnerable.

Conclusion

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is generally not considered to be a highly contagious disease, though it can be spread through contact with feces and respiratory transmission. Good hygiene practices are important in reducing the risk of FIP while stress reduction for cats is also key in preventing the virus from mutating.

While FIP isn’t as common or easy to spread like other cat diseases, it’s still something worth taking into consideration for all pet owners who want an understanding about the infection and its potential risks.