Understanding FPV in Cats: What Every Cat Owner Should Know
- snufflespersiansan
- Apr 25
- 3 min read
At Snuffles, we’re passionate about feline health—not just for our Persian and Exotic cats, but for every cat that finds its way into a loving home. One of the most dangerous yet often misunderstood threats to our feline friends is Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV), also known as feline parvo or feline distemper.
Whether you’re a breeder, a new kitten parent, or just someone who loves cats, understanding FPV can make all the difference.
What Is FPV?
FPV is a highly contagious and life-threatening virus that affects cats, especially kittens. It’s caused by the feline parvovirus, which attacks rapidly dividing cells in the body—primarily those in the intestines, bone marrow, and developing foetuses. The result? Severe gastrointestinal distress, immune system suppression, and sadly, a very high mortality rate if left untreated.
How Do Cats Catch It?
The virus spreads through direct contact with an infected cat or through contact with contaminated objects like bedding, food bowls, litter trays, or even your clothing and shoes. FPV is incredibly resilient and can survive in the environment for over a year, which is why thorough disinfection is so important.
Unvaccinated kittens are most at risk, particularly between 2–6 months of age, when their maternal antibodies start to fade and their immune system is still developing.
Signs and Symptoms
FPV progresses rapidly, and early signs are often mistaken for less serious illnesses. Keep an eye out for:
Sudden lethargy or depression
Loss of appetite
Vomiting and diarrhoea (sometimes bloody)
High fever or, later, abnormally low body temperature
Dehydration
Abdominal pain
Kittens may also experience sudden death with few warning signs, which is every breeder and owner’s nightmare.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you notice any of these symptoms, especially in an unvaccinated kitten, get to a vet immediately. Diagnosis is usually made through a combination of history, physical exam, and a faecal test.
There is no direct cure for FPV—treatment is supportive and aims to keep the cat stable until their immune system can fight off the virus. This typically includes IV fluids, anti-nausea meds, antibiotics to prevent secondary infections, and intensive nursing care.
Survival depends heavily on early intervention and the age/health of the cat.
Prevention Is Everything
The good news? FPV is entirely preventable with proper vaccination. At Snuffles, we never compromise on early immunisation. All of our kittens receive their F3 vaccinations before going to their new homes, and we strongly encourage our families to follow up with boosters as directed by their vet.
If you rescue or foster cats, make sure to isolate new arrivals for at least 14 days and ensure they’re vaccinated before integrating them with other cats. If you suspect a cat has FPV, quarantine is essential.
FPV and Breeding
For breeders, FPV is devastating—not just emotionally, but genetically and reputationally. Pregnant queens infected with FPV can miscarry or give birth to kittens with cerebellar hypoplasia (a neurological condition affecting balance and coordination). That’s why Snuffles invests in biosecurity, vaccinations, and routine health screenings to protect our lines and our community.
Final Thoughts
FPV is fast, fierce, and often fatal—but it’s also preventable. Responsible breeding, proper hygiene, and timely vaccinations are our strongest weapons. At Snuffles, we’re committed to raising awareness and helping educate Aussie cat owners so that no family has to face the heartbreak of this terrible virus.
If you’re unsure about your cat’s vaccination status or want to learn more about protecting your feline family, reach out to your vet—or contact us at Snuffles. We’re always happy to help.
Stay safe, stay snuggly, and vaccinate those kitties!
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