My cat has FIP. When is it time to say goodbye and how to comfort him?

Unfortunately, there is no treatment for FIP and if your cat is suffering then euthanasia is the best option. I'm so sorry you're having to go through this and make this decision. I wish there was more we could recommend for you but I think you're a vet has your cats best interest at heart.

Hi and thanks for posting. Oh dear I am so sorry to hear this. FIP sadly has no cure and the fluid that builds up in the abdomen is uncomfortable and painful. Cats that are diagnosed with the wet form of FIP usually do not have long. Steroids can be prescribed to help control symptoms temporarily. If Luje is not eating or drinking and is becoming lethargic or weak, it may be time for him. I hope this helps and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I am so sorry Shada is so sick! Because she had the fluid drained from her belly, she will be feeling better having that pressure off, and that's why she is eating, drinking, and using the litter box normally. Unfortunately, FIP is fatal, and the fluid will build up again eventually leading to the same problems. Due to the fact that FIP is fatal, letting her go with humane euthanasia is the best option, especially if she is experiencing fluid accumulation. You can, if you'd like, put off the appointment for a few days to enjoy some last quality time with her before the fluid builds up again, but it's certainly ok to say goodbye to her tomorrow. Again, I'm so sorry she is so sick!

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Unfortunately, FIP is a largely incurable disease that is very very severe. If he is vomiting, not eating, and unwell, then he likely is feeling very sick and euthanasia might be the best option for him. It is hard to get an official diagnosis of FIP as it can only really be confirmed post-mortem, however you can always have a consultation with a specialist to make sure there isn't anything else going on that can be fixed, but it sounds like your vet has already done a lot of this testing. The testing rules out other things that can be treated. I suggest talking with your vet about any other possible causes that might be curable, and if you want you can ask for a referral to a specialist, however if this ultimately is FIP then euthanasia should be considered. I am so sorry about your little Leo.

In situations like this you can take it a day at a time - as long as Watson seems to be doing well (enjoying his normal routine, interacting with you and other family members or pets, eating and urinating/defecating normally) you can continue with supportive care. If the bad days outnumber the good it may be time to consider euthanasia. Polyprenyl immunostimulant has shown some promise when used for the dry form of FIP - I believe it is more readily available than it was a few years ago but most veterinarians have not used it. There is also a newer experimental drug that seems to show promise being developed at the University of California Davis. The specialist at Blue Pearl might be able to look into each therapy further for you. Either way you would probably want a definitive diagnosis first since these would not help cancer, and that might involve exploratory surgery to obtain biopsies.

Unfortunately FIP has a grave prognosis. Some cats only survive a few days to weeks after their diagnoses, others a couple of months. It is not contagious so you shouldn't have to separate the two cats in less the healthy cat is preventing Parker from getting to food/water/litter box. In fact separating them could cause other issues such as urinating outside the litter box, excessive vocalization and aggression toward each other if they are re-introduced.

So sorry to hear this. No. Please don't vaccinate. His immune system is already compromised and the vaccinations will put a strain on him and could advance his FIP. Just keep him indoors so he can't infect any other cats.