Do Kittens Get Parvo

Both cat s and kittens can get parvovirus.

Do kittens get parvo. Because parvo in cats is highly contagious it is also possible to be spread in utero. Parvo in cats is different than the parvo virus that dogs get. Cats who receive veterinary care for their parvo have a better chance of surviving than those who do not. We recommend always asking your local vet for clarification if you are unsure.

Kittens are most severely affected by the virus. The best way to protect your cat against parvo and fpv is to have them vaccinated. However kittens and juvenile cats usually 3 5 months old are susceptible to a different form of parvovirus called feline panleukopenia or fp for short. Not to be confused with dog distemper which is a totally different virus more respiratory and neurological it is related to dog parvo virus and mink ent.

Feline panleukopenia is an extremely contagious virus that kills cells in the intestines lymph nodes fetuses and bone marrow attacking red and white blood cells. The cat strain called feline panleukopenia virus fpv is a significant disease threat amongst the feline community but it cannot be transferred to canines. It is highly contagious and cats should be vaccinated as kittens and have booster shots every year. 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.

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. Parvo is species specific so cats can get parvo but not the same strand dogs get. When a pregnant cat contracts fpv the virus is passed along to the unborn kitten and can cause brain damage. So yes cats can get parvo if they are exposed to feces of an infected animal.

While not always obvious when the kitten is born the virus affects the cerebellum which controls motor coordination. Feline panleukopenia fp is a highly contagious viral disease of cats caused by the feline parvovirus. The parvo virus causes a disease called panleukopenia in cats also called cat distemper. Adult cats who get parvo have a better chance of surviving than kittens.

Overall up to 90 percent of cats who get parvo and are not treated will die. What are the symptoms. Parvo in cats can spread to other cats but can t infect other species.