No cat owner likes finding out that their beloved kitty is feeling unwell, but some illnesses are especially concerning, such as when a cat is suffering from parvovirus. In this post, our veterinary team will discuss how a cat's body may react to parvovirus and what symptoms the virus can cause. Also: information on treatment options.
Parvovirus in Cats
Feline parvovirus, also referred to as distemper or feline panleukopenia, attacks the cells in your cat's intestines. It causes diarrhea, vomiting and difficulty eating and drinking. The virus also attacks the bone marrow, which causes shortages of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets, leaving a cat vulnerable to secondary infection.
Spread through close contact with an infected animal or their bodily fluids (such as blood, saliva or feces), this highly infectious virus is most common in and is likely to severely affect kittens that are between three and five months old.
When kittens are born, they will receive antibodies that protect against this virus through their mother's milk. Unfortunately, this protection decreases as kittens wean. Senior cats or cats with health conditions are also at increased risk for contracting this virus and becoming severely ill.
Parvovirus is quite common and most cats are expected to come into contact with this deadly disease at least once in their life. This risk can be minimized with regular vaccination.
How Parvovirus Affects Cats
Parvovirus primarily impacts a cat's stomach and small intestines. Here, the virus begins to destroy the cat's gut barrier by attacking healthy cells and blocking the absorption of essential nutrients.
Left untreated, parvovirus enters the cardiovascular system (blood) and spreads, attacking the lymphopoietic tissues and immune cells in the bone marrow, which play an essential role in fighting off disease.
It seeks out rapidly dividing cells, including the lymph nodes and tonsils, so it can multiply as quickly as possible. Parvovirus can also cause heart damage in young cats.
When parvovirus attacks the cells lining the small intestine, this can prevent nutrients and fluids from being absorbed. This can trigger the severe symptoms listed below.
Risk Factors for Parvo
A fully vaccinated cat's milk will protect her kittens during their first few weeks of life. However, as the kittens begin to wean, their immune systems weaken and the young kittens become susceptible to the disease.
Vets urge pet parents to begin vaccinating their kittens against parvo starting at 6 weeks of age when the kitten begins to wean and the antibodies from the mother are no longer available to protect them.
Your kitten will need all three of the available vaccines in order to be considered fully protected against parvovirus. It is during the gap between weaning and full vaccination that kittens are most likely to catch parvo.
Cats & Parvovirus Symptoms
Cats will only begin to show symptoms of parvovirus once the infection has already been circulating through their body for a significant period of time. Common symptoms of parvovirus in cats include:
- Weakness
- Bloody diarrhea
- Watery nasal discharge
- Depression
- Lethargy
- Inability to eat
- Fever (in early stages, followed by low body temperature)
- Dehydration
- Weight loss
- Vomiting or frothing at the mouth
Not only are kittens highly susceptible to parvovirus, but the disease progresses very quickly and will likely cause death if not caught right away. If you notice the slightest indication of any of these symptoms, contact your nearest emergency veterinary hospital immediately.
Treatment Options For Parvo in Cats
There is no cure for parvo in kittens. However, your vet will offer supportive treatments to address symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. It is essential that your kitten gets adequate hydration and nutrition to recover from parvovirus. Unfortunately, kittens that contract parvo are unlikely to survive the illness.
Since secondary infections are common in kittens with parvo (due to their weakened immune systems) your vet will monitor your kitten's ongoing condition and may prescribe antibiotics to help combat any bacterial infections that may develop.
As long as you can get your kitten to the vet within the first four days, they may have a fighting chance.
How to Prevent Parvovirus in Cats
Never allow your kitten to spend time around cats that have not been fully vaccinated against parvovirus. Speak with your vet about the available options to help protect your feline friend.
Be sure to follow your vet's advice and have your kitten vaccinated against parvo, rabies and other potentially serious conditions based on a kitten vaccination schedule for your area.
The Prognosis for Cats With Parvovirus
Prior to the vaccines that are currently available, parvo was one of the leading causes of death in cats. While vaccinations have greatly reduced the number of deaths, it is still important to remember that the virus cannot be treated once your cat is infected.
Adult cats who get parvo have a better chance of surviving than kittens. Cats who receive veterinary care for their parvo have a better chance of surviving than those who do not. Overall, up to 90% of cats who get parvo and are not treated will die.
We strongly urge every pet owner to get their kittens and cats vaccinated and follow up with booster shots for the entirety of their cat's life. Preventive measures always outweigh the cost and worry associated with treatment once your cat is already deathly ill. Save them from the discomfort and high mortality rates associated with parvovirus.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.