Feline Panleukopenia: What to Do When Your Cat Drinks Excessively but Refuses to Eat?

Feline panleukopenia, commonly known as feline distemper or cat plague, is a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease that affects cats. The original article highlights a grim reality: the survival rate for cats diagnosed with feline panleukopenia is already low, and this prognosis worsens significantly when a cat develops anorexia (loss of appetite) or refuses to eat. Without adequate nutritional intake, the body’s ability to fight off the virus is severely compromised. Therefore, prompt and decisive action is crucial. As a responsible pet owner, understanding the implications and knowing how to respond effectively is vital to give your feline companion the best chance of survival.

The moment you notice your cat exhibiting symptoms suggestive of feline panleukopenia, especially if coupled with a decreased or absent appetite, immediate veterinary attention is paramount. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or treat your cat. A qualified veterinarian can perform the necessary diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of the virus and formulate an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your cat’s specific needs.

The article mentions that the cat might only drink water, and this behavior is both concerning and understandable within the context of the disease. Let’s delve deeper into this perplexing symptom:

Why the Excessive Drinking?

Several factors can contribute to increased water consumption in a cat suffering from feline panleukopenia:

Dehydration: The most common reason is dehydration caused by vomiting, diarrhea, and fever, all hallmark symptoms of the disease. The virus attacks the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to severe fluid loss. The cat’s body instinctively tries to compensate by increasing thirst.

Fever: Elevated body temperature increases metabolic rate and fluid loss through respiration. The cat drinks more to cool down and replenish fluids.

Electrolyte Imbalance: Vomiting and diarrhea deplete essential electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and chloride. The body attempts to restore balance by diluting the remaining electrolytes through increased water intake.

Kidney Involvement: In severe cases, feline panleukopenia can affect the kidneys. Damaged kidneys may not be able to concentrate urine efficiently, leading to increased urine production and subsequent thirst.

Medication Side Effects: Some medications used to treat feline panleukopenia, such as diuretics, can increase urination and thirst.

Neurological Damage: Although less common, the virus can sometimes affect the central nervous system, potentially disrupting the brain’s thirst regulation center. This disruption can cause a condition called psychogenic polydipsia, where the cat drinks excessively without a physiological need. This scenario, mentioned in the original text, requires immediate rule-out and potentially aggressive supportive care.

Why the Refusal to Eat?

The reason your cat might not eat is varied, but it commonly comes down to the sickness itself:

Nausea and Vomiting: The most significant factor is severe nausea induced by the virus. The constant feeling of sickness makes the cat averse to food. Vomiting exacerbates the nausea and further discourages eating.

Gastrointestinal Inflammation: The viral attack on the intestinal lining causes inflammation and pain, making it difficult and uncomfortable for the cat to digest food.

Loss of Smell and Taste: Feline panleukopenia can temporarily impair the cat’s sense of smell and taste, rendering food unappetizing. Cats rely heavily on their sense of smell to stimulate their appetite.

General Malaise and Weakness: The disease saps the cat’s energy, making it too weak and lethargic to approach food and eat.

Mouth Ulcers: In some cases, the virus can cause painful ulcers in the mouth, making eating extremely uncomfortable.

What to Do Immediately

Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to manage a cat with feline panleukopenia that drinks excessively but refuses to eat:

1. Veterinary Intervention is Non-Negotiable: As emphasized before, seek immediate veterinary attention. This cannot be stressed enough. The veterinarian will perform diagnostic tests (typically a complete blood count and fecal examination) to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the infection. They will also rule out other possible causes of the symptoms.

2. Hospitalization and Supportive Care: In most cases, hospitalization is necessary. The cat will likely require intravenous (IV) fluid therapy to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. This is critical for survival.

3. Anti-Emetic Medication: The veterinarian will prescribe anti-emetic (anti-vomiting) medications to control nausea and vomiting. This is crucial to help the cat regain its appetite. Maropitant (Cerenia) is a commonly used and highly effective anti-emetic in cats.

4. Nutritional Support: Because anorexia is such a dangerous factor, the vet will provide nutritional support. Several methods exist:

Appetite Stimulants: Medications like mirtazapine or cyproheptadine can be used to stimulate appetite. However, these medications are not always effective in severely ill cats.

Assisted Feeding: If the cat refuses to eat on its own, assisted feeding is necessary. This can be done by syringe feeding a highly palatable and easily digestible liquid diet, such as Hill’s Prescription Diet a/d or Royal Canin Recovery RS.

Feeding Tube: In severe cases, a feeding tube may be necessary. A nasoesophageal tube (placed through the nose into the esophagus) or an esophagostomy tube (placed directly into the esophagus through the neck) can be used to deliver nutrition directly into the stomach.

5. Antibiotics: While feline panleukopenia is caused by a virus, secondary bacterial infections are common. The veterinarian will prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics to prevent or treat these infections.

6. Interferon: Some veterinarians use feline interferon omega, an antiviral drug, to help boost the cat’s immune system and fight off the virus. However, the effectiveness of interferon is still debated.

7. Pain Management: If the cat is experiencing pain, the veterinarian may prescribe pain medication.

8. Monitor Vital Signs: Closely monitor the cat’s vital signs (temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate) and report any changes to the veterinarian.

9. Isolation: Feline panleukopenia is highly contagious. Isolate the affected cat from other cats to prevent the spread of the virus. Thoroughly disinfect all surfaces that the cat has come into contact with using a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 32 parts water).

10. Hydration Strategies: While IV fluids are the cornerstone of rehydration, you can try offering small amounts of water frequently. Flavoring the water with a tiny amount of tuna juice (ensure no bones or added salt) or chicken broth can sometimes encourage drinking, but only do this if the cat is not actively vomiting. If vomiting persists, avoid oral fluids altogether.

11. Probiotics: Consider giving the cat probiotics to help restore the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which is disrupted by the virus and antibiotic treatment. Consult with your veterinarian before administering any supplements.

12. Warm and Comfortable Environment: Provide a warm, quiet, and comfortable environment for the cat to rest and recover.

Long-Term Management and Prevention

Even after recovery, some cats may experience lingering gastrointestinal issues. A highly digestible diet is still the standard. This requires that you consult with your vet and develop a long-term recovery plan that is unique to your cat.

Prevention is always better than cure. The most effective way to prevent feline panleukopenia is through vaccination. Ensure that your cat receives the core feline vaccinations, including the feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) vaccine, according to your veterinarian’s recommended schedule. Keep in mind that kittens need a series of vaccinations as the immunity from their mother’s milk wears off.

Maintaining good hygiene and sanitation practices in your home can also help reduce the risk of infection.

In Conclusion:

A cat with feline panleukopenia exhibiting excessive drinking but refusing to eat is in a critical state. While drinking water can provide temporary hydration, it does nothing to address the underlying nutritional deficiencies that are essential for fighting off the virus. Acting quickly, seeking immediate veterinary care, and providing comprehensive supportive care are crucial to improving the cat’s chances of survival. The disease is highly contagious, so prompt action is vital to protect other cats. Remember to consult with your veterinarian about the best approach to maintain your cat’s health.