Common Feline Infectious Diseases

This article provides an overview of several common infectious diseases that affect cats, elaborating on the original reference text with expanded explanations and details. Understanding these diseases is crucial for responsible cat ownership and ensuring your feline companion enjoys a long, healthy life.

Feline Panleukopenia (FPV), commonly known as feline distemper or cat plague, is a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease caused by the feline parvovirus. The term “panleukopenia” refers to a drastic decrease in white blood cells, which are essential for fighting infection. The virus primarily attacks rapidly dividing cells in the bone marrow, intestinal tract, and, in pregnant cats, the developing fetus.

Symptoms of FPV typically appear suddenly and can include:

Severe vomiting and diarrhea, often bloody.

Lethargy and depression.

Loss of appetite.

High fever, followed by a drop in body temperature as the disease progresses.

Dehydration.

Abdominal pain.

Uncoordinated movement (ataxia) due to cerebellar hypoplasia in kittens infected in utero.

Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected cats, their feces, vomit, or contaminated environments. The virus is incredibly resilient and can survive for months or even years in the environment, making it easily spread through contaminated bedding, food bowls, or clothing.

Diagnosis involves a physical examination, blood tests to check white blood cell count, and fecal tests to detect the virus.

Treatment is primarily supportive, focusing on managing symptoms and preventing secondary infections. This may include:

Intravenous fluids to combat dehydration.

Anti-emetics to control vomiting.

Antibiotics to prevent bacterial infections.

Nutritional support through a feeding tube if the cat refuses to eat.

In severe cases, blood transfusions may be necessary.

Prevention is key. Vaccination is highly effective in preventing FPV. Kittens should receive a series of vaccinations starting at 6-8 weeks of age, followed by booster shots. Adult cats should receive regular booster vaccinations as recommended by their veterinarian. Good hygiene practices, such as disinfecting contaminated areas, are also essential in preventing the spread of the disease.

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR), commonly known as feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) or cat flu, is a highly contagious upper respiratory infection caused by feline herpesvirus type 1.

Symptoms are primarily focused on the upper respiratory tract and eyes, including:

Sneezing.

Nasal congestion and discharge, which can be clear or purulent.

Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva), causing redness, swelling, and discharge from the eyes.

Fever.

Loss of appetite.

Lethargy.

In severe cases, corneal ulcers can develop, potentially leading to blindness.

Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected cats, their respiratory secretions, or contaminated environments. Once a cat is infected with FHV-1, it becomes a lifelong carrier of the virus. The virus can remain dormant in the cat’s nervous system and reactivate during periods of stress, causing recurring symptoms.

Diagnosis is usually based on clinical signs and a history of exposure to other cats. In some cases, a viral isolation or PCR test may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment is mainly supportive, focusing on managing symptoms and preventing secondary infections. This may include:

Antiviral medications, such as famciclovir or lysine, to reduce the severity and duration of the infection.

Antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infections.

Nasal decongestants to relieve congestion.

Eye drops to treat conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers.

Nutritional support to encourage eating.

Humidification to help loosen respiratory secretions.

Prevention involves vaccination. Kittens should receive a series of vaccinations against FHV-1, and adult cats should receive regular booster shots. Managing stress in cats is also important to minimize the risk of virus reactivation.

Feline Calicivirus (FCV) is another common cause of upper respiratory infections in cats, often occurring alongside FHV-1. FCV is highly variable, with many different strains that can cause a wide range of symptoms.

Symptoms can include:

Sneezing.

Nasal discharge.

Conjunctivitis.

Fever.

Loss of appetite.

Lethargy.

Oral ulcers, which are a hallmark of FCV infection. These ulcers can appear on the tongue, gums, and hard palate, causing pain and making it difficult for the cat to eat.

Pneumonia in some cases, especially in kittens.

Lameness (limping) in some cases, known as “limping syndrome.”

Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected cats, their respiratory secretions, or contaminated environments. Like FHV-1, FCV can persist in the environment for extended periods.

Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and a history of exposure to other cats. Viral isolation or PCR testing can be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment is primarily supportive, focusing on managing symptoms and preventing secondary infections. This may include:

Antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infections.

Pain medication to relieve discomfort from oral ulcers.

Nutritional support to encourage eating.

Fluids to prevent dehydration.

Nebulization to help loosen respiratory secretions.

Prevention involves vaccination. While the FCV vaccine does not protect against all strains of the virus, it can help reduce the severity of symptoms. Regular booster vaccinations are recommended.

Chlamydophila felis (Feline Chlamydiosis) is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the eyes, causing conjunctivitis. While it can also cause mild upper respiratory symptoms, the most prominent sign is severe conjunctivitis with thick, watery discharge.

Symptoms include:

Conjunctivitis, characterized by red, swollen eyes with copious discharge.

Sneezing.

Nasal discharge.

Fever.

Lethargy.

Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected cats or their ocular secretions.

Diagnosis is typically based on clinical signs and a history of exposure to other cats. Cytology of conjunctival scrapings or PCR testing can be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment involves antibiotics, typically doxycycline or tetracycline, administered orally or topically.

Prevention involves vaccination, although the vaccine may not prevent infection entirely, it can reduce the severity of symptoms.

Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the central nervous system. It is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. While less common in cats than in dogs, rabies is still a serious threat.

Symptoms can vary depending on the stage of the disease but typically include:

Behavioral changes, such as aggression, anxiety, or disorientation.

Excessive salivation (foaming at the mouth).

Difficulty swallowing.

Paralysis.

Seizures.

Transmission occurs through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite.

Diagnosis can only be confirmed post-mortem by examining brain tissue.

There is no cure for rabies. Once symptoms appear, the disease is invariably fatal.

Prevention is crucial. Vaccination is highly effective in preventing rabies. Cats should be vaccinated against rabies according to local regulations. Avoiding contact with wild animals is also essential. If a cat is bitten by a suspected rabid animal, it should be immediately quarantined and evaluated by a veterinarian.

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus that weakens the immune system, making cats susceptible to a wide range of illnesses.

Symptoms are varied and depend on the stage of infection and the cat’s immune response. Some cats may remain asymptomatic for years, while others develop symptoms quickly. Common symptoms include:

Anemia.

Lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes).

Other types of cancer.

Immunosuppression, leading to increased susceptibility to infections.

Weight loss.

Loss of appetite.

Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums).

Stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth).

Reproductive problems.

Transmission occurs primarily through saliva, nasal secretions, and urine. Cats can become infected through mutual grooming, sharing food and water bowls, and fighting. Kittens can be infected in utero or through their mother’s milk.

Diagnosis involves blood tests to detect the virus or viral antigens.

There is no cure for FeLV. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing secondary infections. This may include:

Antibiotics to treat bacterial infections.

Antiviral medications to slow the progression of the disease.

Blood transfusions to treat anemia.

Chemotherapy to treat cancer.

Nutritional support to maintain weight and strength.

Prevention involves vaccination and preventing contact with FeLV-positive cats. Kittens should be tested for FeLV before being introduced to other cats. FeLV-positive cats should be kept indoors to prevent them from spreading the virus to other cats.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), often referred to as cat AIDS, is a lentivirus that attacks the immune system, making cats vulnerable to opportunistic infections. It is important to note that FIV is species-specific and cannot be transmitted to humans.

Symptoms can vary widely depending on the stage of infection. Some cats may remain asymptomatic for years, while others develop symptoms quickly. Common symptoms include:

Enlarged lymph nodes.

Fever.

Loss of appetite.

Weight loss.

Gingivitis and stomatitis.

Chronic infections, such as upper respiratory infections and skin infections.

Diarrhea.

Neurological problems.

Transmission occurs primarily through deep bite wounds. It can also be transmitted from a mother cat to her kittens during pregnancy or birth, but this is less common. Casual contact, such as sharing food and water bowls, is unlikely to transmit the virus.

Diagnosis involves blood tests to detect antibodies to the virus.

There is no cure for FIV. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing secondary infections. This may include:

Antibiotics to treat bacterial infections.

Antiviral medications to slow the progression of the disease.

Immunomodulatory drugs to boost the immune system.

Nutritional support to maintain weight and strength.

Prevention involves preventing contact with FIV-positive cats. Keeping cats indoors and neutering them can reduce the risk of fighting and transmission of the virus.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal disease caused by a mutation of the feline coronavirus (FCoV). While FCoV is common in cats and usually causes mild or no symptoms, in some cases, it can mutate into FIP.

Symptoms can vary depending on the form of the disease. There are two main forms of FIP:

Effusive (wet) FIP: This form is characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen (ascites) and/or chest (pleural effusion). Other symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, and lethargy.

Non-effusive (dry) FIP: This form is characterized by granulomatous lesions in various organs, such as the kidneys, liver, brain, and eyes. Symptoms can vary depending on which organs are affected. Common symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, lethargy, jaundice, neurological signs (such as seizures or paralysis), and ocular signs (such as uveitis).

Transmission of the feline coronavirus occurs through the fecal-oral route. Cats become infected by ingesting the virus from contaminated litter boxes or environments. The mutation from FCoV to FIP is thought to occur spontaneously within the individual cat.

Diagnosis can be challenging and often requires a combination of clinical signs, blood tests, and fluid analysis.

Until recently, FIP was considered a uniformly fatal disease. However, newer antiviral drugs have shown promising results in treating FIP. These drugs are not yet widely available, but they offer hope for cats diagnosed with FIP.

Prevention involves good hygiene practices, such as regular cleaning of litter boxes and preventing overcrowding. Genetic factors may also play a role in susceptibility to FIP, so breeders should avoid breeding cats with a history of FIP in their lineage.

In conclusion, understanding the common infectious diseases that affect cats is essential for responsible cat ownership. Vaccination, good hygiene practices, and regular veterinary checkups are crucial for preventing these diseases and ensuring your feline companion lives a long, healthy life. If you suspect your cat may be ill, it is important to seek veterinary care promptly.