Can Kittens Have Parvo

Can dogs get parvo from cats.

Can kittens have parvo. For example if a parvo outbreak in an animal shelter takes place there is the possibility of cross contamination. 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. It is highly contagious and cats should be vaccinated as kittens and have booster shots every year. Parvo in cats is easily transmissible from an infected cat to a susceptible cat most commonly through the feces and urine.

The feline parvovirus is resistant to disinfectants and can remain in the environment for as long as a year waiting for an opportunity. Both cat s and kittens can get parvovirus. Kittens can acquire this disease in utero or through breast milk if the pregnant or nursing mother should be infected. So while it is uncommon yes cats can get parvovirus from dogs.

The parvo virus is tough. 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. While dogs cannot catch feline parvovirus the virus can mutate and be spread to cats.

People who handle an infected cat or an infected cat s bedding food or water dish can carry the virus to the next cat they handle. You might have heard of feline parvovirus parvo referred to as panleukopenia or feline distemper fpv. Parvo in cats is passed into the urine and feces of the infected cat during the infection itself but also in the six weeks after the cat s recovery as well. Cats can get parvo directly from contact with another cat who has it.

While not the same as canine parvovirus it is referred to as parvo due to the similar symptoms. Cats are most susceptible as kittens from 4 to 12 weeks of age or even as unvaccinated adults. Can your dog catch parvo from a cat. So yes cats can get parvo if they are exposed to feces of an infected animal.

The cat strain called feline panleukopenia virus fpv is a significant disease threat amongst the feline community but it cannot be transferred to canines. Parvovirus is highly contagious and a mutated strain of canine parvovirus has been suspected of infecting felines. Cats and dogs have their own separate species specific parvovirus strains. Places where young puppies and kittens mix together such as pet shops can be a breeding ground for this transmission.