Can Kittens Have Parvo

The cat strain called feline panleukopenia virus fpv is a significant disease threat amongst the feline community but it cannot be transferred to canines.

Can kittens have parvo. You might have heard of feline parvovirus parvo referred to as panleukopenia or feline distemper fpv. Both cat s and kittens can get parvovirus. It is actually a virus called panleukopenia but is sometimes called feline parvo because the symptoms are similar to the symptoms of canine parvo virus. Can dogs get parvo from cats.

While not the same as canine parvovirus it is referred to as parvo due to the similar symptoms. So yes cats can get parvo if they are exposed to feces of an infected animal. Are cats susceptible to parvo. It s a life threatening disease for cats because it causes severe anemia which then weakens the immune system and leaves your cat vulnerable to viral and bacterial infections.

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. 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. Cats and dogs have their own separate species specific parvovirus strains.

The feline parvovirus is resistant to disinfectants and can remain in the environment for as long as a year waiting for an opportunity. Parvo in cats is passed into the urine and feces of the infected cat during the infection itself but also in the six weeks after the cat s recovery as well. Parvo in cats is different than the parvo virus that dogs get. It is highly contagious and cats should be vaccinated as kittens and have booster shots every year.

For example if a parvo outbreak in an animal shelter takes place there is the possibility of cross contamination. The parvo virus is tough. 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. Parvo in cats is easily transmissible from an infected cat to a susceptible cat most commonly through the feces and urine.

Kittens can acquire this disease in utero or through breast milk if the pregnant or nursing mother should be infected. Cats can get parvo directly from contact with another cat who has it. They can also get it from contact with an infected cat s urine feces and nose secretions. So while it is uncommon yes cats can get parvovirus from dogs.