help with potential FIP case

Hello, I am new to the site and looking for some advice please. I have been feeding a stray cat for about 12 weeks and finally was able to catch her yesterday. I had read on your forums and took her straight to my vets who have said she's between 1 and 5 yes old but hard to tell specifically as she doesn't have all of her teeth. Initially I thought she looked heavily pregnant but the vets have said she is not. They put the swollen stomach down to either a bad case of worms or FIP. She has been wormed and we are waiting to see if her belly becomes smaller but I was wondering if anyone had experienced FIP before? The internet is brilliant but contradicts itself frequently so I don't know what to believe. My first concern are my 2 cats. The stray (yet to be named) is alone in my spare bedroom and settling in quite nicely (your forum on cat behaviour has been very helpful!!!) Lots say that it is life limiting and horrible.

Its tricky because lots of the symptoms are undetermined because we don't know her so I can't tell if she's lethargic from normal or acting differently. She doesn't have a fever and has a very healthy appetite which I think are good signs. Does anyone have any other potential diagnoses that the vet hasn't thought of?
Thank you!
Simmone

FIP is extremely difficult to diagnose.  I would say just give it time and see what happens.  I would think that if her belly is swollen from fluid buildup she would be extremely ill and would not be eating well, but I am not a vet.  FIP isn't contagious in the way that other viruses are.  The corona virus is very common and why it mutates into FIP in some cats and not others is not fully understood.  It's a good idea to keep her isolated with her own litter box for awhile anyway.  If she does have wet FIP it will become very evident in a short amount of time.  There really isn't anything that can be done except if it turns out that she does have FIP make the decision to euthanize her sooner rather than later.  There is no treatment and she won't have good days it's a constant downhill slide.

Simmone said:

I was wondering if anyone had experienced FIP before? The internet is brilliant but contradicts itself frequently so I don't know what to believe.

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Yes, our new universal "reference library" is marvelous, though all its content isn't trustworthy.

From my own experience, the specialized online groups that focus on (almost all) the chronic feline diseases and health conditions are the very best places for reliable, accurate and the most current information. Fortunately, there is one such group for FIP - it's been active for 11 years now and has had more than 2,000 members - and cats. I know that I would be joining them and putting all my questions to them.

Joining is easy...just click the purple + Join Group button on this page: Support and Info for Owners of FIP Cats

Now, remember to come back later to update us.......and to show us some pictures of this little treasure !

In my experience (both with my own personally FIP cats and working for a vet for 25+ years) when they have the swollen belly they are really sickly, as that is usually in the advanced stages of the disease.  It could just be malnutrition or a heavy load of worms.  You might want to repeat the deworming in 2 weeks and again in 2 weeks if she has a heavy load of worms.  Ascites (swollen belly, fluid in abdomen) can be caused by lots of other things other than FIP.  If she doesn't seem to improve or starts showing other signs you might want to have a full blood panel and/or xrays done on her.

cprcheetah took the words right out of my mouth, if her belly is swollen to the point of appearing very prego, she would surely be showing signs of a very sick cat.

Her being a stray, she definitely is full of worms since theyre left untreated, however with the single dose, you may or may not see a significant change in her tummy.

The vet should be able to tell by feeling her belly if it feels more fluidy due to fip.

My guess? Big case of worms.

She must be retreated repeatedly every 2 weeks or you will not be able to gain control and cure them. It will likely take several repeated treatments, up to 5 or so.

Thanks for caring for her, she deserves a home and care, shame on whoever abandoned her.

Be sure to get her spayed soon

Thank you so much for the responses! Very reassuring!

Simmone said:

The stray (yet to be named) is...settling in quite nicely

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Oh my......has she ever settled in !!!  Soooo very coooozzzzy there! And, so much hope, trust and sweetness in that little face.

OK, Simmone, so what are you leaning towards by way of a name?

Aww, she has such a sweet face. I too think and hope it's just a case of worms. Thanks for rescuing this girl. Many vibes that she recovers soon.

Whiteshadow I am actually stuck for names! Suggestions welcome!! Thank you everybody for the reassurance!

How is your sweet little girl doing?  Is she feeling better?

Her belly is still swollen and she gets extremely upset if I try to raid through her litter tray or take it away for a minute so really tricky to say, will just give her time and fingers crossed she will improve. She seems to be settling in lovely though, comes to greet me now. Just have to limit petting as she gets overly excited and I've taken a few bites! Bless her