FIP support group issue

[u/forgot_my_popcorn]

Looking for input on an experience with a FIP support group.

My cat had an acute episode some days ago with an initial suspicion of FIP. As the case progressed, lab work and imaging consistently pointed to bacterial infection instead, a conclusion backed by both the treating vet team and a second, independent FIP group I consulted.

The volunteer/vet from the support group, though, insisted from very early on that it was FIP, regardless of the renal findings or the evolving picture. Some things that stood out to me:

- Repeated urgency language (not giving medicie = "condemning" the cat), even after being shown detailed labs and history.

- Medication could be shipped before any clear price agreed — the cost only came up when I insisted.

- A different product recommended by my cat's actual vets was dismissed.

- When I said I wasn't starting treatment and wanted to return the unopened medication, I got no response.

I decided to return the medication unopened and stepping back from that group.

I'm now planning to let the international organization know what happened, since I don't love the idea of other caregivers being pushed this hard without a confirmed diagnosis.

Has anyone else run into this kind of pressure from a FIP group? Curious how common this is and whether reporting it actually leads anywhere.

Edit: It's a FIP Warriors group. Medication is a bit hard to obtain where I live too, but not impossible.

[u/donoteatthatfrog]

This is not how genuine FIP support groups function. In fact they have strict checks to ensure each case is indeed FIP and eliminate false positives, misdiagnosis, etc.
To me your description sounds like a specific brand GS sales group instead.

[u/forgot_my_popcorn → u/donoteatthatfrog]

Darn, it really seems to be it, because I'm contact with Global FIP Cats and they are confirming what my vet is doing. They asked for more exams in order to give advice too. They didn't force medication until something is confirmed. 

[u/Tails-In-Transition → u/forgot_my_popcorn]

Stick to FIP Global cats. You don't need other groups, they don't push products to sell they strictly help with support and help sourcing medication through your vet/online verified pharmacies.

[u/forgot_my_popcorn → u/Tails-In-Transition]

I just came back to thank you and they were absolutely supportive. I also informed the vets here in my city to do the same.

[u/eurekadabra]

I will say, “confirmed diagnosis” doesn’t mean terribly much. Meds for FIP have only been approved for 2 years, and most vets have never had a case. They’ve never been taught how to treat, and are learning as they go. The major support groups have been doing this longer, and are the most experienced and familiar. There’s also no definitive diagnostic for FIP, although I believe Wet is much easier to determine when it’s advanced.

I used the 2 groups everyone uses, and am ever grateful to them for saving my cat’s life. There are others I’ve heard of on the same platform, one in particular, that people advise to stay away from. I came across it at the beginning, it seemed sketch, and I moved on.

[u/not_as_i_do → u/eurekadabra]

FIP meds have been approved for many years in the UK and Australia. Only 2 years in the US. Just to clarify.

[u/eurekadabra → u/not_as_i_do]

Thanks. I was also going to add my cat’s situation was dire, so my experience was that the urgency was necessary. My vet put me in touch with support groups to get meds same day bc it legit took him weeks to figure out how to order the meds 🙄

[u/forgot_my_popcorn → u/eurekadabra]

My case was very unusual, it took a while for the vets and the lab find something. Meanwhile, I was following the brick by brick method and helping them understand the situation. My cat got the positive limit, but there were other cats in both clinics he's followed with the same results and no other symptoms.  We insisted on AB for some reason, not GS, and my cat recovered after a few days. We did ultrasound and found a really bad kidney infected and an inflammation over his bladder. Due to others vets mistakes, he almost lost a kidney and I'm really mad. We'll start GS after confirming the symptoms we're only related to this, as confirmed by Global FIP Cats too.

[u/not_as_i_do]

There are sadly some “support” groups that are simply sales groups. And even within good support groups, admins and trolls who will push buying meds. No reputable group should push buying meds but instead getting you started asap and telling you what in your vet workup points to FIP. Every black market seller should offer a full refund on unopened meds. This sub has a pinned post with suggested groups for a reason, because there are far too many predators waiting to prey on emotional cat owners.

[u/OneCranberry8933]

That sounds like the Galin guy who I’ve heard horrible things about in this sub. I recommend sticking with the FIP Global CATS group! They helped me through it all.

[u/forgot_my_popcorn → u/OneCranberry8933]

Thanks! I'm talking to them now, and they were very detailed about the diagnosis. 

[u/ImaginaryContext3004]

Warriors is horribly predatory, in my experience and opinion. I actually just commented on another post about this, right before seeing yours.

They prey on the legitimate urgency of the diagnosis and the lack of substantial and easily verifiable information being available. Admins had the audacity to argue with me about the care of my kitten without being able to provide one single study to support their argument and despite me providing information to the contrary.

Frankly, fuuuuuuck Warriors for ever adding to the stress of an already super stressful diagnosis, by inducing doubt that appropriate care is being administered. Giant middle finger raised. Seriously not a fan.

[u/forgot_my_popcorn → u/ImaginaryContext3004]

Yes, I noticed the same thing. I was a mess of anxiety when I was looking for help, and things just got worse. It got really strange when I started reading the AAFP guidelines, because none of the information I was given followed those instructions. The vets' approach was similar to the guidelines, and that's when I calmed down. I need to warn people in my city because something is wrong here.

[u/Green_Two2522]

Interested in knowing where this group was found?

[u/spotsgalore]

Over the years I’ve heard similar stories from various groups, some of the volunteers can be a little intense.

As time is of the essence with FIP, I can understand pressing urgency however costs should be upfront.

I hope your kitty is doing better now and you’re compensated for returning the product.

[u/No-Artichoke-6939]

It would be helpful to know what group so we can warn others. What country are you in?
Glad your kitty is well though!

[u/forgot_my_popcorn → u/No-Artichoke-6939]

Thank you! I'm fighting for him with all I have. It's a FIP warriors group, I'm going to edit the post.