Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a serious diagnosis. The treatment journey is long and difficult, but knowing the right steps and strictly following them can save your cat's life.
FIP symptoms (lethargy, fever, fluid in the abdomen) can look similar to many other diseases. If the diagnosis is wrong, you may lose precious time. It is crucial to find a vet who really understands FIP and can distinguish it from other conditions.
From my own experience and observations, in Montenegro you can contact two specialists:
In my case, my kitten had the wet form (with effusion). Doctor Teodor was able to correctly diagnose FIP at the first appointment — based on analysis of the effusion, blood tests and ultrasound. For certainty, I asked for a second opinion from Olga Smirnova, and she confirmed the diagnosis.
It is important to know that in Hasvet, for wet FIP they send effusion for PCR testing to Serbia, and the result may take 7–10 days. A clinical diagnosis from an experienced vet like Teodor or Olga allows you to start treatment much faster.
If FIP is confirmed, time is critical. Antiviral therapy should be started immediately. There are two main options:
My advice based on experience: it is usually better to start with GS injections because of their speed and effectiveness. When your vet sees positive dynamics in blood tests and the cat feels better, you can discuss switching to Molnupiravir tablets to complete the course.
There is an incredibly helpful community where you can find all the essential information — the FIP Warriors chat. You can get qualified advice there if you have test results: a complete blood count, biochemistry (with albumin and globulin values), ultrasound, and effusion analysis (PCR or the "jellyfish test" that doctor Teodor performs).
This is often the hardest part, because GS is not registered in Montenegro. It means it can only be brought in unofficially. People do bring it (many times), but it's important not to draw attention to it and never declare it at the border. The medicine usually arrives without labels.
From my experience and knowledge, here are the main options:
The dose of GS/Molnupiravir must be recalculated throughout the treatment according to the cat's changing weight — and it can only change upwards.
My recommendation: discuss the dose with your vet, then double check it with the FIP Warriors group, and, if possible, ask Nelli's opinion too. This will give you a more complete picture.
A cat with FIP often refuses food. Offer 5–10 different wet foods — they are usually more attractive for the cat. If they still do not eat on their own, you need to syringe‑feed small portions.
Wet and dry forms.The wet form (with effusion) is much easier to diagnose than the dry one. If there are doubts about the diagnosis, it is better to get opinions from several vets and from the FIP Warriors group.
About draining the fluid.If fluid in the chest cavity makes it hard for the cat to breathe, it needs to be drained under ultrasound guidance. But if you start GS injections in the first days, the fluid often stops accumulating and may resolve on its own. It is very important to count the cat's respiratory rate (normal is up to about 30 breaths per minute, but please double check this with your vet). If the breathing is too fast, take the cat to an experienced vet to consider draining.
This article gives general information about the disease. Please make sure to discuss details with your vet and in the FIP Warriors chat.
Huge thanks to Olga for sharing her experience ❤️