Cats - FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis)

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine brochure

In 2020, Emi's Heart Rescue began helping individuals and other rescues obtain FIP medication, which did not become legal in the US until June 2024. We saved hundreds of cats due to our outreach regarding that treatment. FIP is a deadly mutation of the feline coronavirus that attacks the abdominal organs, the brain, or the central nervous system and is usually fatal without treatment. However, when treated with the anti-viral medication GS-441524, there is an 80% cure rate. GS-441524 is converted in the body to become the active form of remdesivir, which directly targets the FIP virus. There is a FIP vaccine, but it is not always effective and is not recommended. FIP is also difficult to diagnose because not all strains of the feline coronavirus cause infection.