Feline Panleukopenia in Fulton County: What You Need to Know

Panleukopenia is a very contagious disease in cats caused by infection with the feline parvovirus (FPV). The most common age range for cats to develop clinical signs of the disease is between 3-5 months old, but kittens of any age can be affected. There is no gender or breed predisposition known. Panleukopenia is a highly contagious virus, so it’s essential to keep your cat away from other cats if they are showing any symptoms.

Most cats with FPV infection have no signs at all and appear normal. Cats that do become ill—most often those younger than a year old—may have the following: diarrhea, vomiting, fever, depression/lethargy, loss of appetite, dehydration (can appear as sunken eyes or dry gums), or painful belly.

The Feline Panleukopenia virus is most commonly transmitted through contact with infected feces, either directly or indirectly. The virus is highly stable in the environment and can also be spread through contact with contaminated objects such as bedding, food bowls, or litter pans. Infection occurs when at-risk cats are in contact with viral particles. An infected cat sheds the virus for a day or two. In addition, the virus can be passed from mother to fetus during pregnancy and gestation.

If you do not have any cats in your home, proceed as normal. If you have resident cats, you should quarantine your newly adopted cat or kitten to one room for the first 14 days. If your cat or kitten has not shown any signs of illness after 2 weeks, you can proceed as normal with introductions and integration with other cats.

Feline panleukopenia virus can last up to a year in the environment, even in organic material, and is resistant to most disinfectants but it can be killed with bleach ½ cup per gallon (1:32 dilution).

Dogs are not susceptible to feline panleukopenia. Canine distemper is a different disease caused by another virus. Panleukopenia is not transmissible to humans.

This virus can be fatal to cats. Similarly to Fading Kitten Syndrome, your kitten may suddenly display the above symptoms with no warning. If your kitten or cat shows any of the above signs, immediately contact your veterinarian. And, to keep the disease from spreading, keep your cat away from other cats.

If your pet is exhibiting symptoms, please call your veterinarian right away. Our shelter clinic hours are 11-4 on weekdays and you do not need an appointment if you feel like your recently adopted cat or kitten needs to be seen. If your cat is doing poorly after hours, please take them to a private veterinarian immediately.

Fulton County Animal Services is testing cats and kittens that appear to be symptomatic. However, tests are a “point in time” mechanism. Because the disease progresses so rapidly, results can change from negative to positive very quickly.

There are currently no positive Feline Panleukopenia cases at the LifeLine Community Animal Center or DeKalb County Animal Services.

All cats that arrive at our shelter receive an FVRCP vaccine upon intake. Vaccinated cats can get feline panleukopenia, but it’s unlikely. Kittens are most at risk for FPV, and adult cats with current vaccinations are at very low risk. Cats that are vaccinated more than two weeks before exposure are also at low risk.

In addition, the vaccine itself, which also requires a subsequent booster, does not provide 100% immunity to its recipient. Immunity takes time to build in their systems. Therefore, following a 14 day quarantine protocol for any cats exposed to Panleukopenia, whether vaccinated or not, is the safest way for them to recover and prevent further spread of the virus.

When the positive cases were discovered, all families affected were notified including staff, volunteers, and all fosters and adopters that had taken pets into their homes recently. Enhanced safety measures have been implemented for our teams and visitors.