What is panleukopenia?
Feline Panleukopenia (FPV), also known as feline parvovirus, is a highly contagious virus. It is similar and closely related to parvovirus in dogs. However, dogs can’t catch it from cats.
What are signs of panleukopenia?
Common signs of infection include very low energy, loss of appetite, vomiting, fever, and (sometimes bloody) diarrhoea.
Diarrhoea can range from mild to potentially life-threatening, which is why it’s important to monitor your cat and seek urgent veterinary treatment if you observe your pet presenting with any of the symptoms above.
The incubation period is between two and 14 days. This is the time frame between the cat’s contact with the virus and the appearance of clinical signs.
Cats can shed the virus into the environment two to three days before they show symptoms. This means infected cats can infect others before they show signs that they are sick. Symptoms of the virus (see above) are usually visible five to seven days after exposure to the virus.
How is the virus transmitted?
Feline Panleukopenia (FPV) is extremely contagious. Infected cats primarily transmit the virus through contact with an infected cat’s poo. It can also be spread through a cat coming into contact with fluids like urine, saliva, or vomit from an infected cat.
The virus is very hardy. Unlike many other viruses, parvoviruses can live on the ground or on contaminated furniture, surfaces, clothing, litter trays, bedding, food bowls, and toys for a long time. This contributes to how quickly and easily it spreads to other cats.
In addition, FPV is highly resistant to the cold and heat, both humid and dry conditions, and even certain chemical cleaning substances. This makes killing the virus hard.
What if my cat and I live close to an area that had a breakout?
Make sure any cats at home have had their kitten and yearly booster vaccinations for protection against the virus. If you are unsure if your cat has been vaccinated, please contact your local veterinarian or nearest RSPCA NSW Veterinary Hospital.
FPV is a part of the core vaccine series recommended for all cats (called an F3). Adult cats that are up to date on their vaccinations are at minimal risk of being affected by the virus, which is why it’s crucial to ensure your pet’s protections are up to date. However, the mortality rate in kittens is close to 90%, which is why providing your kitten with protection with vaccination is critical.
Can FPV be treated?
Yes – but is can be difficult and expensive. Seeking early veterinary treatment is essential for the health and safety of affected kittens and cats. Vaccination can prevent the disease.
How soon after vaccination are cats protected?
There is anecdotal evidence that protection is provided approximately 7 days after vaccination with a modified-live F3 vaccine. According to the vaccine label two vaccinations are required for kittens. The vaccinations are given approximately 4 weeks apart. A booster vaccination is then needed every year, especially in high risk areas. If you are unsure how many injections your kitten needs, please consult with your regular veterinarian.
Can dogs catch FPV?
No. Panleukopenia specifically affects cats, so dogs are not at risk of infection.
It is important to remember that unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated dogs can be infected with Canine Parvovirus (CPV). Thankfully, there is also a very effective CPV vaccine available. It is essential to ensure your pet is fully vaccinated, no matter what kind of fur friend you look after.
Can a human catch FPV?
No, humans cannot catch the virus. It only infects cats.
Our cats and kittens are family. Protect them with F3 vaccination. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your local veterinarian or your nearest RSPCA NSW Veterinary Hospital.
