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Should I adopt another cat if my previous one died from FIP/FeCoV?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Female | spayed | 1 year and 8 months old

We have 2 cats who we think have had FeCoV passed on from our other cat who developed FIP and had to put him to sleep. The two we currently have live a normal life and have always bene indoor cats. We're thinking of adopting another cat, possibly youngish, and are worried that they will passed on FeCoV and develop FIP as they will be younger and have a weaker immune system. Is it a good idea to introduce another cat.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

Published on June 22nd, 2018

I'm sorry to hear that you lost a cat to FIP. It certainly is a devastating disease. Unfortunately, there isn't a simple answer to your question. Since we never know which cat's bodies will transform FeCoV into FIP, we have no way of protecting those cats. Most cats have been exposed to FeCoV. So, a new cat that you adopt may already have FeCoV. And your cats may have cleared their FeCoV infection, so they may not have anything to pass along. I am attaching a handout with more information about FIP and FeCoV below. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951549 I wish there was a simple answer to your question, but this is a very complicated disease and unfortunately, we simply don't know enough to answer your question. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 19th, 2019

    It is very difficult to predict which cats will get FIP because not only do cats need to be infected with the coronavirus, the virus also needs to mutate and cause an abnormal immune response. While it’s more common in multi-cat households the disease often does not affect all cats so I wouldn’t worry too much about your other cat. It also typically affects younger cats so if you adopt an adult the risk would be much lower. In 4-5 months there shouldn’t be any coronavirus in the environment.

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