Cat FIP: Signs, Vet Care and the Role of Acupuncture
Warning signs of FIP and why a prompt veterinary diagnosis matters. Acupuncture is discussed only as comfort support.
This guide is educational and does not replace a veterinary diagnosis. Acupuncture is used alongside, not instead of, conventional care, and the evidence differs from condition to condition. See our Medical Disclaimer.
See a veterinarian first
Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately, and do not delay care to try acupuncture, if:
- Your cat has a fever that does not go away, or a swollen belly.
- Your cat has breathing difficulty, yellow gums or skin, or eye changes.
- Your cat is losing weight, not eating or very lethargic.
- There are wobbly steps, seizures or other nervous signs.
This list is not complete. Cats hide illness, so if you are worried, call your veterinarian.
What is FIP and immune support?
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a disease caused by a mutated feline coronavirus. It was long considered almost always fatal, and antiviral treatment options have changed in recent years. Diagnosis can be difficult, so cats with signs should see a veterinarian promptly.
Signs to look for
- Fever that does not respond to treatment
- Weight loss and poor appetite
- Swollen abdomen or breathing trouble from fluid
- Yellow tinge to gums or skin
- Eye or nervous system changes
How veterinarians diagnose and treat it
Your veterinarian will use examination, bloodwork, imaging and testing of any fluid to reach a diagnosis. Treatment options for FIP depend on the form of the disease and what is available in your country, so ask your veterinarian about current options. Supportive care covers fluids, nutrition and comfort.
What acupuncture can and cannot do for FIP
Acupuncture is not a treatment for FIP. A few practitioners offer it for comfort and appetite in cats under veterinary care, and it must never delay specific treatment.
What the evidence says: There is no good evidence that acupuncture affects the course of FIP.
Results vary from cat to cat and cannot be promised. To find a practitioner, see cat acupuncture near me in our directory.
Acupuncture points for cats commonly discussed for this condition
These feline acupuncture points are named in traditional charts for the signs described on this page. Each guide gives the location, traditional indications and safety notes. Listing a point is not a promise that it will help, and points are chosen by the practitioner for each cat.
- ST36 Zu San Li (足三里)Chart lists: immune enhancement
- BL20 Pi Shu (脾俞)Traditional use; see the point guide
- BL23 Shen Shu (肾俞)Traditional use; see the point guide
- GV14 Da Zhui (大椎)Chart lists: fever, immune modulation
- CV4 Guan Yuan (关元)Chart lists: deficiency
- CV6 Qi Hai (气海)Traditional use; see the point guide
- SP6 San Yin Jiao (三阴交)Traditional use; see the point guide
See all points on the cat acupuncture points chart.
Next steps and resources
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Frequently asked questions
Can acupuncture cure FIP?
No. FIP needs veterinary diagnosis and specific treatment.
What does “immune support” mean?
Some practitioners use the term for general wellbeing. It does not mean acupuncture protects against FIP or other infections.
Is FIP contagious?
The mutation that causes FIP is not usually passed between cats. The underlying coronavirus is common in multi-cat settings. Ask your veterinarian.
Related cat conditions
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