Can Kittens Get Parvo From Puppies
The fact that canine parvovirus can infect cats isn t that big of a surprise.
Can kittens get parvo from puppies. In a word the answer to the question can cats get parvo from dogs is simply no. While dogs can get parvo in a similar way to cats the two diseases are different. Parvo in puppies is unfortunately a common disease with deadly consequences which is why it is important for anyone dealing with puppies on a regular basis to be aware of the symptoms of parvo. Also dogs and cats cannot get parvovirus b19 from an infected person.
Since parvovirus b19 only infects humans a person cannot get the virus from a dog or cat. While dogs cannot catch feline parvovirus the virus can mutate and be spread to cats. For example if a parvo outbreak in an animal shelter takes place there is the possibility of cross contamination. Although it has be proven that humans can pass the parvo virus on to cats if they handled feces bedding or food dishes of an infected cat without washing their hands before handling healthy cats.
However other questions about this disease often leave confusion in cat and dog parents which require clarification. Pet dogs and cats can get infected with other parvoviruses that do not infect humans. Parvoviruses that infect dogs and cats are different viral strain entirely. There is some debate over whether cats can get parvo from dogs but the majority opinion seems to be no.
Places where young puppies and kittens mix together such as pet shops can be a breeding ground for this transmission. Here are a few helpful answers about parvo and why cats cannot get it from dogs. The most widely accepted theory about how canine parvovirus suddenly erupted on the scene with such disastrous results in the 1970s is that it mutated from the feline panleukopenia virus or another type of closely related parvovirus. So while it is uncommon yes cats can get parvovirus from dogs.
For both canines and felines prevention of parvo is a much better approach than treatment.