What is panleukopenia?
Feline panleukopenia is a serious viral disease that affects cats similarly to parvovirus in dogs. It spreads easily between cats, is extremely difficult to control and can be fatal. Vaccination to prevent the virus is essential.
Symptoms
- loss of appetite
- extreme tiredness
- vomiting
- fever or fluctuating temperature
- dehydration
- diarrhoea (sometimes bloody)
- cats seen with their heads hanging over their water or food bowls but not drinking or eating
How it spreads
This disease can be spread through faeces (poo), urine, saliva or vomit of an infected cat. Contaminated surfaces can also spread the disease.
It can also be spread to other cats through the clothing and shoes of handlers or owners of infected animals.
The virus itself can survive for years after first appearing in the environment, including on the surface of food bowls, bedding and litter trays. It is important to maintain good hygiene to prevent further disease spread. Infected cats can remain contagious and shed the virus for up to six weeks. If your cat becomes unwell, it is important to isolate your cat from other cats in order to minimise disease spread.
Reducing the spread
Disinfection and scrubbing of food bowls, litter trays, bedding and cages is important to eliminate the virus in the environment and stop the spread to other cats.
Contaminated surfaces can be cleaned with veterinary grade disinfectants (e.g. F10) or diluted household bleach (1 part bleach to 30 parts water). Both options should be left on hard surfaces for 10-15 minutes. Disinfected surfaces should then be rinsed or wiped clean so that the residue does not cause any issues for pets. Any potentially contaminated soft materials should be thrown out.
If you live in a multi-pet household, we recommend feeding and handling unwell pets last and to be mindful of cross contamination.
It is really important to keep affected cats away from other animals. Otherwise, other animals might catch the disease too.
If you have any concerns in relation to your pet’s health or wellbeing, please speak to your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Treatment
Panleukopenia is very difficult to treat. Around 90% of unvaccinated kittens who get this disease die. It’s important to see a vet immediately.
A vet will provide treatment for the cat that might include antibiotics, fluids and sometimes even blood transfusions.
Prevention
An annual vaccination from a vet is recommended for all cats and provides excellent protection from feline panleukopenia.
Community languages
We are currently in the process of translating this information for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. We will continue to add translations as we progress with this project.
