Can Kittens Get Parvo Virus

Kittens are most severely affected by the virus.

Can kittens get parvo virus. Cats can get parvo directly from contact with another cat who has it. Feline panleukopenia fp is a highly contagious viral disease of cats caused by the feline parvovirus. But parvo can also be transmitted by fleas that have fed off of an infected cat which is why it s very difficult to prevent your kitten from being exposed to this deadly disease. Places where young puppies and kittens mix together such as pet shops can be a breeding ground for this transmission.

While dogs cannot catch feline parvovirus the virus can mutate and be spread to cats. The cat strain called feline panleukopenia virus fpv is a significant disease threat amongst the feline community but it cannot be transferred to canines. People who handle an infected cat or an infected cat s bedding food or water dish can carry the virus to the next cat they handle. The names feline distemper and feline parvo should not be confused with canine distemper or canine parvo although their names are similar they are caused by different viruses.

In other words canine parvo cannot spread to cats. Both cat s and kittens can get parvovirus. As in the common cold and pink eye kittens can transfer this virus from one to another. Feline parvovirus is the virus that causes feline panleukopenia.

The parvo virus is tough. Both viruses attack cells within the pet s bone marrow. They can also get it from contact with an infected cat s urine feces and nose secretions. This is a highly contagious disease and it s also very dangerous.

Kittens are more susceptible to parvo especially if exposed to an infected animal such as their mother. This virus is found in the air in the environment. However generally kittens are easily more susceptible to the viral infection as they do not have have the development of active immunity and they do not have a strong enough immune system to battle all the clinical signs that occur. Neither can mouse parvo spread to elephants or even humans.

Parvovirus is highly contagious and a mutated strain of canine parvovirus has been suspected of infecting felines. For example if a parvo outbreak in an animal shelter takes place there is the possibility of cross contamination. The parvo virus in dogs is very closely related to the virus panleukopenia. The same cannot be said for the reverse situation as studies have shown that a mutated strain of the canine parvovirus can infect cats.

So while it is uncommon yes cats can get parvovirus from dogs.