Kittens and FIP

Question
QUESTION: My 7 mo old kitten was just put down because of FIP about 3 weeks ago, my vet said my other cat which is healthy may be a shedder and I may never be able to have another cat, is that true? I dont want this to happen again. Ive been told that he probably had it when I got him, possibly from his mother. I may be getting another kittMy 7 mo old kitten was just put down because of FIP about 3 weeks ago, my vet said my other cat which is healthy may be a shedder and I may never be able to have another cat, is that true? I dont want this to happen again. Ive been told that he probably had it when I got him, possibly from his mother. I may be getting another kitten 12 weeks, on Saturday, this kitten has been tested for viruses, but im a little gun shy at this point, I dont want my grandchildren to have to go through it again if my cat is a shedder. confuseden 12 weeks, on Saturday, this kitten has been tested for viruses, but im a little gun shy at this point, I dont want my grandchildren to have to go through it again if my cat is a shedder. confused

ANSWER: I'm just as confused as you are Anita! Your message repeats itself so many times that I am having a hard time deciphering it.

FIP is a strange virus. No one really knows for sure how a cat gets it, but they (they being veterinarians) think it acquired either at birth, or by the same mode as FELV is, that is: licking, mutual grooming, cat fight bites, water puddles, etc.

I have not read any recent material on the shedding of the virus, but usually a mixture of 20 parts water to one part bleach will kill off these viruses around your house.

You can possibly have your other cat tested as well, and make sure that any new cat is tested before bringing it into the house.

Maybe call a professional cleaners and have them come steam the carpets before you get the new kitten. High steam heat will kill these viruses as well.

That is about all I can offer Anita. Have your healthy cat tested for TITERS to the FIP which might only tell you that he has been exposed. However, that might be the answer to whether or not he/she sheds the virus.

If I find out any more information I will send you a follow up.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: WOW...Sorry about the message, I just re-read it, can't blame you for being confused, that's copy and paste for ya. I guess what I'm asking is, would you wait longer to bring in another kitten? Or would you not get another one at all after a case of FIP? And what are the chances of this happening again. What kind of tests do you recommend for the new kitten? I've been told she has been tested for FeLV/FIV . thanks

Answer
Personally, I would wait. I would also get the place steamed and bleached as well. It is hard to lose any cat to this disease, so that makes the argument to wait all the more convincing.

I have no way of knowing what the chances are of another kitten picking this up. No one would know that.

But if you practice extremely good cleaning and hygiene after the last cat and get the place cleaned professionally, as well as wait a few months, chances are pretty good it won't happen again, but who knows?

Only you can assess whether or not the risk is worth it.
I had other cats after having one die from leukemia many years ago, and they did not get it. It too, is a virus and spreads pretty much the same way as FIP, as far as anyone can tell.

There is a titer test for FIP that can be given to kittens. It may only tell you that she was exposed or not, but not that she has it or not.

I would talk to your vet about the testing.