How common is FIP?
Feline infectious peritonitis is a relatively uncommon disease in cats, but is more common in colony cats and in young cats (less than 1-2 years old). Accurate figures are difficult to obtain, but it is estimated that the incidence of FIP in general household cats is in the order of 0.02% (ie, around 1 death per year in every 5000 cats). However, where many cats are kept together in close confinement (where the virus can be readily transmitted) and where there are young cats present (which are more susceptible to developing FIP) the disease is much more prevalent. Thus in some multicat households or catteries, the incidence of FIP may be as high as 5%.
