This disease has been effectively controlled through vaccination programs and licensing laws. Cats and kittens over 14 weeks of age should receive an initial series of 2 vaccinations, given three weeks apart, with an annual booster every year thereafter. This deadly disease has become one of the main killers of cats throughout the world. As with humans, it causes an acquired immune deficiency, resulting in the destruction of the animal's immune system. It is not transmittable to humans.
Transmission comes through the saliva and possibly urine or feces of an infected cat.
All cats and kittens should be tested for FeLV and vaccinated against it. Cats and kittens 16 weeks of age or older should receive two intranasal doses of the vaccine, given 3 to 4 weeks apart, with an annual single dose every year thereafter. Please talk to your veterinarian for their recommendation. FIP is a highly contagious and usually deadly disease. There is no specific treatment for this ultimately fatal disease.