How do cats die from coronavirus? - briefly
Cats can die from coronavirus, specifically feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), when the virus mutates, leading to severe inflammation and organ failure. This condition is often fatal if untreated.
How do cats die from coronavirus? - in detail
Cats can contract coronavirus, specifically feline coronavirus (FCoV), which primarily affects their gastrointestinal system. In most cases, FCoV causes mild or asymptomatic infections, but in a small percentage of cats, the virus can mutate and lead to a severe and often fatal condition called feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). FIP occurs when the virus replicates uncontrollably within white blood cells, spreading throughout the body and triggering an intense inflammatory response. This immune-mediated damage affects multiple organs, including the liver, kidneys, and brain, leading to systemic failure. There are two forms of FIP: the "wet" form, characterized by fluid accumulation in the abdomen or chest, and the "dry" form, which causes granulomatous lesions in organs. Symptoms include fever, weight loss, lethargy, and respiratory distress. Without treatment, FIP is almost always fatal. While FCoV is not the same as the coronavirus that affects humans (SARS-CoV-2), there have been rare cases of cats testing positive for SARS-CoV-2, usually after close contact with infected humans. These cases typically result in mild respiratory symptoms, and severe outcomes are uncommon. However, understanding the mechanisms of coronavirus infections in cats, particularly FCoV, is crucial for developing effective treatments and preventing fatal outcomes like FIP.