Some fatal diseases in Cats:
- Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
- Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
- Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
- Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper)
- Rabies
- Chronic Kidney Disease (End-Stage)
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
- Lymphoma (advanced cancer)
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
Introduction
What is FIP
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a viral disease of cats caused by certain strains of a virus called the feline coronavirus. Most strains of feline coronavirus are found in the gastrointestinal tract and do not cause significant disease. These are referred to as feline enteric coronavirus (FeCV). Cats infected with FeCV usually do not show any symptoms during the initial viral infection, but may occasionally experience brief bouts of diarrhea and/or mild upper respiratory signs from which they recover spontaneously. FeCV-infected cats usually mount an immune response through which antibodies against the virus are produced within 7-10 days of infection. In approximately 10 percent of cats infected with FeCV, one or more mutations of the virus can alter its biological behavior, resulting in white blood cells becoming infected with virus and spreading it throughout the cat’s body. When this occurs, the virus is referred to as the FIPV. An intense inflammatory reaction to FIPV occurs around vessels in the tissues where these infected cells locate, often in the abdomen, kidney, or brain. It is this interaction between the body’s own immune system and the virus that is responsible for the development of FIP.
Vaccination:
Most kittens begin receiving vaccinations by 6-8 weeks of age. The switch to FIP generally does not occur until 6 months to 2 years of age. If kittens receive this new FIP vaccine during the beginning immunization stage, they should be properly protected against the disease.
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is one of the most common infectious causes of disease of cats globally. Infection with FeLV can cause a variety of clinical signs, impacting a cat’s longevity and quality of life. Vaccination and identification of infected cats is important in preventing disease transmission.Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is a contagious retrovirus affecting cats worldwide.
It is transmitted mainly through saliva, grooming, bites, and close contact.
FeLV suppresses the immune system, making cats prone to infections and diseases.
It can also cause anemia, reproductive problems, and certain cancers.
Despite its severity, FeLV is preventable through testing and vaccination.
Vaccination
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a virus that infects only cats. It depresses the immune system and cats tend to remain infected for life. FeLV is an important cause of anemia in cats and can cause several types of cancers. It is found worldwide and is transmitted through the exchange of bodily fluids (such as from a bite), but it can also be transmitted from mother to kitten. There is no treatment to eliminate the FeLV virus from the body and the disease is ultimately fatal. Therefore, preventing FeLV infection through vaccination is highly recommended. For further details on this important disease, see the handout “Feline Leukemia Virus Disease Complex”.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is one of the most common and consequential infectious diseases of cats around the world. In infected cats, FIV attacks the immune system, leaving the cat vulnerable to many other infections. Although cats infected with FIV may appear normal for years, they eventually suffer from immune deficiency, which allows normally harmless bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi found in the everyday environment to potentially cause severe illnesses. Though there is no cure for FIV, recent studies suggest that cats with FIV commonly live average life spans, as long as they are not also infected with feline leukemia virus.
Vaccination
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) vaccination is available but not widely recommended.
Its protection is limited and does not cover all virus strains.
Vaccinated cats test positive on FIV antibody tests, complicating diagnosis.
Major veterinary guidelines generally advise against routine use.
Prevention relies mainly on indoor living and reducing exposure risks.
Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper)
What Is Feline Distemper in Cats?
Feline panleukopenia virus, also known as feline distemper, is a highly contagious, life-threatening infectious disease in cats. Feline panleukopenia virus is closely related to canine parvovirus.
Feline distemper mostly affects kittens and unvaccinated cats. The virus enters a cat’s body through the nose or mouth. A cat’s immune system determines the number of viral particles that enter the body.
Usually, the virus invades the bone marrow and intestines within two to seven days of a cat encountering the virus. It infects and kills the rapidly growing and dividing cells in the body.
The virus suppresses the production of all white blood cells in the bone marrow. These cells are important to the immune system and are used to fight infection. Without them, cats are vulnerable to spreading the virus.
Feline distemper is found everywhere in the environment and can live for years.
The virus can survive anywhere—from the environment it was shed upon to shoes, paws, bedding, bowls, and litter boxes. Feline distemper can survive at freezing temperatures and room temperatures, and can also survive the use of certain disinfectants, including iodine and alcohol.
Vaccination
Feline Distemper (Feline Panleukopenia) Vaccination
Feline distemper vaccination is considered a core vaccine for all cats.
It is usually given as part of the FVRCP combination vaccine (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia).
Kittens receive a series of doses starting at 6–8 weeks, with boosters every 3–4 weeks until 16–20 weeks of age.
An initial booster is given at 1 year, followed by boosters every 1–3 years.
This vaccine is highly effective and provides strong protection against a deadly disease.
What Is Rabies?
Rabies is a virus that affects the central nervous system of mammals. It’s usually transmitted when an infected animal bites another animal or human. The virus starts at the location of the bite and moves through the body along the nerves until it reaches the brain. Once rabies reaches the brain, the infected animal will begin to show symptoms and will usually die within 7 days.
How Can a Cat Get Rabies?
In the United States, rabies is uncommon in domestic animals. Most states have laws mandating vaccine to prevent to spread of rabies in cats, dogs, and other animals. The CDC reports that there were 3,579 cases of rabies in cats in 2022 (the most recent year for which they have data). When a cat does get rabies, it’s usually from the bite of an infected wild animal.
Should my cat be vaccinated?
Yes, your cat should be vaccinated. Rabies vaccination is required by law in most states and provinces. Rabies vaccination of cats is important for your safety as well as your cat’s safety. Rabies vaccines are very effective and are usually given to kittens at three to four months of age. Depending on your state or provincial laws, and the advice of your veterinarian, re-vaccination will be recommended at specific intervals.
- Rabies vaccination prevents a deadly viral disease affecting all warm-blooded animals, including humans.
- Dogs and cats usually receive their first dose at 12–16 weeks of age.
- A booster is given at 1 year, then repeated every 1–3 years depending on vaccine type and regulations.
- In livestock, vaccination is recommended in rabies-endemic areas for valuable animals.
- For humans, vaccination is used both before exposure (at-risk groups) and after exposure (with immunoglobulin if needed).
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