Parvovirus in cats, also known as feline panleukopenia virus and feline distemper, is a highly contagious virus. The disease affects cats of all ages but is particularly dangerous for kittens. 

It belongs to the parvovirus family, the same group of viruses that includes canine parvovirus. However, it is species-specific and does not spread from cats to dogs or humans.

This virus attacks rapidly dividing cells in a cat’s body, targeting areas like the bone marrow, intestines, and lymphatic system. Because of its impact on these critical systems, it often causes severe gastrointestinal issues, a weakened immune system, and, in some cases, neurological damage in kittens still developing in the womb.

Symptoms of Parvovirus in Cats

While the signs of parvovirus in cats won’t be clear at first, it’s important to take immediate action once they settle in. To help you get started, here are the common symptoms of parvovirus in cats:

Lethargy and Weakness

Extreme fatigue and lethargy are some of the first signs of parvovirus in cats. You’ll notice your cat to be less active, and it would prefer lying down more often. Difficulty walking and getting comfortable are also some of the signs you’ll notice.

Loss of Appetite

Infected cats often show a complete loss of interest in food and water. Because of this, secondary symptoms might appear, such as weight loss and dehydration. This will lead to more problems down the road due to the lack of nutrition.

Vomiting

Persistent vomiting is a common symptom and can range from clear liquid to yellow or foamy bile. Make sure to observe the type and frequency of your cat’s vomit. This information will help our vets diagnose your cat’s condition.

Diarrhea

Additionally, diarrhea can also be observed in cats with parvovirus. In severe cases, blood will be present, indicating damage inside the body, particularly the intestines. Persistent diarrhea, along with vomiting, can cause severe dehydration, making it harder for your cat to recover.

Fever

During the initial stages, cats often develop a high fever as their body attempts to fight off the virus. As a result, you may notice your cat has an increased body temperature.

Abdominal Pain

Parvovirus in cats affects the intestines, leading to gastrointestinal issues such as inflammation and irritation. Cats with abdominal pain may display an unrelaxed posture and cry out when their abdomen is touched. This pain often makes movement and resting positions uncomfortable.

Causes and Transmission of Parvovirus in Cats

The main culprit of this dangerous disease is the feline panleukopenia virus. However, there are a lot of factors that come into play when it comes to how cats get parvovirus. Here are the causes of parvovirus in cats:

Direct Contact with Infected Cats

Infected cats shed the virus in massive amounts through their bodily fluids, including saliva, urine, feces, and vomit. Any healthy cat that comes into direct contact with these fluids can contract the virus. Grooming, nose-to-nose contact, or even play can be enough to spread the infection.

Vulnerable Cats

• Kittens under 12 weeks

Kittens and their immune systems are still developing. Additionally, because they are still young, they aren’t able to take vaccinations to protect them from the virus.

• Unvaccinated Cats

Vaccination against parvovirus in cats is the most effective way to prevent the disease. The virus itself cannot be killed, which means it will be extremely hard to treat your cat. 

• Pregnant Cats

FPV can cross the placenta and harm developing kittens, often causing severe birth defects, miscarriage, and neurological issues. 

• Cats in Poor Health

Ill or malnourished cats have weaker immune systems, making it harder for them to fight off the virus. This makes them have a weakened defense against the virus.

Contaminated Objects and Parasites

FPV is remarkably durable and can survive on surfaces like food bowls, litter boxes, bedding, and even toys. Cats don’t have to interact with an infected animal to catch the virus. Just by sharing the same space or using contaminated items, they are at risk. Additionally, fleas can carry the virus. When these fleas get a hold of your cat, they can transmit the virus to your cat. 

Environment

This virus is incredibly tough, capable of surviving outside a host for up to a year in some conditions. It thrives on surfaces in homes, shelters, and outdoor spaces. Even seemingly clean environments can harbor FPV if they haven’t been disinfected properly with specialized cleaning agents like bleach solutions.

High Risk Environments

• Animal Shelters

Overcrowded conditions in cat shelters is a common sight to see. Because of this, the chance for cats to contract parvovirus is high, especially if they are all kept in a single area.

• Outdoor Areas

Strays and feral cats harbor dangerous diseases because of the neglect they have faced. Your cats may interact with stray and feral cats from outside your house, increasing the risk of parvovirus.

• Multi-Cat Households

Homes with multiple cats, especially if one is unvaccinated or has been exposed to the outdoors, are at higher risk.

• Veterinary Clinics

A lot of cats visit the vet clinic for a checkup and treatment. Without proper sanitization between patients, the virus can linger on surfaces and equipment. 

• Boarding Facilities

Cat boarding facilities house a lot of cats from different backgrounds. This means that the chance for the virus to spread from cat-to-cat or through the items and bedding they use is high.

Human Carriers

While humans cannot get sick from FPV, they can unknowingly act as carriers. Shoes, clothing, and hands that have come into contact with contaminated environments or infected cats can bring the virus into your home. This indirect transmission can occur even if you don’t own a cat yourself.

Diagnosing Parvovirus in Cats

Diagnosing parvovirus in cats starts with a few questions from our vets. This helps us get to know the full situation. We’ll also ask for your cat’s medical history so we can get up to speed. Additionally, here are the methods we use to diagnose parvovirus in cats:

Physical Exam

The first step we do is to constantly communicate with you as we physically examine your cat’s body. This way, we can get an initial assessment of your cat’s condition. We’ll gradually move up in terms of methods.

Fecal ELISA Test

This quick test detects the presence of FPV in your cat’s stool. While highly effective, it may sometimes yield false negatives if the virus is no longer being shed, which is why additional tests are often recommended to support the results.

Complete Blood Count

FPV attacks the bone marrow, which will lead to a low number of white blood cells as a result. A complete blood count, or CBC, will help us determine the low levels of white blood cells, which can confirm our diagnosis.

Polymerase Chain Reaction Test

The PCR test diagnoses parvovirus in cats by detecting and amplifying the virus's DNA in a sample, such as feces or blood. This test is extremely sensitive, meaning it can identify even tiny traces of FPV, making it highly reliable. 

Imaging Tests

In some cases, our vets may recommend X-rays or ultrasounds to check for intestinal damage and other gastrointestinal damage issues by the virus. Doing so will help us determine the areas affected by the inflammation and irritation. 

Treatment for Parvovirus in Cats

While there is no definite cure for parvovirus in cats, there are several treatment options to help manage the condition and deal with secondary issues. Here are the treatment methods we use:

Fluid Therapy

As a result of the symptoms involved in feline parvovirus, cats will be given supportive care treatments. One of the first ones we’ll give is fluid therapy. This works by using IV fluids to help replenish lost fluids and combatting dehydration.

Nutritional Support

Cats with parvovirus often lose their appetite, leading to malnutrition. As part of the treatment process, we’ll provide detailed nutrition plans to help bring back your cat’s healthy nature. We’ll a guide on formulated food, healthy meals, and supplements if necessary.

Management Medications

Medications to control vomiting and diarrhea are often prescribed to reduce discomfort and prevent further dehydration. This can help your cat recover from the effects of the disease.

Additionally, we’ll use antibiotics and other medicines to help prevent secondary infections. Because of your cat’s weakened immune system, secondary infections will be possible and can get in the way of its recovery.

Monitoring and Recovery from Parvovirus in Cats

Throughout treatment, your cat’s condition will be closely monitored, with regular checks on hydration levels, temperature, and blood work. Recovery time may vary but this usually consists of a few weeks. Kittens and ill cats may need extended vet care, while healthier cats may recover more quickly.

Once your cat is cleared to go home, make sure to continue home care for a full recovery. This includes providing a quiet, stress-free environment, helping with hydration, and following the medicine schedule. Additionally, we recommend having your cat visit the clinic regularly.

The Importance of Vaccination for Parvovirus in Cats

Cat vaccination is highly effective in preventing feline parvovirus. It’s essentially the best way to protect your cats from the dangerous disease. With a regular vaccination schedule, your cats will have a significantly reduced chance of contracting the virus.

Kittens need to get vaccinated as soon as their bodies are ready, as the virus can easily target young and ill cats. Early protection is always a good practice.

Additionally, vaccination helps prevent the spread of the virus around the cat community. This makes it safer for every cat in grooming salons, boarding facilities, and cat shelters. Overall, vaccinating against parvovirus is a great idea to protect your best friend.

Conclusion

Feline parvovirus has been around for decades, and before effective vaccinations, it was a leading cause of death in cats worldwide. Today, thanks to widespread vaccination programs, the disease has become less common. However, it’s still important to take measures to prevent this disease from ever harming your cat.