Why Cats Get Feline Panleukopenia

1 Why Cats Get Feline Panleukopenia

Why cats get feline panleukopenia

A healthy kitten gets infected by contacting a kitten carrying the panleukopenia virus, a virus-contaminated environment (the virus can survive indoors up to half a year), or the saliva, feces, vomit, or eye discharge of a carrier. ‘Carrier kitten’ means not just a sick cat but also one recovered from the disease yet still carrying the virus; after recovery it keeps shedding the virus through secretions and excretions, infecting healthy kittens.

Also, if a human touches a carrier kitten and then a healthy one (humans don’t catch the virus), the human may spread it to the healthy kitten. So after contacting other cats outside, always wash and disinfect your hands before petting your cat.

How to treat feline panleukopenia

Treatment is supportive, as there is no effective drug against the virus yet. Main measures include antiviral care, antibiotics, fluids, anti-vomiting/anti-diarrhea, plus careful nursing. For antiviral care, an antiviral supplement can help block viruses and bacteria and eliminate pathogens. For vomiting and diarrhea, an anti-diarrheal supplement quickly stops vomiting and diarrhea and clears toxins. Antibiotics mainly prevent secondary bacterial infection; fluids prevent death from dehydration. Mostly, careful human nursing—external energy supplements and frequent companionship—strengthens the cat’s fight. Recovered cats are still weak; the gut needs recovery before normal diet, so give live probiotics to regulate the stomach and boost immunity.