ArcaMax

Be sure all family members agree to never use their fingers or any body part when playing with the kitty.

Q: "Dr. Beth Licitra's response to a recent reader question on FIP (feline infectious peritonitis) was based on what Dr. Niels Pedersen (at the University of California-Davis) hypothesized in the 1960s about the disease not being contagious," one reader writes. "FIP (is caused by a virus) and the most common virus associated with FIP is the feline corona virus. It is hypothesized to be the main cause of FIP. There's no proof that the FIP virus is not contagious. I suggest that your researchers may like to query more on FIP." -- R.W., via cyberspace.

A: There's no doubt that FIP kills cats, particularly kittens. An accurate diagnosis is considered fatal.

Pedersen, in fact, was among the first to describe this complex disease. Dr. Beth Licitra, who assists in Dr. Gary Whittaker's lab at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, is among a dedicated group of researchers working to reveal the secrets of FIP, with the goal of finding an effective medication.

"You said that 'the most common virus associated with FIP is the feline corona virus.' In fact, that's the only known virus associated with FIP," Licitra commented. "The feline enteric coronavirus is easily transmitted between cats. It replicates in the intestines and is shed in the feces. Cats become infected after ingesting viral particles, generally through contact with litter."

Then, within the intestines of the affected cat, the benign corona virus mutates into deadly FIP.

"It's important to keep in mind that multiple factors are at play in determining which cats will develop FIP," Licitra adds. These include:

1. A cat's age. Kittens are most susceptible to FIP.

2. Environmental factors, such as crowded living conditions. Cats living with many other cats are simply more likely to be exposed to corona virus. It's a numbers game; the more cats with the corona virus, the greater the odds of some developing FIP. Scientists don't believe they're contracting FIP from one another, though it's possible there may be rare exceptions. Also, cats living in crowded conditions can be stressed, particularly in a shelter setting. Stress reduces the immune system's ability to fight off infection.

3. "The genetic make-up of the cat may be important, as we know some cats are resistant to developing FIP," says Licitra. "But we know the virus is also important. It is possible that some enteric coronaviruses are genetically more likely to mutate to FIP. This is a question our lab is very interested in studying."

Licitra adds, "Unfortunately, it seems like FIP always leaves us with more question than answers."

As for researchers learning more, you can help by supporting FIP studies via the Winn Feline Foundation Bria Fund: www.winnfelinefoundation.org.

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