From Virginia in PA

"My neighbors young cat became very ill. She took it to be checked and was told it had FIP. The cat was so ill, they had to put her to sleep. My questions are--Is this transmittable to people and can my cats contract it from me? I have held the cat in the past when visiting. My pregnant daughter had also held the cat -- is there any risk to her? She is nearly eight months along."

   The short answer is that you and your cats are probably okay, as is your daughter. FIP has not been found to be transmittable to humans and it generally requires extensive cat-to-cat contact for it to spread amongst felines.

   One of the most contagious diseases known to veterinary medicine is also one of the most elusive. And, unfortunately, it is also one of the most dangerous. Known as Feline Infectious Peritonitis and commonly referred to as FIP, this disease is very difficult to diagnose. At present there is no definitive test to determine whether or not an animal is infected with the virus. And although the incidence of FIP is relatively low, there is no cure for it

   Cats suffering from the most severe form of the disease-known as wet FIP-may exhibit fever, weight loss, kidney and liver disorders, eye disease, anemia and loss of appetite. The most common symptom of wet FIP is a progressive, though painless swelling of the abdomen; fluid can also collect in the chest. These symptoms indicate injury to the circulatory system, If the infected cat has a good appetite and is not suffering from anemia, treatment can afford temporary relief. Unfortunately, the animal's immune system, in an attempt to fight off the FIP virus, only speeds the spread of the disease. Once signs of illness appear, FIP is nearly always fatal..

   Is your cat likely to get FIP? Researchers have found that a substantial percentage of the feline population has developed immunity to the group of pathogens that includes the FIP virus. Animals who are allowed outdoors, however, are at greater risk of contracting the disease. FIP is also more likely to infect very old and relatively young cats, especially those under 2 years of age.

   And because FIP is easily spread through the saliva, urine and feces, felines who live together-either in multi-cat households or catteries-have a higher incidence of the disease. Sneezing, hissing, shared bedding, litterboxes, food and water dishes are all ways for the virus to be passed from one cat to another.

   In 1991, a vaccine was developed to help prevent FIP. The vaccine is administered as nose drops. After the first dosage at four months of age, a second one should be given 3 to 4 weeks later, and once annually thereafter. As the majority of cats are not at high risk for this disease, veterinarians do not routinely vaccinate against it. There is also some controversy over how effective it is. Nevertheless, the ASPCA recommends vaccination against FIP if your pet is allowed outdoors or lives in a household with other cats. Responsible breeders, too, should afford their animals this protection. By taking into account your pet's level of risk, your veterinarian can determine whether or not you should have your cat vaccinated against FIP.