All about feline parvovirus: Causes, symptoms & prevention

Feline parvovirus (FPV), also known as feline panleukopenia or feline infectious enteritis, is a highly contagious viral disease primarily affecting young kittens and unvaccinated cats. It causes serious illness and can be fatal without prompt veterinary care.

What is feline parvovirus (FPV)?

FPV is a resilient DNA virus that survives for up to a year in the environment and spreads quickly among cats. It mainly attacks rapidly dividing cells in the intestines and bone marrow, leading to severe gastrointestinal symptoms and immune system suppression. Unlike the canine parvovirus, FPV does not infect humans or dogs, but some newer canine parvovirus variants can occasionally infect cats. Kittens and unvaccinated cats are most vulnerable.

How is feline parvovirus transmitted?

The virus spreads through contact with infected cats, their bodily secretions (vomit, saliva, urine), and especially infected faeces, which contaminate environments for long periods. Transmission also occurs indirectly via contaminated objects, clothing, or people who have been in contact with the virus. Normal household disinfectants usually do not destroy the virus; special parvovirus disinfectants are essential for cleaning to prevent spread. For those working with multiple cats, careful hygiene practices are crucial to avoid carrying the virus home.

Which cats are at risk?

The highest risk group includes young kittens less than five months old, whose maternal antibodies have faded but who are not yet fully vaccinated. Unvaccinated adult cats also have increased susceptibility. Ensuring all cats receive the full FPV vaccination series plus annual boosters is the best protection.

Typical symptoms of feline parvovirus infection

FPV develops rapidly, and early veterinary intervention is vital. Common symptoms include:

• High fever initially, later dropping below normal body temperature
• Severe diarrhoea often containing blood
• Repeated vomiting, even on an empty stomach
• Lethargy, depression, and signs of pain
• Refusal or inability to eat or drink, sometimes showing keen interest but not consuming food

Occasionally, cats can become very ill without obvious symptoms, and the disease can cause sudden death. Prompt veterinary examination is critical if FPV is suspected.

How is feline parvovirus diagnosed?

Veterinarians diagnose FPV through clinical signs combined with blood tests and faecal antigen detection. Blood work often shows a significant drop in white blood cells (panleukopenia). In fatal cases, post-mortem intestinal samples may confirm FPV infection. Cat care facilities may monitor antibody levels in resident cats to gauge environmental contamination.

Is there a cure for feline parvovirus?

There is no specific antiviral cure. Treatment is supportive and intensive, focusing on intravenous fluids, nutritional support, and antibiotics for secondary infections. Hospitalisation for close monitoring and care improves survival chances. Early diagnosis and rapid veterinary intervention are key to a better prognosis.

Managing the environment after diagnosis

Because FPV can persist in the environment for up to a year, thorough cleaning with approved parvovirus disinfectants is essential. This includes treating hard surfaces, litter trays, footwear, and possibly laundry additives for clothing and soft furnishings. Unvaccinated cats or kittens must not be introduced into a contaminated environment for at least 12 months. Neighbours should be informed to take precautions with their cats. Such responsible steps help control outbreaks and protect vulnerable felines.

For those seeking kittens for sale, prioritising reputable breeders who vaccinate and health-screen their cats protects new feline family members from this devastating disease.

Vaccination schedule and prevention

Regular vaccination starting from around 8 weeks of age, with boosters according to veterinary guidance, offers effective protection against FPV. Vaccines also provide cross-protection against related canine parvovirus variants. Vaccination remains the cornerstone of responsible cat ownership and disease prevention.

Conclusion

Feline parvovirus is a serious, highly contagious disease predominantly threatening young and unvaccinated cats. While no direct cure exists, early veterinary care and supportive treatment can save lives. Prevention through vaccination and diligent hygiene management are essential to protect cats from this often fatal infection.

Responsible ownership, including timely vaccinations and environmental cleaning, reduces the impact and spread of FPV, ensuring healthier lives for cats and kittens.