Feline Coronavirus

I can find a ton of information on FIP, but pretty limited info on feline coronavirus.

Out of curiosity, does anyone know:

On average, how long does a cat typically shed the virus in its feces?

On average, how long does the cat remain immune to his/her particular strain of coronavirus before he/she becomes susceptible again?

I'm talking average cats with normal immune systems, and the "typical" course of coronavirus infection.

Thanks for any information!

PS: I'm not concerned about any cats in particular. I have 2 kittens, and I have no idea if they have or have had, coronavirus (and I don't plan on testing them). However, I use World's Best Cat Litter, and don't need to completely change the litter more than every couple weeks. But it occurred to me that, if they have been infected with coronavirus at some point, I may need to change the litter more often for a while in order to eliminate the virus completely. I scoop daily, but you never know what microscopic remnants are left over.

if I am not mistaken the coronavirus is persistent, meaning they will always have it. it just depends on the cat if it will mutate into FIP

Originally Posted by katiemae1277

if I am not mistaken the coronavirus is persistent, meaning they will always have it. it just depends on the cat if it will mutate into FIP

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Thanks for the response! I believe that in a multi-cat household, coronavirus will likely always be present, as you stated. However, in a household with only one or two cats, it should be able to be eliminated.

Taken from Dr. Addie's website:

"Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is the leading infectious cause of cat death. FIP occurs when the cat reacts inappropriately to feline coronavirus (FCoV) infection. Most cats simply become infected, shed FCoV for a month or two, mount an immune response, eliminate the virus and live happily ever after. However, for reasons that we don't yet fully understand, instead of clearing FCoV infection, an unfortunate few cats develop FIP."


I know this kind of answers my question about how long they shed the virus for. However, "a month or two" seems pretty indescript.

Originally Posted by zoeysmom

On average, how long does a cat typically shed the virus in its feces?

On average, how long does the cat remain immune to his/her particular strain of coronavirus before he/she becomes susceptible again?

Click to expand...

From what I understand it can be shed throughout their life usually in times of stress or illness. I also think that would apply to the immunity, cats become more susceptible with illness, age, and stress. Most cats never develop any symptoms of the virus unless it mutates into FIP. From the few articles I read not a lot is understood about Coronavirus and there is research on going. I think I read that 90% of cats have been exposed to the Coronavirus.

As I've understood it one of the problems is that cats basically don't develop any immunity towards FECoV. That's why it can be so hard do eliminate the virus from the household. Cats, no matter if they've been infected or not, catch the virus over and over again as long as there's a shedder present.

That's also one of the factors as to why it's so hard to develop an effective vaccine.