Q: If a kitten tests positive for FIP biomarkers, do they have FIP and are they contagious?

A: There is currently no definitive FIP test available on the market today. What are being marketed as FIP tests are in actuality FCOV tests. A positive test result plus clinical symptoms, plus a blood test will usually sufficient to diagnose a cat as being FIP infected. Clinical symptoms of FIP is often similar to many other infections, thus making FIP difficult to diagnose. In the early stage of FIP infection you may observe symptoms such as lack of appetite, low energy level, inactivity, cloudy eyes, eventually paralysis. Wet form of FIP is easier to diagnose than Dry from of FIP, because there are fluid build-ups in the abdomen and chest regions. Therefore, an enlarged abdomen can be seen as the WET form of FIP infection progresses. FIP is not contagious, but FCOV, the virus that causes FIP is. Typically 1% of cats that contract FCOV will become a FIP cat. If a cat has FIP, it must have FCOV. Thus, it is very important to separate any cat with FIP symptoms from other health cats in the household to avoid the spread of FCOV. We recommend keeping the FIP infected cat in a separate room or space and prevent health cats from coming into contact with it until FIP has been properly treated and the cat is healthy again. Currently the only effective treatment against FIP is a drug called GS-441524. While this drug is not sold openly due to patent infringement, it is possible to obtain it online from seller. Some reputable brands include Mutian, Curefip which can obtained through online resellers or from the brand’s own website directly.