A veterinarian based in St. Charles, Illinois, Dr. Jennifer Creed rescues and breeds Ragdoll Cats. Possessing special expertise with purebred cats and their common health issues, Dr. Jennifer Creed has helped cats cope with complex conditions like feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). FIP is an infectious viral disease that is caused by a common coronavirus among cats (the feline coronavirus). The virus lives in the intestines of at least 90 percent of cats and is almost impossible to prevent. The majority of cats that get infected with the virus live normal lives. The problem occurs when the virus mutates in some cats, causing the more serious condition FIP. Cats that develop FIP present a number of symptoms, from diarrhea and mild respiratory problems in the early days to fever, swollen abdomen, white gums, and cloudy eyes. The swelling is a result of acute inflammation that occurs in the vessels where the infected cells are located, such as the abdomen and kidneys. In this aggressive form, the disease is almost always fatal. FIP primarily affects kittens. Animal shelters can reduce the chances of the disease spreading to their cats by limiting the number of cats in each environment, optimizing nutrition, and ensuring that cats live in clean and sanitized areas that are free from organic debris.

1. What Is Feline Infectious
Peritonitis
Dr Jennifer Creed

2. Introduction
A veterinarian based in St. Charles, Illinois, Dr. Jennifer Creed
rescues and breeds Ragdoll Cats. Possessing special expertise with
purebred cats and their common health issues, Dr. Jennifer Creed has
helped cats cope with complex conditions like feline infectious
peritonitis (FIP).

3. FIP is an infectious viral disease that is caused by a common
coronavirus among cats (the feline coronavirus). The virus lives in
the intestines of at least 90 percent of cats and is almost impossible
to prevent. The majority of cats that get infected with the virus live
normal lives. The problem occurs when the virus mutates in some
cats, causing the more serious condition FIP.

4. Cats that develop FIP present a number of symptoms, from
diarrhea and mild respiratory problems in the early days to fever,
swollen abdomen, white gums, and cloudy eyes. The swelling is a
result of acute inflammation that occurs in the vessels where the
infected cells are located, such as the abdomen and kidneys. In this
aggressive form, the disease is almost always fatal.

5. FIP primarily affects kittens. Animal shelters can reduce the
chances of the disease spreading to their cats by limiting the
number of cats in each environment, optimizing nutrition, and
ensuring that cats live in clean and sanitized areas that are free
from organic debris.