FIP Advocates and Champions

How To Do FIP Injections

FIP Advocates and Champions Canada is a group dedicated to providing help, support and hope for those facing this diagnosis. Though once a completely fatal disease, there is now a treatment and cure! We have all gone through this experience with our own kitties and been able to cure them with what many veterinarians are now calling "a miracle."

Partnered closely with veterinarians, experienced treatment advisors worldwide and pet parents, we are committed to connecting parents with safe and affordable treatment options, advocating for the cats and their parents and helping advance knowledge about FIP and its treatment.

FIP Injection Guide

FIP Injections Explained

The course of treatment for FIP is 84 days. Occasionally extensions are necessary. We understand injections can be difficult and we are happy to have cats switched to pills as soon as possible, but the treatment typically starts with subcutaneous injections.

Why shouldn’t we usually start with pills straight away? Oftentimes FIP can be damaging to the cats’ internal organs, including their digestive tract (this is where the disease mutates from FCoV) and the pills may not be absorbed properly. Other kitties are very critical and some cannot even swallow which makes injections an absolute necessity.

We recommend using two gauges of needles: a 20g to pull the solution from the bottle, and a 22g to use for the injection. Note that these needles must be fresh every injection, or they can cause the kitty needless pain.

Guide and Diagrams

FIP Injection FAQs

Should I shave my cat for the injections?

Many kitty parents choose to shave their cat for the injections. One benefit is that it gives you easier access to making the skin tent and you can easily see where you are injecting. It is also easier to clean the area after injecting and be sure no GS leaked. If a sore does pop up it is easier to identify and treat.

How deep do the injections have to go?

3/4″ or 1″ needles are are recommended. When injecting, insert the needle at a 45 degree angle.

Some of the liquid leaked out. What do I do?

When there is leakage try to estimate roughly how much liquid was lost. If you can do this then inject that amount again. If you do not know how much leaked then inject a half dose. It is very important that kitty gets a full dose and is better to give a little more then too little.

My cat is fighting me. What do I do?

There are several ways to make injection time easier.

#1 Try to stay calm. Your cat will pick up on any hesitation and fear and become upset themselves. Remember you are saving your cat’s life. You can do this!

#2 Ask your vet for a prescription of gabapentin. This is a very safe medication with a wide dosing range. Dosing typically starts at 25mg – 50mg. Please confirm with your vet and treatment advisor. This will help calm your kitty before the injections and reduce pain. It is recommended to give gabapentin 1-2 hrs before each injection.

#3 Use distraction! Some kitties are very food motivated and will eat a Churu or other favorite treat while they receive their injection.

#4 Some cats need some restraint. You can try wrapping kitty in a towel or blanket. Many cats find this calming as long as you stay calm and confident. There are also restraint bags available to buy as well if needed.

Should I store the GS-441524 in the fridge?

It is not necessary to store the GS in the fridge. Please keep it away from heat and light. A cupboard or drawer is perfect.

Where do I order syringes and needles?

Syringes and needles can be purchased on Amazon, local pharmacies and many veterinarians will sell them as well. Please refer to your treatment handbook for links.

When can we switch to pills?

Ideally the cat is on injections for the first 30 days of treatment. The feline coronavirus originates in the feline digestive tract and the pills may not be absorbed as effectively early into treatment. When improvement in 30 day bloodwork is seen along with kitty having no digestive issues it is then recommended to switch to pills if the owner wishes to. There are exceptions to this timeline and if you are really struggling with the injections please speak with your treatment advisor.

Do the injections have to be done at the same time every day?

Consistency is extremely important to the success of this treatment. Please make sure kitty gets their injection (or pills) at the same time each day. If the treatment time needs to be adjusted try to slowly change the time by 30-60 minutes each day until you get to the new time. It is better to be early with a dose then late.

Testimonials

I cannot believe it’s been 2 years since we first started treatment on Roxy and and Dan (yes I had the unfortunate news to have not one but two cats diagnosed with FIP different forms two months apart). With the help of Krista and the FIP community we are not almost two years cured. Roxy had relapsed briefly and completed 120 days and Dan completed 84 days. Not a single health incident since. My love, my gratitude is endless for all of you. Without your constant guidance and support I would have given up. 2 years 🥳🥳🥳🥳 of living their best life.