What Are the Early Symptoms of FIP That Cat Owners in India Should Know?

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is one of the most misunderstood yet increasingly treatable diseases in cats today. Once thought to be a death sentence, new antiviral treatments have made recovery possible for thousands of cats.

Recognizing the early FIP cats symptoms is extremely important — the earlier the disease is detected, the better the chance your cat has to recover fully. Sadly, many pet owners mistake the signs of FIP for common infections, which delays treatment.

What Are the Early Symptoms of FIP That Cat Owners in India Should Know?

At BasmiFIP India, we’ve helped more than 87,000 cats worldwide recover from FIP through trusted, science-backed antiviral therapy. This article explains how to identify early symptoms, understand the different types of FIP, and take the right steps for treatment.

What Is Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)?

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a viral disease caused by a mutation of the feline coronavirus (FCoV) — not the same as the human COVID-19 virus.

Most cats exposed to FCoV experience only mild digestive issues like soft stool or diarrhoea. But in some cats, the virus mutates inside the body and triggers an overactive immune response, resulting in FIP.

Importantly, FIP is not contagious. The original coronavirus (FCoV) can spread among cats, but once it mutates into FIP, it cannot transmit to others. So, a cat diagnosed with FIP does not pose a risk to other cats in the same household.

👉 Read more: Understanding FIP in Cats and How to Manage It

Common Early Symptoms of FIP in Cats

So, what are the first feline infectious peritonitis symptoms in cats that cat owners in India should watch for?

Here are the most common early signs that may look mild at first but are crucial indicators:

General Early Symptoms (All FIP Types)

• Persistent fever that doesn’t respond to antibiotics

• Loss of appetite or reduced eating

• Weight loss, even if eating normally

• Lethargy or decreased activity

• Rough or dull coat, often due to poor grooming

Types of FIP

FIP in cats appears in two main forms — Wet FIP (Effusive) and Dry FIP (Non-effusive).If not treated early, either form can progress into Neurological FIP or Ocular FIP.

Wet FIP (Effusive Form)

Wet FIP develops when fluid accumulates in the abdomen or chest cavity.Cats with this form often look bloated or pot-bellied, and may have difficulty breathing because of fluid pressure.

Sometimes, the abdomen feels tight or firm even though it’s filled with fluid. A vet can collect and test this fluid to help confirm FIP.

Common symptoms:

• Swollen or distended belly

• Breathing difficulty or panting

• Reduced appetite and low energy

• Occasional coughing or weakness

Dry FIP (Non-effusive Form)

Dry FIP affects the internal organs such as the liver, kidneys, or lungs but does not cause fluid accumulation.The infected organs may become firm or enlarged, which can be felt during a veterinary examination.

Common symptoms:

• Gradual weight loss despite normal feeding

• Persistent fever and fatigue

• Pale gums or yellowing (jaundice) from liver involvement

Dry FIP is usually diagnosed later than Wet FIP because the symptoms develop slowly and are less visible.

Neurological FIP

Neurological FIP affects the cat’s central nervous system and can cause various neurological signs, such as:

• Tremors or seizures

• Loss of balance or wobbly walking (ataxia)

• Muscle weakness or partial paralysis

• Behavioural changes or lack of alertness

• Difficulty jumping or walking straight

• Nystagmus (involuntary eye movement) — a symptom that is becoming increasingly common in neurological FIP

Cats with Neurological FIP may appear disoriented or fall frequently when trying to move around.

Ocular FIP

Ocular FIP occurs when the virus affects the eyes.This form can cause visible eye changes, such as:

• Eye inflammation (uveitis)

• Cloudy or colour-changed eyes

• Reduced or complete loss of vision

• Cataracts or inflammation around the iris and lens

• Anisocoria (unequal pupil sizes) — when one pupil looks larger than the other

Ocular symptoms may appear alone or along with other signs of FIP. Supportive care may help, but antiviral therapy is essential to stop disease progression.

👉 Quick Summary:

Early symptoms of FIP in cats include persistent fever, loss of appetite, and weight loss. As the disease progresses, cats may develop fluid buildup (Wet FIP), organ damage (Dry FIP), or neurological and eye complications.

FIP Symptoms in Kittens vs. Adult Cats

Kittens and young cats (under 2 years old) are more likely to develop FIP because their immune systems are still developing.

Signs of FIP in Kittens:

• Sudden tiredness or reluctance to play

• Failure to gain weight or unexpected weight loss

• Bloated belly that feels soft or fluid-filled

• Rapid progression from mild illness to severe weakness

Adult Cats

Adult cats usually show slower disease progression.They might become less playful, eat less, lose weight gradually, or hide more often than usual.

Because kittens deteriorate faster, even mild FIP signs should never be ignored.

When to See a Veterinarian

If your cat shows fever, appetite loss, or unusual behaviour, take them to a veterinarian familiar with FIP right away.

Common diagnostic tests include:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC) — to detect inflammation or anaemia

• A/G Ratio (Albumin/Globulin) — low levels often indicate FIP

• Rivalta Test — used to test abdominal fluid for FIP

• PCR or Immunohistochemistry tests — to confirm the virus

While no single test is 100% accurate, combining results and symptoms usually provides a strong indication of FIP.

Early diagnosis = better recovery outcomes.

What To Do If You Suspect FIP

If you suspect your cat has FIP, don’t panic — FIP is no longer untreatable.

The first step is to contact a vet experienced with FIP treatment.Some vets may still believe that FIP cannot be cured, but thousands of recovery cases worldwide prove otherwise.

At BasmiFIP India, we provide GS-441524 antiviral therapy, the most effective and scientifically proven treatment for FIP.Our compassionate team has guided over 87,000 cats worldwide toward recovery and remission.

Next Steps:

1. Consult your vet and discuss FIP-specific testing.

2. Contact BasmiFIP India for expert advice and treatment guidance.

3. Monitor your cat’s progress throughout the treatment process.

👉 Visit BasmiFIPindia.com to learn more about successful FIP recovery stories and treatment options.

FAQs About FIP in Cats

1. What are the first signs of FIP in cats?

The first signs usually include fever, lethargy, and appetite loss. Over time, cats may develop fluid buildup, weight loss, or eye and neurological problems.

2. Can FIP be cured?

Yes. With GS-441524 antiviral therapy, most cats recover fully. Thousands of successful recoveries have been documented by BasmiFIP.

3. How long can a cat live with FIP?

Without treatment, cats usually live only a few weeks to months.With proper antiviral therapy, the survival and recovery rate exceeds 90%.

4. What should I do if my cat has FIP symptoms?

Act immediately. Visit your vet and contact BasmiFIP India for expert help.Early treatment dramatically increases recovery chances.

5. Is FIP contagious to other cats?

No. The mutated FIP virus cannot spread between cats, unlike the original feline coronavirus.

6. Can FIP come back after treatment?

Relapses are rare, especially after completing the full course of antiviral therapy. Regular post-treatment monitoring is recommended.

Conclusion

FIP was once one of the most feared diseases in cats — but today, it’s treatable and curable.

By learning to recognise early FIP cats symptoms such as fever, appetite loss, or swollen belly, you can act fast and give your cat a real chance to live.

At BasmiFIP India, we’ve seen thousands of cats recover completely with timely antiviral treatment and proper care.

If you suspect FIP, contact BasmiFIPindia.com today — early detection saves lives.

For consultation and treatment assistance:

Instagram: @basmifip.ind 

Official WhatsApp (India): +91 81979 32703