Can Kittens Get Parvo Virus

Neither can mouse parvo spread to elephants or even humans.

Can kittens get parvo virus. Both viruses attack cells within the pet s bone marrow. Parvo in cats is different than the parvo virus that dogs get. The parvo virus in dogs is very closely related to the virus panleukopenia. The virus that causes distemper in cats.

In other words canine parvo cannot spread to cats. Most cats catch the virus through infected areas rather than from other infected cats as the virus can survive up to a year in the environment. The same cannot be said for the reverse situation as studies have shown that a mutated strain of the canine parvovirus can infect cats. 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.

It is also known as feline infectious enteritis cat fever or feline ataxia. Places where young puppies and kittens mix together such as pet shops can be a breeding ground for this transmission. 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. While not the same as canine parvovirus it is referred to as parvo due to the similar symptoms.

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. Both cat s and kittens can get parvovirus. Cats are most susceptible as kittens from 4 to 12 weeks of age or even as unvaccinated adults.

So while it is uncommon yes cats can get parvovirus from dogs. 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. The cat strain called feline panleukopenia virus fpv is a significant disease threat amongst the feline community but it cannot be transferred to canines. This is a highly contagious disease and it s also very dangerous.

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. There is some debate over whether cats can get parvo from dogs but the majority opinion seems to be no. Feline parvovirus is the virus that causes feline panleukopenia. They can also get it from contact with an infected cat s urine feces and nose secretions.

It is highly contagious and cats should be vaccinated as kittens and have booster shots every year. The parvo virus is tough. However there are some studies that have shown that a mutated strain of the canine parvovirus cpv can in fact infect cats.