How Do I know If My Cat Has Panleukopenia ? Here Is The Answer !
The cat panleukopenia virus or varvo virus (FPV) is a highly contagious virus that can pose a fatal risk for infected cats. Get to know the characteristics of the panleukopia virus here.
Characteristics Of The Panleukopenia Virus In Cats
Panleukopia in cats is a type of disease caused by the feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) called feline parvovirus. The disease caused by this virus is highly contagious in cats and can be experienced by both adult cats and kittens.
Symptoms Of Panleukopenia Virus In Cats
Usually adult cats and kittens who have been infected with the panleukopenia virus will show certain symptoms. When the cat shows symptoms of being infected with this virus. We must be vigilant in taking the right steps for cat goodness.
Here are some of the symptoms of the panleukopenia virus in cats:
Diarrhea ( usually accompanied by blood )
Dehydration ( lack of fluids )
Fever
Stress
Frequent Vomiting
Can Kittens Be Infected By Panleukopenia Virus?
In this day it is possible that virus panleukopenia (FPV) is very rare in kittens because of the vaccine for this virus. However, this virus can infect kittens or adult cats that have not been vaccinated. Moreover, transmission occurs in shelters or in an environment with a high population of feral cats, this virus can cause a high risk of death as well.
What Risks May Be Faced By Cats That Infected With Panleukopenia Virus?
Usually cats that have the characteristics of the panleukopenia virus can cause sudden death. But not infrequently of them survive. Cats that survive will generally experience decreased immunity ( immunosuppression ) and within a few days it will lose his immunity.
This is because the panleukopenia virus attacks red blood cells and destroys them which results in the destruction of the cat's body's defenses against infection. Cats with this condition are at risk of being easily infected with secondary infections such as septicemia.
What Risks May A Pregnant Cat Have That Infected By The Panleukopenia Virus?
If a cat is infected with the panleukopenia virus while pregnant, there is a high chance for her to miscarry, give birth to a stillbirth, give birth to a malformed kitten or give birth to a kitten with cerebellar hypoplasia.
What Else Should We Do So That Cats Are Avoided And Not Infected By Panleukopenia ?
What we need to do is keep our cats from getting this virus. The only way for now is to vaccinate our cats. Because if the cat is infected with this virus, the possibility of death will be very high.
To Avoid Cats Having Panleukopenia Virus, Do Cats Need To Be Vaccinated?
Yes, cats really need to be vaccinated. Currently, there are 2 types of vaccine categories, namely mandatory and additional vaccines. Compulsory vaccinations need to be carried out for all kittens, adult cats, purebred cats, mixed cats and domestic cats. And the panleukopenia virus vaccine is a mandatory type of vaccine.
When Should My Cat Be Vaccinated To Prevent My Cat From Getting Panleukopenia ?
The first vaccine should be given when the cat is about 7 to 9 weeks old. Then a second injection will be given after 3 or 4 weeks later. For purebred cats, they are usually vaccinated first before you adopt them.
However, if you are in doubt, you can take your cat to the nearest doctor for an examination and vaccination if it turns out that your cat has not been vaccinated.
After They Are Vaccinated, Will They Be Infected By Panleukopenia Virus ?
After the first vaccine the kitten may still not be fully protected unless cat has had his second shot. Therefore, when cat is still not in the second vaccine, it is important for us to keep or lock the cat in the house or cage.
So that cat does not interact with other cats to minimize transmission before it gets his second vaccine.
Does The Panleukopenia Virus Vaccine Or FPV Require A Booster?
A booster for this vaccine is required annually after receiving the second vaccine.
What To Pay Attention When Leave Cats In Cat Care Center To Avoid Infection With The Panleukopenia Virus?
When we want to leave our cat, it is necessary for us to choose a quality cat care center so that when the cat returns to us, the cat will return in a healthy state. Here are things you need to pay attention to that must be present in cat care so that the cat's health is guaranteed :
The owner is a person who understands about cats like veterinarians and others
Have separate storage rooms, shelters, quarantines, clinics.
Adequate disinfection and cleaning
So, to make sure that we are sure to choose the right place of care, we can ask the care manager whether the place is safe from the spread of the panleukopenia virus.
Conclusion
Panleukopenia virus is a type of virus that is easily transmitted and is very dangerous if infected by all types of cats without exception. As cat owners, it is important for us to protect our beloved pets from infected by this type of virus with vaccinating them. And don't forget to take other preventive measures to prevent cats from infected by this virus.
By reading the article on the characteristics of the panleukopenia virus in cats, hopefully it can add to your knowledge and make your cat always healthy and protected from the panleukopenia virus (FVP).