Home Care Guide: Watching FIP Symptoms in Cats
- CURE FIP™ USA
- Jun 17
- 4 min read
When a cat is diagnosed with Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), your involvement as the owner becomes more important than ever, especially if the treatment is being carried out at home.
Starting treatment with GS-441524—whether by injection or oral tablets at the proper dosage recommended by Cure FIP USA—is a strong first step.
However, without carefully monitoring your cat’s behaviour and symptoms, they may continue to struggle even with medication.
So, how can you support your cat’s recovery throughout home treatment for FIP? This article will walk you through everything you need to know.
A Quick Overview of FIP
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a life-threatening disease that has become a major concern for both cats and their owners. It develops due to a mutation of the Feline Coronavirus (FCoV).
FIP generally appears in several forms: Wet FIP, Dry FIP, Ocular FIP, and Neurological FIP. While they all share common symptoms, each type presents different clinical signs.
Wet FIP typically causes fluid buildup in the abdomen, leading to visible swelling. Dry FIP, on the other hand, is often associated with vomiting and significant weight loss—and it’s frequently diagnosed late because its symptoms can mimic other conditions.
Ocular FIP affects the eyes, while Neurological FIP targets the brain and spinal cord. Among these types, Neurological FIP is known to be the most complex and difficult to manage.
Overview of Common FIP Symptoms
Conducting a monitor of FIP at home daily is crucial because it lets you see whether the cat is improving or deteriorating.
When monitoring a cat with FIP at home, you can focus on these four key FIP symptoms in cats.
Fever That Doesn’t Subside
Fever is a physical sign that appears when a cat has an infection. If the cat’s fever does not come down during treatment, you must be alert.
As a reminder, a normal cat’s temperature ranges between 38–39 °C. If their temperature consistently goes over 39 °C, take them to the vet immediately.
Weight Loss and Appetite
If the cat is improving, their weight usually starts to increase gradually, returning towards their original weight. The same applies to their appetite.
However, if the cat eats less than usual or stops eating entirely, you need to be concerned. Also, don’t ignore continued weight loss even if they seem to be eating well.
Behaviour and Activity
Changes in behaviour and activity—such as:
lethargy or sleeping excessively,
hiding or isolating themselves,
not responding to calls or stimuli, and
not playing as before
—can signal that they are uncomfortable or in pain. Always pay close attention to your cat’s behaviour and activity!
Breathing and Fluid Buildup
Cats diagnosed with wet FIP may experience fluid accumulation in the chest or abdomen. This can lead to difficulty breathing and heavy panting.
If the cat begins to show excessive shortness of breath, take them to the nearest veterinary clinic or hospital as soon as possible.
Your vet might recommend thoracocentesis or abdominocentesis (the removal of fluid from the lungs or abdomen) to help the cat breathe more easily.
Using A Healthy Diary for Your Cat
One effective hack when caring for a cat with FIP at home is to create a daily health log. You can use a notebook, spreadsheet, or app to record.
date and time of observation,
body temperature,
weight,
level of appetite,
behavioural changes, and
any other symptoms that appear.
With thorough and consistent records, you’ll find it easier to consult with your vet.
Additionally, you’ll be better placed to assess whether the medication is working or if you should consider alternative treatments.
When to Take the Cat Back to the Vet
If your cat starts to show any of the following signs, contact your vet immediately, as it’s better to act swiftly than regret later:
body temperature rises drastically (>40 °C),
refuses to eat for more than 24 hours,
breathing difficulties become worse,
ongoing weight loss, or
the cat appears extremely weak or non‑responsive.
Tools to Help Monitor FIP at home
To make it easier for you to monitor your cat’s condition at home, prepare the following tools.
Digital thermometer for measuring body temperature.
Lubricant (such as petroleum jelly) to aid thermometer use.
Digital scales to track body weight.
Notebook or app for daily condition log.
Phone camera to document symptoms you may need to discuss with your vet.
How to Spot Early Warning Signs of Relapse
After going through weeks or even months of treatment for FIP, it's completely normal for cat owners to feel both hopeful and relieved when the observation phase ends.
However, while it’s rare, there have been occasional cases where FIP returns—either as a slow relapse, where the virus was only suppressed instead of fully eliminated, or as a reinfection.
Fortunately, these instances are extremely uncommon and are often compared to the odds of being struck by lightning twice.
That said, being alert to the early warning signs of a relapse can make a big difference in your cat’s outcome.
Symptoms to watch for include lethargy, persistent or recurring fever, and loss of appetite—signs that can often be overlooked or mistaken for something minor.
In more serious cases, you might observe fluid buildup in the abdomen or chest, making your cat appear bloated or causing labored breathing.
Keep an eye out as well for neurological symptoms, such as wobbliness, tremors, or unusual eye movements. If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait—reach out to your vet or Cure FIP USA right away for guidance and next steps.
Final Thought
Your love and attention are key to your cat’s recovery from FIP. With careful daily symptom monitoring, organised logs, and effective communication with the vet, you can help your cat get through this challenging time.
Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if anything worries you. Contact the Cure FIP USA Team via WhatsApp right away if you’d like advice on medication or need moral support. We’re always here for you.
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