Question:
Posted by ADMIN for a guest (Lorie)

Please help me with this question. My cat 3ys old died of FIP and I want to bring a new cat or kitten in to my house. How long do I wait for the virus to be free in the air. Also how do I disinfect my drapes, carpet and furniture. Is there a test I can get done on the new animal I decide to get to see that he/she is FIP free.

Please I need help. Thank you in advance.

Lorie

Answer:
I found a really good page with lots of good information for you. Here is the link:
http://www.vetinfo.com/cfip.html

If you scroll down past the letters + answers to the "what is FIP" section, it says this: FIP virus itself lasts in the environment for up to 6 weeks. It is easily killed with disinfectants, so careful cleansing of a household may help prevent the spread of the disease if a cat with FIP is identified in a household with more than one cat
But if you want to *not* try to clean your drapes & furniture, I'd suggest waiting about 6 weeks from the last time your cat was there.

Sorry to hear about your loss, but please be aware that a test, even if you can get it done, does not necessarily mean a cat is FIP-free or will never develop it. Best way to prevent this, and other diseases, is to keep your cat indoors, and keep your cleaning routines regular (cleaning litter box on routine basis) and of course, proper vet care.

Hope that helps.
Good luck,
Melissa

Answer:
FIP is transmitted from direct cat to cat contact (bodily fluids). It's very rare that you can transmit it through fomites (objects like combs, beds, toys, us, etc)
You can test a cat for FIP but it doesn't really mean anything. The only truly way to be sure it's FIP is for a post mortem to be done. FIP is a mutation of a corona virus. Just because a cat tests positive for it doesn't mean that it's going to die of it or anything. Any cat that's ever been outside will probably test positive for FIP.
When I was in school our entire colony tested positive (we had one cat die of it). I adopted a cat from that litter and she lives at my parents house. She is a carrier of FIP. Many cats can be carriers and never die of the "disease".
I'm sorry that you lost your cat to FIP. People just don't know enough about it and there hasn't been enough research done on it (my cat is part of a study group).
What I would probably do, is not to use any of your old cats things (litter box, bedding, toys, etc) but if you have to, then just pop them in the washing machine. Same thing with your curtains, carpet etc. If it wasn't too long ago then I'd do a good vacuuming and use a carpet cleaner as well.
Best of luck with the new kitty.

Answer: