Can Cats Kittens Get Parvo

While not the same as canine parvovirus it is referred to as parvo due to the similar symptoms.

Can cats kittens get parvo. It is important to note that each of these viruses is exclusive to its own species. The parvo virus in dogs is very closely related to the virus panleukopenia. Cat parvo is very contagious. The virus that causes distemper in cats.

Parvo in cats is different than the parvo virus that dogs get. It can affect cats of all ages and it s highly contagious. Kittens can acquire this disease in utero or through breast milk if the pregnant or nursing mother should be infected. Places where young puppies and kittens mix together such as pet shops can be a breeding ground for this transmission.

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. Yes parvo in cats is transmissible to other unvaccinated cats. It thrives in all 50 states and most foreign countries. How to diagnose and treat parvo in cats is rather simple with lab tests and antibiotics but you must act quickly.

Parvo in cats is also referred to as feline distemper and feline panleukopenia. Neither can mouse parvo spread to elephants or even humans. In other words canine parvo cannot spread to cats. It s caused by a virus that kills cells that grow and divide quickly in your cat s body.

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. This includes intestinal and bone marrow cells. Both cat s and kittens can get parvovirus. Cats get feline distemper via the parvovirus.

Most cats catch the virus through infected areas rather than from other infected cats as the virus can survive up to a year in the environment. While dogs cannot catch feline parvovirus the virus can mutate and be spread to cats. So yes cats can get parvo if they are exposed to feces of an infected animal. It is highly contagious and cats should be vaccinated as kittens and have booster shots every year.

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. Cats are most susceptible as kittens from 4 to 12 weeks of age or even as unvaccinated adults. This disease is quite serious and if left untreated it can end your cat s life in a short time. Symptoms range from fever severe dehydration diarrhea and vomiting.