Feline Virus Symptoms

There are many cat viruses that your cat may be at risk for developing. The list is still growing, with Feline Swine Flu being the latest virus added to the list. To make sure your cat does not catch any of these viruses, be sure to vaccinate it regularly. Also, make sure that your cat has a sanitary living space and if it does become sick, take it immediately to your local veterinarian.

  1. Cat Flu

    • Cat Flu, commonly caused by Feline Calicivirus, is an upper respiratory virus that can turn serious when pneumonia occurs along with it. The symptoms of cat flu are ulceration of the mouth and tongue, palate, lips and sometimes the tip of the nose. Gingivitis may also occur in the gums. Drooling may happen if the mouth ulcerations are serious. Runny eyes and nose are common. Fever and depression may happen. The mouth ulcers may prevent the cat from eating. Joint pain and limping may be noticeable. One strain of the cat flu leads to ulcers on the paws, which can make walking difficult.

    Feline Leukemia

    • Feline Leukemia is not a form of cancer, but a virus that infects cats. It affects the immune system, making cats more vulnerable to illnesses. In early stages, there may be only a few symptoms. In late stages, the symptoms are loss of appetite, unhealthy weight loss, diarrhea, enlarged lymph nodes and fever. Cats may also harbor multiple infections with this disease such as skin infections, bladder infections and upper respiratory infections. Seizures may also occur.

    Feline Panleukopenia

    • Feline Panleukopenia, or FPV, is also commonly known by the name "Distemper." It transmits through the urine and feces of an infected cat. Mother cats can also spread the virus to their kittens. Older cats may not show many symptoms, but infected kittens show severe symptoms such as vomiting and bloody diarrhea. Seizures may also occur. Symptoms come on suddenly with this virus. There is no cure for this virus and it is most often fatal. Treatment is simply supportive care such as medications for vomiting, diarrhea and seizures.