Welcome back to All About Cats! If you love cats, this is important information for you. Today I will talk about the Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV), also called feline distemper or feline Parvo. This virus is very dangerous for cats, especially kittens. I will explain what it is, the symptoms, treatment, how to prevent it and my journey through this horrible virus. Feline Panleukopenia Virus is a very contagious disease caused by a parvovirus. It attacks a cat’s intestines, immune system, and bone marrow. It spreads quickly, especially in shelters and places with many cats. How do cats can catch FPV? • From an infected cat’s saliva, urine, or poop • Through shared food bowls, litter boxes, or bedding • From humans who touch an infected cat and then touch another cat • From fleas that carry the virus • Or From a mother cat to her kittens before birth The early signs of FPV in Kittens & Cats • High fever, loss of appetite and lethargy ( or very tired and weak) 🚨 Severe symptoms include: • Vomiting • Diarrhea which is (sometimes bloody) • Dehydration • Belly pain • And Sudden death in kittens Treatment & Care Options There is no cure for FPV, but sick kittens need supportive care 🏥 Hospital Care may include: • IV fluids (to stop dehydration) • Medications for vomiting and pain • Antibiotics (to prevent infections) • Blood transfusion (for severe cases) 🏡 You also have Home Care • Keep the kitten warm and comfortable • Give them small, frequent meals • Provide fresh water and electrolyte solutions • Keep the litter box very clean • And Avoid contact with healthy cats It’s a difficult decision to make between hospital or home care. Hospitals can be quite expensive. Maggie and Nikko our 8-week-old kittens had FPV. Maggie’s symptoms were severe and we decided to take her to a 24-hour hospital. She survived 6 days in the hospital but she wasn’t doing well and she was very depressed. The hospital bill was expensive. We decided to bring her home and she died the next day.