Educating cat owners about communicable diseases is crucial for ensuring the health and well-being of their feline companions. Many serious contagious cat diseases are transmitted between cats, often from mother to offspring. While some diseases can spread to other animals, they are typically treatable. This guide highlights some of the most threatening and common feline diseases, emphasizing the importance of recognizing symptoms and adhering to vaccination schedules.
Common and Threatening Feline Diseases
Several infectious diseases pose significant risks to cats. Understanding their causes, symptoms, and transmission is the first step in prevention and early intervention.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a rare but incurable disease that affects less than one percent of all cats. It is most frequently seen in multi-cat households, animal shelters, and breeding facilities. FIP is caused by a mutated form of the feline coronavirus (FCoV), known as the feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV). Symptoms to watch for include fever unresponsive to antibiotics, significant weight loss, lethargy, and anorexia. Early and accurate diagnosis is challenging, and unfortunately, the prognosis is typically fatal. Learn more about FIP here.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) attacks a cat’s immune system, often remaining dormant for years before symptoms become apparent. Once active, the virus makes cats susceptible to severe illnesses caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi that are typically harmless. Sadly, most felines diagnosed with FIV do not survive beyond five years. Common symptoms include enlarged lymph nodes, fever, anemia, unexplained weight loss, a disheveled coat, poor appetite, conjunctivitis, and diarrhea.
Feline Panleukopenia (FP)
Feline Panleukopenia (FP), also known as feline distemper, is a highly contagious and severe disease that targets rapidly growing cells, particularly in the bone marrow and intestines. Developing fetuses are also vulnerable to infection. Kittens are most severely affected. FP is ubiquitous in the environment, and it’s estimated that nearly all felines are exposed at some point in their lives. Symptoms can include loss of appetite, high fever, lethargy, vomiting, severe diarrhea, nasal discharge, and dehydration. Vaccination is highly effective in preventing this devastating illness. The AVMA offers further details on FP.
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is one of the most common infectious diseases in cats, affecting approximately 3% of the cat population in the United States. Fortunately, effective vaccines and accurate diagnostic tests are available, leading to earlier detection and management. FeLV can lead to cancer and other serious health issues. Clinical signs may include appetite loss, weight loss, deteriorating coat condition, enlarged lymph nodes, fever, pale gums, and recurrent infections of the skin, urinary bladder, or upper respiratory tract.
Feline Calcivirus (FCV)
Feline Calcivirus (FCV) is a primary cause of upper respiratory infections and oral disease in domestic and exotic cats. Symptoms are characteristic of a typical upper respiratory infection and include sneezing, nasal congestion, conjunctivitis, and discharge from the nose and eyes. FCV is highly contagious among cats.
Feline Bartonella
Fleas act as vectors for transmitting Bartonella bacteria between cats. Several species of Bartonella exist, and around 35% of cats may test positive. Clinical manifestations can include uveitis (inflammation of the eye), fever, lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes), gingivitis (gum inflammation), and neurological disease. Prompt flea control is essential in preventing the spread of Bartonella.
The Importance of Vaccinations
The American Association of Feline Practitioners Vaccination Advisory Panel recommends a set of core vaccines crucial for protecting cats against common and dangerous diseases. Encouraging yearly vaccine compliance is paramount for improving a pet’s health and lifespan.
Core vaccines include:
- Panleukopenia (feline distemper)
- Feline herpesvirus (viral rhinotracheitis)
- Calicivirus
- Rabies virus
Non-core vaccines are recommended based on individual risk factors and lifestyle, and include:
- Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
- Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
- Bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough)
- Chlamydia felis
- Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
- Dermatophytosis (ringworm)
It is estimated that approximately 70 million feral and stray cats inhabit the United States. Coupled with the year-round threat of fleas, cats kept outdoors are at an increased risk of contracting communicable diseases. Educating clients about these dangers and emphasizing the importance of vaccination and consistent flea and tick prevention is key to safeguarding feline health. For those managing FeLV-infected cats, DVM360 Magazine offers a helpful guide for veterinarians and their clients.
For further information on managing and preventing feline diseases, please contact your Covetrus representative at 855.724.3461 or visit their website.
