05/28/2026
Long Read but worth it to learn about FIP and Big Bears journey.
Big Bear has FIP. Finally have a diagnosis that we believe is correct. After thinking he had other things going on that were not correct. It all started...
In December 2019 we found Big Bear on the streets, homeless.
Big Bear had eye surgery shortly after his rescue, $2,300 cost correcting Big Bear eyelids, all worth it.
Big Bear's eyelids turn in and was scratching his eyes and constant infections.
We need to make Big Bear's life much more comfortable and save his eyes, so we spent the money to help him. Now once again we are going to put a large amount $$$ into the sweet boy to save him from FIP.
We initially thought Bear had a broken leg, xrays showed No broken leg, we now believe a sprain as a secondary incident due to the neuro effects of the developing FIP. Then we thought a blood pathogen or infection, antibiotics and pred. helped, but only short time, was not blood infection. My gut kept saying its FIP. Finally when he was drunk walking, then went blind I knew. It was this past Holiday weekend...he was crashing! I finally made the decision I was not going to let Big Bear die, he was starting to lay on his side, not moving, eyes cloudy, I really thought I was losing him. I almost headed across the bridge to let him go. I posted on the FIP warriors page about his condition, asking if anyone else thought FIP. immediately Admins got in touch with me, convinced me to try to save him. I had a small amount of the injectable drugs here from a previous treated cat, gave that to him, but needed more, only enough for half dose. We contacted and posted on the FIP chat group, asking if anyone local had any of the drugs. One individual came through, said he had a half vile, it was enough to finish his starting dose, he lived in Waldorf an hour + away. It was now midnight, he said he would stay up, so I went. Got the drug, gave the rest of the amount to Bear. But then I needed more for morning treatment. So off I went the next day to Brandywine an individual had two viles.
That same day took Bear to vet to get fluids, b12, and a full lab workup so we can track progress. That afternoon I found another individual that had 4 viles in Pasadena. As of today Big Bear now has had 4 treatments and guess what, his eyes are no longer cloudy, he was blind, running into things, now eyes are clear and he can see. He is not just laying around or making a complete mess of his area in the bathroom due to pain.
He is showing improvement already! Usually after 24 or 48 hours of treatment you see improvement, if its FIP.
Big Bear has the neurological occular type of FIP.
This is going to cost us a pretty penny, we already put over $900 into vet visits and testing, now for his treatments for the next 18 weeks it is going to be $24 a day! But this is better then the $180 we have spent years ago to treat other FIP cats, they are still here to this day. Years ago Amy treated someone's FIP kitten that went blind and paralyzed, she did great, completely got cured of the FIP and can see and walk. So I have hopes for Big Bear. Please send positives, prayers and what ever including funds to help Big Bear get better.
BELOW IS SOME MORE INFO ON FIP, DO NOT LET YOUR VETERINARIANS TELL YOU YOU HAVE TO EUTHANIZE YOUR CAT IF THEY HAVE THIS...IT IS TREATABLE. Most vets now are educated about FIP but still many believe there is no cure...don't believe that.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a severe, historically fatal viral disease in cats caused by a mutation of the common feline coronavirus. While the initial virus is usually harmless, this specific mutation triggers an abnormal immune response that causes inflammation in major organs.
Causes & Transmission:
The Culprit: The feline enteric coronavirus (FECV) is a common, highly contagious virus that typically only causes mild diarrhea or no symptoms at all.
The Mutation: In a small percentage of infected cats, this virus mutates into the virulent FIP virus (FIPV).
Transmission: Cats generally contract the coronavirus through contact with infected f***s (e.g., shared litter boxes). FIP itself is not contagious from cat to cat; the disease only develops if the virus mutates inside the individual cat.Risk Factors: It primarily affects young cats (under two years of age) and those in multi-cat environments or stressful conditions.
Common SymptomsFIP: is notoriously difficult to diagnose ("the great imitator"), but it generally presents in two main forms:
Wet (Effusive) Form: The most common form, causing fluid accumulation in the abdomen or chest, leading to a swollen belly or breathing difficulties.
Dry (Non-Effusive) Form: Causes less fluid build-up but leads to severe inflammatory lesions in vital organs (eyes, brain, liver, kidneys).General Signs: Fever, lethargy, weight loss, loss of appetite, and jaundice.Treatment & OutlookHistorically, FIP was considered almost universally fatal. However, thanks to breakthroughs in antiviral medications (such as GS-441524 and molnupiravir), FIP is now highly treatable and many cats achieve full remission.If you suspect your cat is exhibiting FIP symptoms, consult a veterinarian immediately to discuss diagnostic testing and antiviral treatment options. For further information or to find resources on FIP treatments, check the Cornell Feline Health Center or PetMD.
If you would like to donate a days worth of meds for Big Bear, you can donate directly to us through:
Zelle- 410-490-3018
Venmo-
web Page: www.savingfutureferalcats.org
PayPal: [email protected]
Cash ap- $Ingegart-Peters
