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My cat died from FIP. When can I safely bring home a new cat?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My cat died from FIP. How long if at all can this virus live in my house? How long until I can get another cat?

7 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on October 11th, 2015

I'm am sorry for your loss. Wait at least 1 month. Vacuum and clean as thoroughly as you can. Hard, non porous surfaces (and bowls, toys, etc.) can be washed in hot, soapy water or the dishwasher. Rinse in a 1:32 dilution of bleach. Any toys or bedding that cannot be sanitized, should be thrown out. Normal exposure to air and sunlight will usually kill the FIP virus in the environment within 2 weeks.

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34Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Jeffrey M. Evans, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    FIP is cause by the corona virus which many animals have and it alone does not make animals sick. It is the unique MUTATION within that particular cat that causes illness. In short, just because your animal had it does not mean any other animal will be effected, and if they are its by shear coincidence.

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    29Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on

    I'm am sorry for your loss. Wait at least 1 month. Vacuum and clean as thoroughly as you can. Hard, non porous surfaces (and bowls, toys, etc.) can be washed in hot, soapy water or the dishwasher. Rinse in a 1:32 dilution of bleach. Any toys or bedding that cannot be sanitized, should be thrown out. Normal exposure to air and sunlight will usually kill the FIP virus in the environment within 2 weeks.

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    12Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Christie Long, DVM

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on

    Hi, and thanks for writing. I'm so sorry you lost your cat. FIP is a horrible disease, and it's still not that well understood. Many cats actually have the disease but never show any signs of it. We believe that the cats that ultimately get sick and die from the disease undergo some type of mutation in their DNA. The cats that don't get sick don't have this change. Strangely, it seems that the disease isn't really contagious. Yes, the infection can be passed from cat to cat, but again, this specific DNA mutation must take place in a specific cat for that cat to experience the sickness that your cat died from. So you should be safe getting another cat. I'm sorry you had to go through this.

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    28Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 24th, 2018

    I am so sorry to hear about your cat. I have attached a link to an article on FIP in cats for your information. In truth, FIP isn't considered a contagious disease because most cats that contract feline coronavirus will not develop FIP, many do not get sick, and many cats have feline coronavirus without us even being aware. That being said, you can wait a period of 2 to 3 months if you want to be extremely cautious to prevent spread of the Coronavirus. The coronavirus, as I said, doesn't itself cause FIP and is very common among cats, but in a few certain cats it will mutate into the virus that leads to FIP. You can read more about it at: https://www.petcoach.co/article/feline-infectious-peritonitis-fip-in-cats-kittens/

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 27th, 2017

    Technically FIP is not contagious since it is an immune response to a mutated form of the coronavirus. Coronavirus can be eliminated from the environment with routine cleaning and washing bedding etc. I generally recommend waiting 2-4 months although this is not based on any particular research. Young cats and kittens are at highest risk, so adopting an adult cat would be a good option.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 27th, 2017

    Yes, it should be safe as long as you don't have another cat with the disease. FIP viruse only survives for 2 to 3 weeks at room temperature on dry surfaces, including feeding bowls, toys, litter boxes, bedding, clothing, etc.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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