Feline Infectious Peritonitis: FIP Risk Factors
What are some of FIP Risk factors?
Some cats are more prone to get FIP than others, eventho the Coronavirus responsible for this is found everywhere. Below are some of the risk factors that increases the risk of a cat getting FIP.
Age
50% of cats who develop FIP are less than 2 years old, so were probably infected as kittens when their immune systems were too young to deal with the FCoV infection.
Younger cats and senior cats often have an immature or weakened immune system that can put them at greater risk for developing FIP. Young kittens also might be exposed to the virus when they were in catteries or shelters.
Breed as FIP Risk factors
Certain breeds, such as purebred cats or those from catteries, may be at a higher risk for FIP. Persian cats and related breeds seem to be more susceptible. There is evidence that suggests Persian cats carry ‘predisposing alleles’ for this condition which leaves them vulnerable when exposed the virus that causes FIP.
Cats from catteries or purebred lines may be especially prone to developing FIP. Abyssinians, Bengals, Birmans, Himalayans, Ragdolls and Rexes have a significantly higher risk of the disease compared to other cats.
Other cat breeds including Burmese, Exotic Shorthairs, Manxes, Persians and Russian Blues are also found to be more susceptible to FIP due to genetics and their increased exposure in breeding programs.
It is thought that certain genetic factors associated with Persian cats (and their associated breeds) render them slightly less able than other feline species at controlling the virus which causes FIP – making them more prone to infection should they come into contact with it.
Crowded living conditions
Cats that live in crowded or stressful environments, such as multi-cat households or shelters, may have a higher risk of exposure to the feline coronavirus, which can increase the likelihood of developing FIP.
Some FIP risk factors related to living in crowded conditions include close proximity with other cats, shared resources (such as food dishes, litter boxes and beds) and weakened immune systems due to stress.
Exposure to other cats is an important factor for transmission since infected cats shed virus into their saliva or feces. Close contact between cats allows for the virus to spread more easily.
In multi-cat households and shelters it’s important to reduce the chances of transmission by promoting good hygiene practices such as disinfecting surfaces with household cleaner and washing hands regularly between petting different felines.
It’s also important to encourage healthy behaviors among the cats including providing ample space per cat so they aren’t fighting over territory. Use pest control measures like flea prevention treatments if necessary and offer enrichment activities like toys/diners/climbing towers etc.
Make sure the cats are fed equally, without the need for them “fighting” for food and provide comfortable resting places.
Genetics
Some cats may have a genetic predisposition that makes them more susceptible to developing FIP. This may be related to their immune system or their ability to control the feline coronavirus.
A cat’s genetic makeup can make them more vulnerable to infection, either by making them unable to recognize and fight off invading virus particles or by making their cell membranes less resistant against the virus.
They can also make certain cells in cats susceptible to an immune response that will trigger inflammation leading to further tissue damage. Additionally, some cats might lack the ability control replication of the dangerous feline coronavirus strain associated with FIP, thus increasing their susceptibility for developing this condition.
Stress
Stress negatively affects cats’ immune systems, reducing their ability to fight off infections. Cats may become stressed when they experience any significant change in their environment or routine, like moving house or being introduced to a new pet.
When a cat is exposed to stressors, its body releases hormones that suppress the production and function of certain immune cells. This causes the cat’s overall immune system performance to decrease, making it more susceptible not only to FIP but also other illnesses or diseases, such as those caused by parasites and bacteria.
Most cats who develop FIP have a history of having been stressed some weeks to months prior to FIP developing.
As such, providing your pets with environmental enrichment activities and minimizing potential sources of stress may help reduce their vulnerability to this disease.
Immune system status
Cats with compromised immune systems, such as those with Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), are at a higher risk of developing FIP.
FeLV and FIV are viral infections that affect cats, both of which attack the cat’s immune system. As a result, cats with weakened immune systems due to either virus often have difficulty fighting off other diseases or illnesses, including FIP.
Cats with underlying diseases such as FeLV or FIV may be less capable of mounting an effective response against coronavirus infection when exposed to it and more likely to succumb to developing the disease.
The best way for pet parents to minimize their cat’s risk of developing FIP is by knowing its health history. Regular visits to the veterinarian should include thorough checkups of your pet’s overall health including tests for these viruses so you can detect any signs early on and provide your cat with proper care and treatment if necessary.