10/23/2026
Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV) is a highly contagious, potentially deadly virus that can infect cats and kittens in utero.
The virus can be spread through infected bodily fluids, fleas, and from a pregnant mother to her unborn kittens. The virus is incredibly robust and can survive for many months both indoors and outside. Without proper disinfection it can also spread via shared bedding, bowls, or on the clothes or hands of people handling an infected cat.
To learn more, click the link below and check out this infographic.
https://hubs.la/Q04BWMRK0
Information on the infographic:
Clinical signs:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Dehydration
- Depression/lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Painful belly
Treatment:
Diagnosis is made by a veterinarian based on clinical signs, white blood cell count, and/or an FPV test. There's no specific treatment for FPV, but veterinary care is crucial. Seriously ill cats require intensive supportive care, such as intravenous fluid therapy, anti-nausea medications, and nutritional support.
Recovery:
Recovery depends on a variety of factors, such as age, general health status, the severity of illness, and how quickly veterinary care is instituted. Once recovered, affected cats usually have no chronic effects from infection, except in cases of cerebellar hypoplasia that can occur with in utero infection.
Prevention:
Vaccination is vital to prevent this life-threatening infection. The FPV vaccine is included in a combination vaccine (often called “FVRCP”) that also protects cats against two other common viruses: feline herpesvirus 1 and feline calicivirus. This vaccine is recommended for all cats, including cats that don't normally go outdoors or interact with other cats.
The current recommendation for kittens is a series of vaccines administered every 3-4 weeks beginning at 6-8 weeks of age and continuing through 16-20 weeks of age. Cats older than 16 weeks that have never been vaccinated or have an unknown history should receive one dose and then a booster 3-4 weeks after the first.
