Viruses are a threat to all life, whether people or pets. Several viruses affect cats; however, some are more common than others in feline populations. Learning about these concerning viral diseases and how you can protect your whiskered friend is imperative. Our Westerville Veterinary Clinic team describes common feline viral diseases and explains how you can safeguard your pet’s health.

Prevalent feline viral diseases

Many cats spend their lives indoors, but they can still contract viral diseases. Indoor cats are also at risk for developing infectious illnesses. In fact, many cat diseases are common in densely populated areas such as shelters, pet resorts, grooming salons, and multicat households. The following are some of the most prevalent cat diseases caused by viruses:

  • Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) — FIV is a virus that disables and weakens cats’ immune systems, making them susceptible to infections and other illnesses. The disease is often transmitted to cats through a bite or deep wound. Mother cats can transfer the virus to their kittens, although this is rare. FIV signs include:
    • Fever
    • Weight loss
    • Fatigue
    • Vomiting 
    • Diarrhea
    • Infections
  • Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) — Feline leukemia is an infectious disease that affects 2% to 3% of cats in the United States. Because the virus attacks the bone marrow, FeLV can prompt cancerous cells to enter the body. Transmission can occur when the virus is shed through an infected cat’s saliva or other bodily fluids. While FeLV signs do not always manifest during the disease’s initial stages, your whiskered pal may exhibit any of the following signs over time:
    • Weight loss
    • Poor coat condition
    • Enlarged lymph nodes
    • Chronic diarrhea
    • Seizures

  • Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) — Also called feline distemper, FVP is a highly contagious illness that attacks a cat’s bone marrow and intestinal tract. Since most kittens are vaccinated, this virus is more commonly reported in feral cat populations, although unvaccinated cats are at equal risk. If your cat has FPV, they may show any of the following signs:
    • Fever
    • Appetite loss
    • Vomiting
    • Diarrhea
    • Fatigue
  • Feline viral rhinopneumonitis (FVR) — FVR, or feline herpes, is a common virus to which most cats are exposed during their lifetime. Feline herpes is often responsible for cats’ upper respiratory illnesses and is transmitted through bodily secretions. Signs typically observed in FVR-infected cats are:
    • Sneezing
    • Nasal discharge
    • Watery eyes
    • Chest congestion
    • Fever
    • Fatigue
  • Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) — Caused by certain feline coronavirus strains, peritonitis mainly affects cats younger than 3 years of age. FIP is a cat-specific coronavirus that cannot be transmitted to people or other species. FIP infection signs include:
    • Abdominal swelling
    • Lack of appetite
    • Fever
    • Lethargy
    • Incoordination
    • Seizures

  • Feline calicivirus (FCV) — Feline calicivirus is a family of viruses that cause respiratory infections and oral diseases in cats. Calicivirus is a highly contagious illness that causes:
    • Sneezing
    • Nasal congestion
    • Conjunctivitis—eyelid inflammation
    • Eye or nose discharge
    • Oral ulcers
    • Fatigue
    • Fever 
    • Swollen lymph nodes

Preventing feline viral diseases

Some viral infections are life-threatening and others can cause your cat lifelong health problems, so you should help ensure your whiskered pal avoids them. To prevent your cat from contracting viral diseases, follow these tips:

  • Ensure your cat is vaccinated — Our Westerville Veterinary Clinic team recommends your cat receive all core vaccines. Vaccinations are the best defense against viral diseases that are sometimes life-threatening illnesses.
  • Limit exposure — Keep your cat indoors, where they are better protected against disease and accidents, and ensure your cat is fully vaccinated before allowing them to interact with other pets.
  • Keep your pet’s environment sanitary — Regularly wash all pet beds and bedding, properly remove waste, and scoop litter boxes daily. Wash your hands after handling unknown pets to help avoid spreading disease to your whiskered pal.

You can ensure your cat remains healthy and happy by scheduling their annual wellness care visits, which include vaccinations. Vaccines are your furry friend’s greatest protection against viral and other infectious diseases. Is your cat up-to-date on their vaccinations? Give us a call at Westerville Veterinary Clinic to safeguard your precious pet’s health.