Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) has long been one of the most devastating diagnoses in feline medicine, but advances in treatment are helping change the outlook for affected cats. Through trusted resources, high-quality treatments, and new options like the oral FIP treatment introduced by Stokes Pharmacy and Bova, veterinarians and pet owners have more reason for hope than ever before. Rüfüs and Sol are two cats whose lives were changed by these advancements. Here’s their story.
Rüfüs & Sol’s FIP Journey: From Diagnosis to Recovery
What were your cats like before FIP entered the picture?
Rüfüs:
Rüfüs was the most energetic kitten. Before his diagnosis, he was incredibly active, always looking for something to do, easily bored by routine, and endlessly adventurous. We brought him home in August when he was about four months old, and by the end of October, he was diagnosed with FIP.
Sol:
Sol has always been the more relaxed of the two. We got her alongside Rüfüs in August—they’re from the same litter. Early on, she seemed to struggle with some stomach issues and discomfort, but those gradually improved over time. Once that was resolved, she became the sweetest, most affectionate kitten. Sol developed FIP four months after Rüfüs, in February.
What were the first signs that something was wrong?
Rüfüs:
The first thing I noticed was extreme lethargy. He was sleeping curled up in a donut position, which was unusual because he normally slept stretched out or loafed comfortably. His eyes looked squinty, and he went from being the most energetic, playful kitten to sleeping nearly all day. What concerned me most was how unresponsive he became. Normally, any sudden noise would wake him up immediately, but he wouldn’t even flinch if I dropped something nearby. His coat also looked duller, with the fur along his spine appearing spiked up. I knew something was wrong almost immediately because the change was so drastically different from his normal personality.
Sol:
After going through FIP with Rüfüs, I was constantly aware of the possibility that Sol could develop it as well. One day, I noticed her eyes looked squinty, and she was lying in that same donut position that Rüfüs had when he first became sick. Those subtle changes immediately raised alarms for me. I took her to the vet right away because I recognized the signs and had a strong feeling it was FIP.
Was FIP diagnosed right away?
No. Initially, Rüfüs’s vet suspected an infection and started antibiotics. But when his white blood cell count increased significantly, FIP was mentioned as a possibility. Because the clinic hadn’t treated a living FIP case before, they couldn’t give a definitive diagnosis and shared that the prognosis was very poor.
We immediately sought a second opinion from an emergency veterinarian who had seen FIP before. After reviewing everything, she felt confident it was FIP and guided us toward next steps.
Want to learn more about diagnosing and treating FIP?
Veterinary professionals looking to deepen their understanding of FIP can access Epicur’s on-demand webinars for expert perspectives.
What was your reaction when FIP was first mentioned?
It was one of the scariest moments I’ve ever experienced as a pet owner. When you first Google FIP, almost everything you find describes it as a worst-case scenario, often stating that it’s fatal and that there is no cure. Reading that was devastating.
At the same time, I refused to accept that as Rüfüs reality without exploring every possible option. I immediately started researching, looking for other resources, and connecting with people who had gone through the same experience. I’m incredibly grateful that I kept searching and sought a second veterinary opinion, because that’s what ultimately led us to treatment and gave Rüfüs a chance to recover.
How did you first learn about Stokes Pharmacy?
The ER veterinarian mentioned an oral option available through Stokes Pharmacy. We were nervous about injections, so we moved forward quickly with the oral treatment and started right away.
What stood out about Stokes during your research and treatment?
It was such a seamless process from initially hearing about Stokes to both of my kittens being healed. Getting an order placed was easy, and customer service was extremely helpful and responsive. We had a few tablets that were breaking at the bottom of the bottle, making it difficult to tell the accurate dosage. Stokes sent us replacement tablets so that we could finish up our cat’s treatment. It really was a testament to their great customer service.
Explore the first regulated FIP treatment available through a national PCAB-accredited compounding pharmacy.
What was it like getting started with treatment, and how long was the recovery process?
Easy, we received the medicine in 24 hours. After that it was 84 days of medicine for both cats, and 84 days of remission.
We got very lucky and had it pretty easy because our cats loved the pills. They ate them directly out of our hands. We used pill pockets at the start but then realized they didn’t mind eating them directly. It was such a relief not having to shove the tablets in their mouths or force them to take the medication. I really think they thought it was a treat!
Did you know about the black-market groups and drugs that are promoted as FIP treatments?
We were aware of them through online groups, but I would strongly encourage others to work with a trusted pharmacy. It’s faster, more reliable, and you have a real team supporting you. Trying unverified treatments would only add more stress to an already overwhelming situation.
FIP Support For Cat Owners
Access trusted FIP resources, free educational webinars, and personalized support to help you feel informed every step of the way.
How are Rüfüs and Sol doing today?
Both Rüfüs and Sol are thriving. They are the most playful, loving, and fun cats I have ever met. They love every person they meet, are social, curious, and simply just the best. Both of them love treats, bird watching, playing with each other, and are 100% healthy. They have full energy, big appetites, shiny coats, and their personalities are restored.
What would you say to another cat owner who has just received an FIP diagnosis?
I remember feeling like there would be no light at the end of the tunnel. But treatment can work! It is so hard in the moment to see your pet in a vulnerable position, but supporting them and advocating for their health is the best thing you can do. Get second opinions, keep an eye out for any changes in symptoms, and hug your kitty tight every single day.
Celebrating FIP Survivors
Meet the cats and caregivers who faced a once-incurable disease and discover the incredible stories of survival, hope, and resilience behind their journeys.
Treating Complex Cases? Here’s Where to Start.
At Stokes Pharmacy, we’re committed to helping veterinarians access innovative therapies that improve and save the lives of pets. Together with our sister company, Epicur Pharma, we continue to expand access to high-quality treatments and resources for complex conditions like FIP. Whether you’re looking for patient-specific prescriptions, treatment guidance, or additional support for your practice, we’re here to help.