FIP is a viral disease of cats that can affect many systems of the body. It is a progressive disease and almost always fatal. It is found worldwide and affects not only domestic cats, but many wild ones as well, including cougars, bobcats, lynx, lions, and cheetahs. FIP is caused by a virus the F.CoV feline corona virus which is found in the saliva and faeces of infected cats. Risk of exposure is, nevertheless, greatest in enclosed multi-cat facilities and much less via casual contact with neighbouring cats. The least risk is in the single, indoor-only cat.
Therefore, cat-to-cat contact and exposure to faeces in litter boxes are the most common modes of infection. Contaminated food or water dishes, bedding, and personal clothing may also serve as sources of infection. The virus is easily killed by antiseptics.
Young cats (less than two years of age), older cats (over ten years old), cats in poor physical condition, and cats undergoing concurrent infections or stress are more susceptible to FIP. It is a relatively uncommon disease.
Many different strains of coronavirus are capable of infecting cats, but most do not produce serious disease. FIP-producing strains are distinguished by their ability to invade and grow in certain white blood cells. The infected cells transport the virus throughout the cat's body. An intense inflammatory reaction occurs in the tissues where these virus-infected cells locate. It is this interaction between the body's own immune system and the virus that is responsible for the disease.
My support mix includes Violet leaves, Yarrow, Thuja, White Willow, Slippery Elm, Chamomile, Rosehips, Zizyphus Spinosa, along with the Bach flowers Rescue Remedy, Crab Apple, Larch, Oak and Olive.
Start off on 2 drops to accustom your cat to the taste as they are fussy eaters. Mix into a smelly food like sardines or condensed milk. Then slowly build up the dose to 5 drops twice daily.