FIP, FIV, and FeLV: What UAE Cat Owners Need to Know (2026)

Why these three diseases are often confused

FIP, FIV, and FeLV are grouped together in conversation because they're all serious, all viral, and all begin with "F." But they are fundamentally different:

FIP — Feline Infectious Peritonitis

What is FIP?

FIP is caused by a mutation of feline coronavirus (FCoV). FCoV itself is extremely common — most cats in multi-cat environments have been exposed to it, and most experience only mild gastrointestinal symptoms or none at all. In a small percentage of cats (estimated 5–10%), the virus mutates inside the cat's body into a form that causes FIP.

FIP is not contagious. The mutation that causes FIP happens inside the individual cat. You cannot "catch" FIP from another cat. FCoV (the parent virus) can spread between cats, but FIP itself cannot.

Forms of FIP

FIP presents in two main forms, though overlap is common:

• Wet (effusive) FIP — fluid accumulates in the abdomen or chest. The abdomen may appear distended. Breathing may be laboured if fluid is in the chest. This form progresses more rapidly.
• Dry (non-effusive) FIP — granulomatous lesions form in organs without significant fluid accumulation. Symptoms depend on which organs are affected — liver, kidneys, eyes, brain, or spinal cord. This form is harder to diagnose and may progress more slowly.

Signs of FIP

• Persistent fever unresponsive to antibiotics
• Abdominal distension (wet form)
• Difficulty breathing (wet form with chest fluid)
• Weight loss and muscle wasting
• Jaundice (yellow tinge to skin, eyes, or gums)
• Eye changes — uveitis, cloudiness, colour changes
• Neurological signs — wobbling, seizures, personality changes (neurological form)
• Lethargy and loss of appetite

FIP most commonly affects young cats (under 2 years) and older cats (over 10 years), but can occur at any age.

Diagnosis

FIP diagnosis is challenging. There is no single definitive test. Diagnosis is typically made through a combination of:

• Clinical signs and history
• Blood tests (elevated protein, low albumin:globulin ratio, elevated bilirubin)
• FCoV antibody titre (high titre supports but does not confirm FIP)
• Fluid analysis (if wet form) — characteristic "straw-coloured," high-protein fluid
• PCR testing of fluid or tissue
• Biopsy in some cases

At Pawspact, Dr. Ahmad Waqas has extensive experience diagnosing and treating FIP. Early diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes.

Treatment — GS-441524

FIP was once considered universally fatal. That changed with the development of GS-441524, a nucleoside analogue antiviral that targets the coronavirus replication mechanism.

Clinical outcomes:

• Remission rates above 80% in appropriately selected cases
• Treatment duration: typically 84 days (12 weeks)
• Neurological FIP requires higher doses and longer treatment
• Most cats show significant improvement within the first 1–2 weeks of treatment

Treatment cost varies based on the cat's weight, FIP form, and treatment duration. At Pawspact, we provide full cost transparency before treatment begins. Contact us for a personalised estimate.

If your cat has been diagnosed with FIP, contact us promptly. Early treatment initiation is associated with better outcomes.

FIV — Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

What is FIV?

FIV is a lentivirus that progressively weakens the cat's immune system. It is sometimes compared to HIV in humans — not because it can infect humans (it cannot), but because both viruses attack the immune system over time.

FIV is not a death sentence. Many FIV-positive cats live for years — sometimes a normal lifespan — with appropriate management. The virus progresses slowly, and many cats remain in the asymptomatic phase for years.

How FIV spreads

FIV is primarily transmitted through deep bite wounds — the kind that occur during territorial fighting between cats. Casual contact (grooming, shared food bowls, shared litter trays) carries very low transmission risk.

This is why:

• Intact male cats are at highest risk (they fight most)
• Outdoor cats are at higher risk than indoor cats
• FIV-positive cats can often live safely with other cats in stable, non-aggressive households
• Neutering significantly reduces FIV transmission risk by reducing fighting behaviour

Signs of FIV

In the early stages, FIV-positive cats may show no signs at all. As the disease progresses:

• Recurrent infections — upper respiratory, skin, urinary tract
• Chronic or recurrent oral disease (gingivitis, stomatitis)
• Weight loss
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Neurological signs in advanced cases
• Increased susceptibility to cancers

Management of FIV-positive cats

• Keep indoors — to protect them from secondary infections and to prevent transmission to other cats
• Twice-yearly wellness exams — to catch health changes early
• Maintain vaccinations — FIV-positive cats need protection against other diseases
• Prompt treatment of infections — don't wait for infections to resolve on their own
• Good nutrition — supports immune function
• Neuter if not already done — reduces fighting and stress

FeLV — Feline Leukaemia Virus

What is FeLV?

FeLV is a retrovirus that can cause immune suppression, anaemia, and lymphoma. Unlike FIV, FeLV is preventable by vaccination — making it the most important of the three diseases from a prevention standpoint.

How FeLV spreads

FeLV spreads through close, prolonged contact — mutual grooming, shared food and water bowls, shared litter trays, and bite wounds. It also spreads from mother to kitten (in utero or through milk).

FeLV is much more contagious than FIV. A single infected cat in a multi-cat household poses a significant risk to unvaccinated cats.

Signs of FeLV

• Persistent anaemia (pale gums, lethargy, weakness)
• Recurrent infections
• Weight loss and poor coat condition
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Lymphoma (most common FeLV-associated cancer)
• Reproductive failure in breeding cats

FeLV outcomes

FeLV outcomes vary significantly:

• Some cats clear the virus entirely (regressive infection) — especially adult cats with strong immune systems
• Some cats develop progressive infection — the virus persists and causes ongoing disease
• Some cats remain latent — the virus is present but not actively replicating

There is no cure for progressive FeLV infection. Management focuses on supportive care, treating secondary infections, and maintaining quality of life.

Prevention

• Vaccination — the FeLV vaccine is highly effective. We recommend it for all kittens and for adult cats with exposure risk.
• Test before introduction — every new cat entering your home should be FeLV-tested before meeting your existing cats
• Isolate positive cats — FeLV-positive cats should not share food bowls, litter trays, or grooming with FeLV-negative cats

Testing: when and why

We recommend FeLV/FIV testing for:

• All newly adopted cats and kittens
• Any cat before being introduced to a multi-cat household
• Any cat with unexplained illness, weight loss, or recurrent infections
• Any cat before FeLV vaccination (to confirm they're negative)
• Any cat that has had outdoor exposure or contact with unknown cats

At Pawspact, we offer in-house SNAP testing for FeLV and FIV — results in approximately 10 minutes.

Five things to remember

• FIP is now treatable. If your cat has been diagnosed with FIP, contact us. GS-441524 has transformed FIP from a death sentence into a manageable disease with excellent remission rates in most cases.
• FIV is manageable. An FIV-positive cat can live a long, comfortable life with appropriate care. The diagnosis is not a reason to euthanise.
• FeLV is preventable. Vaccination and testing before introductions are the most effective prevention strategies. If your cat is FeLV-positive, management is possible but prognosis is more guarded than FIV.
• Test before you introduce. Every new cat entering your home — whether adopted, fostered, or purchased — should be tested for FIV and FeLV before meeting your existing cats.
• Neutering reduces risk. Intact males fight more, and fighting is the primary transmission route for FIV. Neutering is both a welfare and a disease-prevention measure.

FIP, FIV, or FeLV concern? Talk to us.

Whether you've just received a diagnosis, you're adopting a new cat and want to test, or your cat is showing symptoms that worry you — our team is here. For FIP cases specifically, Dr. Ahmad Waqas brings clinical research experience and hands-on treatment protocols that are difficult to find elsewhere in Abu Dhabi.

Book a consultation →
Call: 02 674 7484
WhatsApp: 02 622 7260

For the full vaccination picture: Cat Vaccinations in the UAE: A Vet's Complete Guide.