FIP in Cats: An Inspiring Success Story

In a world where cats become loyal companions and beloved family members, it's a shock when a life-threatening disease like FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis) is diagnosed. But Sabrina, a dedicated cat lover from Munich, refused to accept that FIP would be an inevitable death sentence for her beloved cat Sally. On her Instagram account Sallyfipfighter she not only shares her personal fight against this disease, but also provides valuable education about FIP and the latest developments in research. For LucyBalu, Sabrina has written an article on the topic to offer hope and information:

"Hi, I'm Sabrina and I live with two British Shorthair girls and one British Shorthair boy in Munich. Today I get to tell you about FIP and my personal fight against this actually fatal disease. Raising awareness on this topic matters a lot to me, which is why I created the Instagram account Sallyfipfighter.

FIP is said to be the most common cause of death in young cats – that's what you read everywhere, and unfortunately many vets still communicate it that way.

But that's not true!

But what exactly is FIP?

FIP stands for Feline Infectious Peritonitis. It is a serious infectious disease, usually affecting the peritoneum or the pleura. It is triggered by the feline coronavirus (FCoV).

What is the difference between FIP and FCoV?

Around 80 to 90% of cats carry this virus, which settles in the intestines. Only in 3 to 5% of cases does the virus mutate into FIP. It's comparable to herpes: many people carry it, but it only breaks out in a few. FCoV itself causes cats no problems or impairments.

How does FIP develop?

That's hard to say. It often happens in young or older cats whose immune system is not yet, or no longer, fully stable. Various triggers such as stress, a weakened gut flora or other changes can cause the FCoV to mutate. It is also often suspected that a combination of a weakened, not-yet-stable immune system together with preventive deworming and vaccination can be the trigger. At least that's how it was for us.

What forms are there?

The wet form, with fluid in the chest or abdominal cavity. The dry form, with nodular changes to the tissue. But there are often also neurological and ocular forms, involving changes to the eyes or paralysis. There is also a mixed form, in which ocular or neurological changes can occur alongside the dry form. Until now, FIP was a death sentence for every cat. But since 2019, there has been a glimmer of hope...

Scientists led by Niels Pedersen at the University of California treated 31 cats with dry and wet FIP using the nucleoside analogue GS-441524. In total, 25 of the animals that had been infected naturally survived the disease and were healthy at the time the study was published.

This naturally raises the question:

Why isn't the drug (GS-441524 against FIP) approved?

It's quite simple: the company GS holds the patent on this formula and is using it in a trial series in the fight against Ebola. They are not releasing the formula for others to replicate. Why not? If a breakthrough in human medicine is achieved with this formula, the financial return is far higher than in veterinary medicine. Sad but true – it's about money. Currently, GS-441524 is not a licensed drug, it is not approved, it is merely a formula. As early as the end of 2019, veterinarian Dr. Hartmann from the LMU in Munich filed an application for a trial. In 2023, her study proved that the therapy actually works! However, the remedy is still not officially available. But for some time now, cat owners have known how to help themselves. It's more of a grey area. Owners have to source the treatment themselves and inject their animal themselves. Vets are only allowed to monitor and support. The network around this treatment is gigantic, everyone helps everyone.

The fight against FIP by Sallyfipfighter's cat Sally

We went through this experience with Sally ourselves in 2019. After the sad FIP diagnosis, we started helping ourselves. Giving up was never an option for us! Sally was still so young, and my absolute soulmate. Thanks to a tip from our vet, we quickly found a website where we were immediately offered help and support. We knew it wouldn't be easy, but we wanted to try everything to help her. For 84 days we gave Sally a subcutaneous injection every day – it was a long and hard road, but it was worth it. From the tenth day of treatment onwards, she was tearing wildly through the apartment again, and we were more than happy that the therapy was working.

After finishing the therapy with GS-441524, Sally's blood values were those of a healthy young cat, and nothing more indicated her once fatal illness.

You're welcome to read our story in my book: 'Diary of a Brave Little Cat'. Just stop by Sallyfipfighter.

If you are affected yourselves, or if FIP is suspected, don't give up – look on social media, you'll find plenty of help there.

You are not alone, and FIP is no longer a death sentence!

"Courage comes first, happiness is the reward."

Sabrina's fight against FIP is not just a story of courage and determination, but also a call for solidarity and support for everyone facing this disease. Through her experience, she has shown that FIP is no longer an insurmountable obstacle. With the right treatment and support, cats can get a second chance and lead a fulfilled life. May Sabrina's story give other cat owners hope and encourage them to never give up. Because as she proves, there is often just one small step between courage and happiness.