Causes of FIP: The Feline Coronavirus Connection

BasmiFIP India
May 2
3 min read

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is one of the most feared diseases among cat parents. It’s a viral illness that affects cats of all ages but is especially dangerous for kittens and cats with weakened immune systems.

Causes of FIP: The Feline Coronavirus Connection

FIP was once considered untreatable, but with recent advances like GS-441524 injections and Molnupiravir pills, hope has returned for thousands of cat lovers across India. Still, prevention and early understanding are key.

But what causes FIP? It all starts with a very common virus: the feline coronavirus (FCoV).

🦠 What is Feline Coronavirus (FCoV)?

Feline coronavirus (FCoV) is not the same as the human COVID-19 virus. FCoV is a relatively harmless virus that affects many cats around the world, especially in multi-cat households or shelters.

Most cats with FCoV show no symptoms at all or might experience mild diarrhea. The virus is mainly spread through the fecal-oral route, often through litter boxes or close contact.

The real problem arises when this otherwise mild virus mutates inside the cat’s body.

🔄 How FCoV Mutates into FIPV

In a small percentage of cats, FCoV mutates into a more aggressive form called FIPV (Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus). This mutated virus attacks the immune system and spreads throughout the body, causing inflammation in organs, fluid build-up, fever, and weight loss.

There are two main forms of FIP:

Wet (effusive) FIP: Characterized by fluid in the abdomen or chest.
Dry (non-effusive) FIP: Affects organs like the brain, eyes, or liver.

The exact reason why the virus mutates in some cats and not others is still under study, but there are some known risk factors.

⚠️ Risk Factors That Trigger FIP Mutation

Several conditions may make a cat more likely to experience a mutation from FCoV to FIPV:

Stress: Environmental changes, travel, or new pets can weaken the immune system.
Weakened immunity: Kittens, senior cats, and those with other illnesses (like FeLV) are more vulnerable.
Overcrowded living spaces: Multi-cat households and shelters increase exposure and stress.
Genetics: Some breeds, like Bengals and Ragdolls, may be genetically predisposed.

By reducing these risks, you can help prevent FCoV from mutating into FIPV in your cat.

📊 How Common is FCoV Infection in Cats in India?

FCoV is very common in India, especially in areas with:

Large populations of street cats,
Breeding centers,
Animal shelters, and
Indoor cats living in multi-cat households.

According to studies and local vet reports, up to 90% of cats in high-density environments may be exposed to FCoV at some point.

However, only 5–10% of infected cats may go on to develop FIP.

🛡️ Can FIP Be Prevented by Managing FCoV?

While there's currently no vaccine for FIP available in India, you can take important steps to reduce your cat’s exposure to FCoV and support their immune system:

✅ Prevention Tips:

Keep litter boxes clean and separate for each cat.
Avoid overcrowding in multi-cat homes.
Reduce stress through enrichment and stable environments.
Support your cat’s immunity with proper nutrition and supplements.
Regular vet checkups for early detection.

If your cat has been diagnosed with FIP, don't lose hope. You can explore FIP oral treatment pills or FIP injections that have shown high success rates across India.

🧮 Need Help with Dosage?

If you're already treating a cat with FIP, use our FIP dosage calculator to determine the correct amount of GS-441524 or Molnupiravir based on your cat’s weight and condition.

🙌 Final Thoughts

Understanding the connection between FCoV and FIP is the first step in protecting your beloved cat. While FCoV itself is common and usually harmless, the potential for it to mutate into deadly FIP is real, especially in high-risk environments.

By staying informed, minimizing risk factors, and knowing the treatment options available in India, you can give your cat the best chance at a healthy life.

For guidance, support, and quality FIP treatments, trust BASMI FIP™ India—India’s reliable partner in FIP recovery.