Question about Corona Virus

I had 2 cats- Kara (about 1-2 yrs old, stray I took in after owners abandoned her) and Kirby (6 months, from SPCA). Kirby passed away almost a month ago from FIP. Kara seems healthy and normal but super playful because I think she doesn't have another cat to play with/chase each other.

We think we want another cat in the next few weeks (the SPCA said we could have another for free). When my vet diagnosed Kirby with FIP, she said we didn't need to do anything with Kara but said we may want her tested for the coronavirus if we get another cat.

My question is-- since the majority of cats have or have had the corona virus then is it necessary to get Kara tested? I could have the vet keep checking her antibodies-- but it's most likely the new cat will be carrying the corona virus and just give it to Kara anyways. KWIM?

Since it's really genetics of the individual cat/stress that causes the virus to mutate, does it make sense to put Kara through tests when she'll probably get it anyways from the new cat? I've read it's not even worth keeping the new and old cat separate because the corona virus can spread through the air/on your clothing.

Maybe I should wait til I have both cats and get them both tested- but I'm not sure if that's even worth it. I'm just scared if I get a new cat and take it to my vet for it's first check up, she's gonna be like "what have you done!!"

Anyone with FIP experience have any suggestions?

If Kara and Kirby lived together for any length of time, chances are she would test positive for the corona virus today. The test, IMO, is a waste of money.

I lost an 18 month old cat to FIP (wet form, diagnosed upon his death). He lived with 6 other cats before he died, and those cats in turn lived with all the cats I've had since (roughly over 20), including the 10 that live with me now. Not a single one of them has ever developed FIP, and I know that all of them would test positive for corona virus.

I'm glad that you understand its the genetics of the cat/stress that causes the mutation. A lot of people panic when their cats test positive to corona virus and many vets hand out a FIP diagnose automatically. If it were me making the decision, I'd go ahead and adopt.

Thank you for the reassurance.

When Kirby was diagnosed, my vet agreed that tests don't really tell you much about FIP so I'm hoping she wouldn't be mad if I went ahead and got another cat without testing Kara.

Originally Posted by SweetKara

Thank you for the reassurance.

When Kirby was diagnosed, my vet agreed that tests don't really tell you much about FIP so I'm hoping she wouldn't be mad if I went ahead and got another cat without testing Kara.

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I could see that. If you have a good relationship with your vet, I would call her and ask what the corona virus test would prove, then ask the risk for bringing in another cat. She might suggest adopting a cat/kitten that also tests positive.

I lost Willow to FIP 9/24/07, and I adopted Zek 10/16/07 as a companion for Odo. I've had Zek for more than a year now, and neither he nor Odo ever showed any indication of FIP. Zek had some other kind of infection upon adoption (which we would not have known except we did a general blood screen to make sure he was healthy), and we were able to treat it with antibiotics. If you choose to have any blood tests done at all, I would suggest just a general blood screen for Kara and possibly for the new kitty (if you can afford it). That way, you can be more comfortable knowing that Kara is healthy enough for a new companion and that she doesn't have any underlying problems going on. I wouldn't bother with a corona virus test.

The test does not prove anything, plus if she had coronavirus it would be wise to avoid stress as much as possible, this test would only add to it.

Originally Posted by Mimosa

The test does not prove anything, plus if she had coronavirus it would be wise to avoid stress as much as possible, this test would only add to it.

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That's exactly what I was thinking, too.