Cat owners across the UK are being urged to stay vigilant after vets issued a stark warning: a simple sneeze could be a sign of a potentially deadly disease in felines.
Veterinary experts have revealed that what might appear as a harmless cold symptom could actually indicate feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a serious condition that's often fatal if left untreated.
The Silent Threat to Our Feline Friends
FIP is caused by a mutation of the feline coronavirus and typically affects young cats between six months and two years old. While the coronavirus itself is common in cats, only about 10% of cases develop into the deadly FIP.
Key symptoms to watch for include:
- Persistent sneezing or nasal discharge
- Lethargy and loss of appetite
- Weight loss despite normal eating
- Fever that doesn't respond to antibiotics
- Swollen abdomen (in 'wet' form of FIP)
Why Early Detection Matters
"The challenge with FIP is that early symptoms mimic common colds," explains Dr. Sarah Elliott from the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). "By the time more severe symptoms appear, the disease is often advanced."
Recent research shows that prompt treatment can significantly improve outcomes. While there's no licensed treatment in the UK yet, some antiviral medications have shown promise in clinical trials.
Protecting Your Pet
Vets recommend these preventive measures:
- Keep litter boxes clean to reduce coronavirus transmission
- Minimize stress for your cat (a known trigger for FIP development)
- Ensure regular veterinary check-ups
- Consider separate living spaces if you have multiple cats
If your cat shows persistent symptoms, don't delay - seek veterinary advice immediately. Early intervention could save your pet's life.
