When I first heard about parvovirus, I immediately thought of dogs. My neighbor’s puppy once battled canine parvo, and it was a heartbreaking experience.
But as I spent more time with Milo, my ever-curious tabby, I started wondering: Can cats get parvo too? I wanted to be sure he was safe, so I dove into research, asked our vet, and learned all I could about parvovirus and cats.
If you’re worried about parvo and your cat, here’s what I discovered—and how I keep Milo protected.
Can Cats Get Parvo?
Yes, cats can get a form of parvovirus, but it’s not the same as the parvo that affects dogs. Cats are at risk of feline parvovirus (FPV), also known as feline panleukopenia virus. It’s a highly contagious disease, especially dangerous for kittens, unvaccinated cats, or cats with weakened immune systems.
The good news? FPV is species-specific. Cats can’t catch canine parvovirus, and dogs can’t catch FPV. However, FPV is no less serious and requires careful prevention.
How Do Cats Get Feline Parvovirus?
One thing I learned quickly is just how contagious FPV is. It can spread in a few ways:
- Direct Contact: Milo could get FPV by coming into contact with an infected cat’s saliva, urine, feces, or vomit.
- Contaminated Surfaces: FPV can survive for months on surfaces like litter boxes, food bowls, bedding, or even human clothing. This made me extra cautious about cleaning Milo’s things regularly.
- Mother-to-Kitten Transmission: Pregnant cats can pass FPV to their kittens, either in utero or through nursing.
Symptoms of Feline Parvovirus
One thing that scared me about FPV was how quickly it progresses. Early recognition is critical. Here are the signs to watch for:
- Severe Vomiting and Diarrhea: Milo has a sensitive stomach, so I pay close attention to any changes in his digestion. These are major red flags for FPV.
- Loss of Appetite: Milo usually runs to his food bowl the moment I fill it, so if he ever stops eating, I know something’s wrong.
- Lethargy: Cats with FPV often seem unusually tired. If Milo were to suddenly stop climbing his favorite scratching post or lose interest in playing, I’d be concerned.
- Fever or Hypothermia: FPV can cause high fevers early on, which later drop dangerously low as the disease progresses.
- Low White Blood Cell Count: This isn’t something I could observe myself, but FPV attacks white blood cells, leaving cats vulnerable to infections. A vet test would confirm this.
How to Protect Your Cat from FPV
Thankfully, FPV is preventable. Here’s how I’ve ensured Milo stays safe:
- Vaccination: Milo received the FVRCP vaccine as a kitten, which protects against FPV. This is considered a core vaccine for all cats. I make sure Milo gets his booster shots on time to maintain his immunity.
- Clean Environment: Knowing FPV can linger on surfaces for months, I’m diligent about cleaning Milo’s bowls, litter box, and bedding regularly. I also wash my hands after being around other animals, just in case.
- Minimize Exposure: When Milo was a kitten and hadn’t completed his vaccinations, I kept him indoors and avoided exposing him to other cats or shared spaces. Even now, I’m cautious about where he goes and who he interacts with.
Can Cats Get Parvo from Dogs or Humans?
- Dogs: Canine parvovirus and feline parvovirus are different strains, so your dog can’t directly infect your cat. However, a dog could carry FPV on their fur or paws if they’ve been around an infected cat.
- Humans: While we can’t catch parvovirus, we can carry it on our hands, shoes, or clothes and pass it to cats. This is why good hygiene is so important, especially if you’ve been around other animals.
What If a Cat Gets Feline Parvovirus?
If Milo were ever to show symptoms of FPV, I’d get him to the vet immediately. FPV progresses fast, but early treatment can save lives. Here’s what treatment usually involves:
- Hospitalization: Cats with FPV often need IV fluids and electrolytes to combat dehydration.
- Medications: Milo’s vet might prescribe antibiotics to prevent secondary infections, as well as anti-nausea meds to help with vomiting.
- Nutritional Support: Cats with FPV may need a special diet to maintain their strength during recovery.
My Experience with Milo
Thankfully, Milo has never had FPV, but knowing how serious it can be has made me extra cautious. I’ve stuck to his vaccination schedule religiously, keep his environment clean, and take steps to minimize his exposure to unknown cats or shared spaces. These small efforts give me peace of mind, knowing I’m doing everything I can to protect him.
Final Thoughts
Yes, cats can get parvovirus, but it’s the feline version—feline panleukopenia virus (FPV)—not the canine version.
FPV is highly contagious and potentially life-threatening, but it’s also preventable. For Milo, staying on top of his FVRCP vaccinations and maintaining a clean, safe environment has been the key to keeping him healthy and happy.
If you’re worried about your cat’s risk of FPV or unsure about their vaccination status, talk to your vet. Protecting Milo from threats like FPV has been one of the most important parts of being a responsible cat parent, and I’m so grateful to see him thriving.
With a little extra care and attention, you can make sure your cat stays safe and happy, too.