The feline parvovirus can be considered one of pet owners’ greatest fears. This type of virus causes severe illness in cats and often leads to death.
Between 2014 and 2018, the UAE, along with Australia and New Zealand, experienced a feline parvovirus outbreak. But, the origin of the outbreak remains a mystery.
There aren’t enough statistics regarding mortality and infection rates of parvo in cats. However, it doesn’t change the fact that our feline companions are at risk every day of contracting parvo.
To keep your cats safe, it is crucial to understand the virus, its symptoms, how it is treated, and ways to prevent infections.
What is Parvo in Cats?
The feline parvovirus causes parvo in cats. It is also known as feline distemper or panleukopenia. But don’t be confused with distemper and parvo in dogs, which are entirely different conditions.
The virus can be transmitted through different ways:
- Touching body fluids and excrement from infected cats
- Coming into contact with surfaces or objects where the virus can thrive for months, even without a host
- Getting flea infestation from an infected cat as fleas may carry the virus
- Direct contact with an infected cat, especially in a multi-cat household
Parvovirus in cats may cause severe symptoms like vomiting and diarrhoea. Pet owners with little knowledge about the virus could mistake the usual symptoms for other illnesses.
How Parvovirus Affects Cats
When the feline parvovirus enters a cat’s body, it begins wreaking havoc in the intestines. It attacks the cells, causing gastrointestinal symptoms. It then attacks the bone marrow, affecting the blood supply.
Parvo is especially dangerous in kittens since their immune systems are still developing. When the parvovirus compromises the kitten’s immunity, heart failure will surely follow.
As this is a highly common virus, cats are expected to contract it at least once in their lifetime. As a cat owner, you must be prepared when parvo strikes.
Symptoms of Parvo in Cats
Parvo in cats may present itself in various symptoms. There are also cases of cats that don’t show any symptoms at all, making them a dangerous carrier of the virus.
Here are the common symptoms of feline parvovirus that you must watch for:
- Vomiting and foaming at the mouth
- Diarrhea that is often bloody
- Lack of energy, weakness, and depression
- Watery discharge from the nose
- High fever, which then leads to hypothermia
- Loss of appetite and inability to drink or eat
- Sudden weight loss
Parvo in cats can progress quickly, especially in kittens and unvaccinated cats. This is why a vet clinic in Dubai recommends cat owners to contact emergency vets immediately, even when only one of these symptoms appears.
If you also own multiple cats living in the same household, you should get them checked by your vet regularly to ensure they’re not asymptomatic carriers.
Treatment for Feline Parvovirus
Unfortunately, the feline parvovirus has no cure. Still, veterinarians can manage your cat’s symptoms as they recover. Here are common treatments that Dubai vets may recommend:
- Intravenous (IV) fluids for managing dehydration
- Antibiotics to prevent and treat other infections that may occur
- Medications for nausea to control vomiting and lower chances of dehydration
- Tailored diets that are often given through feeding tubes for nutrition
- Pain relievers for easing discomfort like stomach pain
While your cat undergoes these treatments, it will likely be placed somewhere isolated from other cats and pets. This will limit the chances of other cats being infected.
Prevention of Parvovirus in Cats
With the advancement of veterinary medical care, a feline parvovirus or panleukopenia vaccine has been created to protect cats worldwide.
Vaccination is one of the best preventive measures for parvo that you can give your feline companion. In Dubai, it’s considered one of the core vaccines, or essential vaccine shots, that cats should get.
Cat vets recommend giving the first feline parvo shot when your kitten turns 6 to 8 weeks old. Then, the vet will give you a vaccination schedule to administer the next three doses to your kitten.
In Dubai, the feline parvo vaccine is often given in combination with other essential cat vaccinations, called the FVRCP vaccine.
Be a Proactive Cat Owner Against Feline Parvovirus
Being a cat owner requires you to be informed about different cat diseases, including feline parvovirus.
Always monitor your cat for signs of parvo. Even when symptoms appear mild, it may be a good idea to bring your cat to the vet immediately.
Finally, be proactive and have your cats vaccinated if you haven’t yet. If caring for kittens, follow the pet vaccination schedule to ensure their safety against feline parvovirus.
Frequently Asked Questions About Parvo in Cats
Can a cat survive parvo?
Yes, a cat can survive parvo with immediate vet medical care. Adult cats with complete vaccination and a strong immune system have greater chances of survival when infected by the virus.
Can a vaccinated cat get parvo?
While rare, a vaccinated cat can still contract feline parvovirus. The vaccine can greatly reduce the risks of infection, but no vaccine can keep your cat 100% protected.
Can my cat get parvo from a dog?
No, a cat can’t contract the CPV-2 parvo variant from a dog. The canine parvovirus is a virus that only affects dogs. However, new parvo variants have been discovered that can affect cats occasionally.
Is parvo contagious to cats?
Yes, the feline parvovirus is highly contagious to cats. It spreads through direct contact, including the bodily fluids and excrement, with an infected cat. The virus can also survive on surfaces for months, even without a host, so contact with parvo-contaminated surfaces and objects can also infect a cat.
Can parvo affect cats and other animals?
The feline parvovirus cannot affect other animals like dogs, birds, or rodents. It specifically affects cats.
Can cats carry parvo without symptoms?
Yes, some cats can be asymptomatic carriers of the feline parvovirus. This means that they may carry the virus without any signs of illness. However, they are still highly contagious to other cats.