Can the appliances of a cat with feline infectious peritonitis be used for a new cat?

It is generally not recommended to use the appliances of a cat with feline infectious peritonitis for a new cat, as cats can infect each other with the disease. Although the virus has a weak resistance to external environments and can lose activity at room temperature within 1 day, it can still infect cats through the digestive tract, insect vectors, and vertical transmission through the placenta. Cats are more susceptible to infection when their resistance is lowered, so it is necessary to disinfect regularly and strengthen their own resistance if a cat in the house is infected with feline infectious peritonitis.

Causes of FIP

Feline infectious peritonitis is caused by infection with the feline coronavirus, which causes the virus to mutate. It is now widely believed that the disease is transmitted through the oral-nasal route, with cats infected through faeces excreted by carrier cats. The virus is fragile and can be killed by ordinary disinfectants. Cats under 4 years old are generally more susceptible to the disease.

Symptoms of FIP

FIP generally presents in two forms: dry and wet. The dry form includes weight loss, malnutrition, pupil constriction, jaundice, lymph node nodules, and occasionally neurological symptoms. The wet form involves a large amount of proteinaceous fluid in the abdominal cavity, which can lead to respiratory difficulties as the abdominal fluid increases, often accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea.

How long after a cat with FIP dies can you raise a new cat?

After a cat dies of feline infectious peritonitis at home, it is recommended to wait for at least half a year before raising a new cat. If you are in a hurry, you can raise a new cat after regularly disinfecting for three months. FIP is mainly caused by infection with the feline coronavirus, which has weak resistance to external environments. Just properly disinfect by spraying or wiping the places where the cat has been with disinfectant, throwing away cat-used items whenever possible, and ensuring thorough sun exposure for items that cannot be thrown away.