What You Should Know About Feline Panleukopenia (FP)

Feline Panleukopenia is a highly contagious viral disease that occurs wherever there are cats. Cats of any age can be stricken. Young kittens, sick cats, and indoor cats that have not been given boosters recently are the most susceptible; older cats are more likely to have acquired immunity and, therefore, are infected less frequently.

The FP virus is passed from cat to cat by direct contact. Infection occurs when contact is made with the blood, urine, fecal material, nasal secretions and even fleas of infected cats.

A healthy cat can also become infected without coming in direct contact with an infected cat. Bedding, cages, food dishes and the hands or clothing of handlers may harbor and transmit the virus.

The first signs an owner might notice are generalized depression, loss of appetite, high fever, lethargy, vomiting, dehydration and hanging over the water dish. The course of the disease may be short and explosive.

FP is so prevalent and the signs so varied that any sick cat should be taken to a veterinarian.