What to expect and record during treatment

A typical timeline

• Within a few days: fever and general signs often start to improve, and appetite returns. Surviving the first days of treatment is itself a good sign.
• Around two weeks: fluid and jaundice usually clear, and red blood cell levels start to rise.
• Several weeks: globulin levels and the A:G ratio can take weeks to normalise. Eye inflammation can also take weeks to settle fully.

Don't be alarmed by one expected blip: in some cats with wet FIP, weight can drop and globulins rise around two weeks as fluid is reabsorbed. This doesn't mean treatment is failing, but do tell your vet.

Checks your vet may suggest

• A call or check about 48 hours after starting.
• A review at about two weeks, including whether fluid has reduced.
• Blood tests at two weeks and then roughly monthly, and normal results before stopping.
• AGP (inflammation marker): two normal results a week or two apart help confirm recovery.

What to record at home

• Weight every week or two on baby or kitchen scales. Rising weight is encouraging, and the dose may need adjusting.
• Appetite, energy, mobility, litter tray, vomiting or diarrhoea.
• Temperature only if your vet has shown you how.
• A daily photo: changes in coat, posture and alertness are easier to see side by side.

Charts in FIP Together show what you recorded. They don't judge recovery; your vet does.