Our Maine Coon was diagnosed with Wet FIP 4 days ago. We suspect one of our other cats is a chronic FCoV shedder. What to do?
Our Maine Coon, Ash, is 1 year and 3 months old, and we took her to the ER on Monday (5/11) because she has an abdominal ascites with a ton of fluid (I believe she has about 500ccs of fluid in her abdominal cavity). 4 days ago we got the test results back saying that she has tested positive for FIP and is currently undergoing treatment.
The ER did a double cavity ultrasound and a bunch of tests in order to rule out everything they possibly could. Luckily, her heart, her liver, and her kidneys all seemed to be in great shape, though she is anemic, which is another symptom of Wet FIP. Besides that, she’s been eating great, going to the bathroom like normal, though she is a bit lethargic.
We have 4 other cats in the household, and we suspect one of them is a chronic FCoV shedder, Anya. We took her in about a year and a half ago. Prior to that, she was a stray cat for about 4 years and has had 2-3 litters. She is still extremely skittish and solitary, and hardly moves, though she is very food motivated. She hardly plays and has a fear of every toy we have shown her. We suspect that she may be a chronic FCoV shedder because she always has had diarrhea/wet stool.
We have several concerns…: is it safe for Ash (FIP) and Anya (suspected chronic FCoV) to live together? Once Ash finishes treatment, can she safely live around Anya? Or, will Ash risk becoming infected with FIP again? Do cats with FIP gain a sort of immunity? Is there a treatment for Anya?
My parents are insistent that Ash has to be permanently segregated from the other cats to avoid risk of reinfection, but I believe that’s unnecessary. I’m also aware that Ash will shed FCoV as well. We have automatic litter boxes and we are currently getting automated pour-over water bowls to prevent the cats from drinking recycled saliva.
Please help!
TLDR; I have a cat with FIP and a cat with (suspected) chronic FCoV. Can they safely live together without a risk (or little risk) of reinfection (post FIP treatment).