How is FIP transmitted from a cat? - briefly
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected feces or saliva, as the feline coronavirus can shed into the environment.
How is FIP transmitted from a cat? - in detail
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is caused by a mutation of the feline coronavirus (FCoV), which is commonly found in cats. The transmission of FIP itself is not straightforward, as the disease develops from a mutated form of the virus within an individual cat rather than being directly transmitted from one cat to another. However, the feline coronavirus, which can potentially mutate into FIP, is highly contagious and spreads primarily through the fecal-oral route. Cats shed the virus in their feces, and other cats can become infected by ingesting or inhaling the virus, often through grooming, shared litter boxes, or contaminated surfaces. Multi-cat environments, such as shelters or catteries, increase the risk of FCoV transmission due to close contact and shared resources. While most cats infected with FCoV remain asymptomatic or develop mild gastrointestinal symptoms, in rare cases, the virus mutates within the cat’s body, leading to FIP. This mutation is not contagious, meaning a cat with FIP cannot directly transmit the disease to another cat. However, the presence of FCoV in a population increases the likelihood of FIP development in susceptible individuals. Factors such as stress, genetics, and a weakened immune system may contribute to the mutation and progression to FIP. Preventing FCoV transmission through hygiene practices, such as regular litter box cleaning and minimizing overcrowding, can reduce the risk of FIP development in cat populations.