CONSCIOUS CAT CARE

because our furkids deserve the best.

  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Resources
    • Getting Started With Cat Care
    • Cat Health and Care
    • Behavior and Training
    • Diet
    • Moving
    • Lost Cat
  • Contact
Parvo in cats

Cat Health and Care

Parvo in Cats [The Causes, Signs and Solutions]

This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn a small commission when you buy something using the links in this post, thanks!

Parvo in Cats

Feline infectious enteritis, feline distemper, panleukopenia, or cat plague are all common terms used to describe the infectious disease known as parvovirus. Highly contagious and potentially deadly, Parvo in Cats has been on the rise in populations across the world.

So what is feline parvovirus?  What are the symptoms of parvo in cats? How does it spread from one animal to another, and can cats get parvo from dogs?  Let’s take a look at some of the most common questions cat owners ask when looking at parvovirus in cats, and find out how to treat it.

What Is Feline Parvovirus?

Parvovirus is a highly contagious disease spread from animal to animal. In cats, this virus is commonly known as feline distemper or feline panleukopenia virus. This is after the effects the virus has on the animals.

The virus has been around since the 1960’s. While there is a vaccination, younger cats are still at high risk of contracting the disease. This is because they are not fully vaccinated until after the completion of the three-stage vaccination. This is around the one year of age mark (AVMA.org).

The panleukopenia in Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV) means low white blood cell count. The virus attacks the white blood cells, tissues, and bones, wiping them out temporarily.

From there the cat is exposed to contracting diseases, hemorrhaging or suffering from anemic conditions. It is one of the deadliest viruses to cats. Parvovirus can even affect unborn kittens while they are still in the womb.

Like many viruses, Parvo in cats has different strains varying in deadliness. Once your cat has contracted FPV and lived to tell the tale, it is unlikely that they will catch it again.

How Does Parvo Affect Cats?how does parvo affect cats?

There are a number of symptoms of FPV that first present themselves. However, they can easily be misdiagnosed as an infection unless your vet has all the facts. Symptoms of parvo in cats will often mimic those of an upper respiratory tract infection or severe gastroenteritis in early stages until it is too late.

There are numerous signs that you should get your cat checked out if you suspect FPV.

Symptoms of Parvo in Cats include:

  • Excessive sneezing
  • Discharge from eyes
  • Fever
  • Loss of balance
  • Difficulty walking
  • Sudden diarrhea or vomiting
  • Lethargy
  • Refusal to eat

Because FPV is highly contagious, you should separate any cats that you suspect might have FPV and call a veterinarian immediately.

Acting quickly could be the key to saving your furry friends life (Foley Vet.com).

How Does Parvo Spread From One Animal To Another?

Parvovirus is spread from one contaminated animal to another through bodily fluid contact. As the virus can survive for up to a year outside of the body, precautions are necessary when handling an infected cat.

FPV can be spread through the following ways:

  • An infected cats blood, feces, urine, or mucus
  • Contaminated bedding, litter trays or food bowls
  • Anything that is shared between cats.

Feral cats are often carriers of parvovirus as they have not been vaccinated and are left to roam. FPV can be spread from cats to foxes and vice versa. Each time it creates a new strain mutation.

It is important that if your cat is allowed to roam that they are vaccinated. If your cat comes into contact with an infected cat’s feces, it could become infected and spread the virus along its usual path home.

Because Parvo in cats is highly contagious, it is also possible to be spread in utero. When a pregnant cat contracts FPV, the virus is passed along to the unborn kitten and can cause brain damage.

While not always obvious when the kitten is born, the virus affects the cerebellum which controls motor coordination. In other words, kittens who are infected in utero are often unable to walk properly, and often have to be put down as a result.

Can Cats Get Parvo From Dogs?can cats get parvo from dogs?

Short answer, yes. Parvovirus is highly contagious and a mutated strain of canine parvovirus has been suspected of infecting felines. While dogs cannot catch feline parvovirus, the virus can mutate and be spread to cats.

Places where young puppies and kittens mix together such as pet shops can be a breeding ground for this transmission. There is a theory that canine parvovirus originated as a mutated strain of the feline panleukopenia virus. Reversing the viruses direction in species is not surprising (PetMD).

Before we got Mittsy, our Dog actually had Parvo when he was only weeks old, thankfully he survived his ordeal.

As we already discussed briefly, parvovirus can also be found in wild foxes and wild dogs and transmitted to the feline population via strays. Shelters are also breeding grounds for parvovirus. They take in strays in order to treat and rehome them.

Shelters who do not take appropriate preventions against parvovirus can aid the spread of the virus unknowingly. The virus is very resilient outside of the body and cannot be killed with medication or disinfectant. In rare cases, the virus has been transmitted through contaminated soil after an infected animal has been buried in the ground.

How Is Parvo In Cats Treated?

Feline panleukopenia virus is diagnosed via a fecal test and blood tests that check for white blood cell counts in the body. It is important to seek treatment as soon as you release that something may be wrong. Some cats can die even before the onset of gastroenteritis.

The veterinarian will try to stop the symptoms of FPV by treating your cat with intravenous fluids and antibiotics. There is no specific medication that can cure FPV. Treatment will differ depending on the strain and health of your individual cat.

Most treatments include the IV and antibiotics combination, often with 24/7 care. Treating FPV requires fighting the symptoms of the virus, much like fighting the common cold. It may take weeks for your feline friend to get back to feeling like her usual self, during which time you must practice strict hygiene measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

What Should I Do If I Suspect My Cat Has Parvovirus?

Maybe you’ve just picked a kitten up from the pet store and she seems a little sick. Maybe your roaming moggie has come home a little worse for wear.

It is possible that the pet resort you chose for your kitten while you were away on holiday wasn’t quite as good as first impressions suggested. Whatever the cause, if your cat is suffering from any of the symptoms of FPV, the first thing you need to do is call the vet.

Treating the virus before it has time to do extensive damage to your cat could mean the difference between life and death. Unfortunately feline parvovirus has a 90% mortality rate, so the earlier treatment starts the better.

Isolate your companion from other animals, transport them in a secure container with old towels you can bin afterward. Also, make sure to wash everything they might have come into contact with thoroughly.

Vaccination is always the best prevention for Parvo in Cats. There are many programs around that can help with the cost of vaccinations and most shelters will vaccinate before rehoming.

If your cat does contract FPV the best thing you can do is always call the vet. It is a stressful time for you both but with 24/7 care you can rest assured knowing that you are doing everything possible for your feline friend.

10.05.18 2 Comments

« The 5 Best Cat Water Fountains of 2022
Can Ticks Kill Cats? »

Comments

  1. Earl C Brewer Jr says

    November 21, 2019 at 3:17 pm

    Can FPV be spread by airborne means? We have two healthy indoor only cats, and recently we have been feeding three feral cats (a mother and her two kittens) inside our basement garage, where they have free access to eat & sleep during the winter. We are concerned about the potential of airborne FPV affecting our cats upstairs.

    Reply
    • Admin says

      November 21, 2019 at 4:46 pm

      Hi Earl,

      Firstly, you’re doing a lovely thing by giving the three feral cats some shelter and I can understand your anxiety. Although Parvovirus is NOT airborne, it is transmitted through feces and the bacteria can make its way into your home on clothing or your shoes. Always be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after interacting with the three feral cats when you go back inside.

      Of course, it is always best practice to contact your vet at the first sign of parvovirus.

      Wishing you and your family (including furry members) the best of the festive season.

      Admin.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Welcome To The Family

I’m Mitts, part pet, part stalky-mouse-hunter. My owners have created this resource to help other conscious pet owners to help make life easier for the likes of me, and the likes of you… meow for now!

Cat Spraying No More

Categories

  • Behavior and Training
  • Cat Health and Care
  • Diet
  • Getting Started With Cat Care
  • Lost Cat
  • Moving
  • Uncategorized

MOST POPULAR

  • Can My Cat Catch A Cold?
  • Keep Cats Off Counters With These 5 Tips
  • 8 Tips For Caring For A Senior Cat

TAGS

automatic cat feeder best humane cat trap birds can cats see color Can Ticks Kill Cats? cat care catch a cold cat crying cat eyesight cat sneezing cat spraying cats space cat trap cat wee cold coughing countertops diet do cats chirp fleas geriatric how much space does a cat need how to find a lost cat How To Stop Cat Spraying humane cat trap illness keep cats off counters lost cat lost cat tips lost my cat old cat old cat care parvo parvovirus in cats prevent cat loss senior senior cat single door cat trap sneezing space ticks vocal cat what can cats see why do cats chirp why does my cat cry

Copyright © 2022 · Dazzling Theme theme by Restored 316