When Julie Gray’s beloved cat Sky fell ill earlier this year, she had a sinking feeling that his time was limited. Just months before, she had lost Sky’s younger brother, Smokey, to what she believed was the same illness. Although no test confirmed the cause of Smokey’s symptoms, vets were able to determine that Sky had contracted a coronavirus, similar to the one that sparked the Covid pandemic. Unfortunately, Sky passed away before his FIP test results came back positive.
The island of Cyprus is currently facing an unprecedented outbreak of feline coronavirus, with thousands of cats falling victim to the disease. This crisis has earned Cyprus the tragic nickname of the “island of dead cats.” Experts warn that the outbreak may soon reach Britain as well. Heartbroken locals share their stories as the virus spreads through their pets.
Feline infections peritonitis (FIP) has been spreading rapidly across Cyprus since January. Many cats have already been infected, showing symptoms such as fever, abdominal swelling, lethargy, and increased aggression. This outbreak is unique in its scale, as previous cases were primarily confined to catteries, with kittens and young cats being the most affected. Researchers are currently studying the mutated coronavirus responsible for the outbreak, speculating that exposure to the human coronavirus may have caused a more harmful version to develop in cats. However, further research is necessary to fully understand this phenomenon.
The exact number of cat fatalities in Cyprus is still disputed. The local Cat Protection and Welfare Society (PAWS) estimates that around 300,000 cats have died from the virus, based on the assumption that it kills approximately 20 to 30 percent of infected cats out of the island’s 1 million population. However, the Pancyprian Veterinary Association believes this figure to be greatly exaggerated, putting the death toll closer to 8,000. Even with these differing estimates, the fact remains that the number of fatalities is significant given the island’s large population of stray cats.
The question of whether FIP poses a risk to cats in the UK has divided experts. Dr. Charalampos Attipa, from the University of Edinburgh, warns that there is a potential risk due to the significant number of British people living or vacationing in Cyprus with their pets. While it is advised for owners to have their cats tested for coronavirus antibodies before leaving Cyprus, enforcement is currently challenging. On the other hand, Professor James Wood from Cambridge University suggests that cats in the UK, who generally do not live in large colonies outdoors, may face less transmission compared to those in Cyprus. He reassures that there doesn’t appear to be an immediate threat to British cats, but still advises caution.
Julie Gray shared her personal experience of losing her cats, describing their swift decline and the heartbreaking force-feeding attempts to save them. The feline infections peritonitis outbreak has affected both domestic and stray cats. Dr. Demetris Epaminondas, from the Pancyprian Veterinary Association, reports an alarming increase in cases, with young cats being the most vulnerable. The mutated coronavirus strain responsible for this outbreak is currently being studied by researchers.
Janne Stoten, another resident in Cyprus, took in a stray kitten named Merlin two years ago. Merlin has faced numerous challenges, including losing part of his scalp in an accident and later contracting wet FIP. After an initial diagnosis of only eight weeks left to live, Merlin experienced brief recovery before relapsing. He grew weak and thin, but gradually began regaining his strength, offering hope for his recovery. Other locals, like Alison Moore, have also seen their pets fall victim to FIP, emphasizing the devastating impact of this disease on both cats and their owners.
In conclusion, Cyprus is grappling with a severe outbreak of feline coronavirus, causing the death of thousands of cats. The spread of the virus raises concerns about its potential impact in other countries, including the UK. The exact cause and mechanisms behind this outbreak are still under investigation, urging the need for further research and preventative measures to protect cats from FIP.
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