The feline parvovirus, more commonly known as Panleukopenia or Feline Distemper, is a virus that causes diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. It can cause severe disease, especially in kittens, and is often fatal. This disease is also known as feline panleukopenia, feline infectious enteritis (FIE), and feline distemper.
The specific virus that infects dogs does not infect cats, so cats cant get feline parvo from dogs. But dogs do get infected by a similar virus called the canine parvovirus-2 (CPV-2). The original CPV-2 cant infect cats, but newer variants (CPV-2a, CPV-2b, and CPV-2c) can infect your cat.
The Truth About Cross-Species Parvo Transmission
If you’re like me and have both cats and dogs in your home, you’ve probably worried about disease transmission between your furry friends. One question that comes up a lot is whether cats can pass parvo to dogs. I’ve spent hours researching this topic after my neighbor’s puppy got sick, and what I found might surprise you.
The short answer? Yes and no. It’s complicated, and there’s been some confusion about this topic for years. Let’s dive into what science actually tells us about parvo transmission between cats and dogs.
Understanding Parvo in Dogs and Cats
First, we need to understand that dogs and cats actually get different types of parvo:
- Dogs get canine parvovirus (CPV)
- Cats typically get feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), also sometimes called feline infectious enteritis (FIE)
These viruses are related but traditionally were thought to be species-specific. For years, the common belief was that dogs couldn’t get parvo from cats because they were different viruses.
But here’s where it gets interesting…
The 2012 Study That Changed Everything
In 2012, researcher Simon Clegg and his team published a groundbreaking study titled “Canine parvovirus in asymptomatic feline carriers.” This study challenged what we thought we knew about parvo transmission between species.
What they found was eye-opening:
- They collected 180 fecal samples from 74 cats in an animal shelter
- 34% of these cat samples contained canine parvovirus
- The virus was viable and could potentially infect other animals
This study proved that cats can indeed carry and shed canine parvovirus, even if they don’t show symptoms. This means that cats can be “asymptomatic carriers” of dog parvo.
Can Dogs Get Parvo From Cats?
According to the latest research dogs can potentially get parvo from cats but it’s complicated
- Cats can carry canine parvovirus – The 2012 study showed that cats can carry and shed the dog version of parvo
- It’s rare but possible – Cross-species transmission isn’t common but can happen
- FPV (cat parvo) cannot infect dogs – While cats can carry dog parvo, dogs cannot get the cat-specific parvo virus
This contradicts some older information you might find online that says dogs can’t get parvo from cats at all.
How Parvo Spreads Between Pets
Parvo is primarily spread through feces. Here’s how transmission typically happens:
- Direct contact with infected poop
- Sniffing or licking contaminated surfaces
- Shared toys, bedding, or food bowls
- Humans can spread it on hands and shoes
My dog used to love eating cat poop from the litter box (gross, I know!). At the time, I didn’t know this could potentially expose him to parvo. Now I make extra efforts to keep the litter box out of his reach.
Symptoms to Watch For
Whether your pet caught parvo from another dog, cat, or somewhere else, the symptoms are pretty much the same:
In Dogs:
- Severe, bloody diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Dehydration
- Weight loss
In Cats:
- Vomiting (sometimes just froth)
- Variable temperature
- Inability to eat or drink despite hunger
- Watery diarrhea (may contain blood)
- Lethargy
If you notice any of these symptoms, get your pet to a vet immediately! Without treatment, parvo has a fatality rate of up to 91% in dogs.
How to Protect Your Pets
Now that we know cross-species transmission is possible, here are some ways to protect both your cats and dogs:
- Vaccinate all your pets – The most effective protection against parvo
- Keep sick animals isolated – If one pet shows symptoms, keep them away from others
- Practice good hygiene – Wash your hands between handling different pets
- Clean up poop immediately – Don’t let dogs access cat litter boxes
- Disinfect shared areas – Parvo is tough to kill but can be eliminated with proper cleaning
In animal shelters, it’s now recommended to keep puppies and kittens separated until they’re fully vaccinated to prevent potential cross-species transmission.
What Vets Say About Cross-Species Parvo
I spoke with my vet about this issue last month, and she confirmed that while cross-species transmission is possible, it’s still relatively rare in household settings. Most cases of parvo in dogs come from other dogs, not cats.
However, she did stress that we shouldn’t dismiss the possibility, especially in high-risk environments like shelters or multi-pet households where an unvaccinated animal is introduced.
My Personal Experience
Last year, I adopted a kitten from a shelter that had recently had a parvo outbreak among the dogs. I was worried about bringing her home to my older dog, even though he was vaccinated.
My vet recommended keeping them separated for two weeks and watching for any symptoms, just to be safe. Thankfully, everyone stayed healthy, but it was a good reminder that cross-species transmission is something to take seriously.
Treatment Options if Your Pet Gets Parvo
If the worst happens and your pet does contract parvo, here’s what treatment typically involves:
- Immediate veterinary care (don’t wait!)
- IV fluids to prevent dehydration
- Antibiotics to prevent secondary infections
- Anti-nausea medications
- Isolation from other pets
With prompt treatment, the survival rate can be as high as 95%, so there is hope even in serious cases.
FAQs About Parvo Transmission Between Cats and Dogs
Can cats get parvo from dogs?
Yes, according to the 2012 study, cats can get canine parvovirus from dogs, though it’s relatively rare.
Can my dog get parvo from cat poop?
Yes, if the cat is carrying canine parvovirus, your dog could potentially get infected from contact with cat feces.
Do cats show symptoms if they have canine parvovirus?
Not always. The 2012 study found that cats can be asymptomatic carriers, meaning they can shed the virus without showing signs of illness.
Does the feline parvo vaccine protect cats from canine parvovirus?
The vaccines are for different viruses, but they may offer some cross-protection. Consult your vet about the best vaccination protocol.
How long does parvo survive in the environment?
Parvo is extremely hardy and can survive in the environment for months or even years under the right conditions.
Prevention is Better Than Treatment
The most important takeaway is that prevention is always better than treatment when it comes to parvo. Vaccination is your best defense against this deadly disease.
If you have both cats and dogs, make sure ALL your pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations, even if you think they can’t catch the same diseases.
Final Thoughts
The relationship between canine parvovirus and felines is more complex than we once thought. While cats typically get their own version of parvo (FPV), they can also carry and spread the dog version.
As responsible pet owners, we need to be aware of this possibility, especially in multi-pet households or when introducing new animals. Always consult with your veterinarian if you have concerns about disease transmission between your pets.
Remember, parvo is serious business, but with proper vaccination and hygiene practices, you can keep all your furry family members safe and healthy!
Have you had any experiences with parvo in your multi-pet household? I’d love to hear your stories and how you managed the situation. Drop a comment below to share your experience!
How Do Cats Get Parvo?
This virus is passed in poop, urine, and nasal secretions by cats who have the disease. The virus can contaminate cages, bedding, dishes, and the hands and clothes of handlers. Fleas from other infected cats can also infect your cat. The virus can survive in the environment for months, so your cat can get this disease without any contact with a diseased cat.
Cat-to-cat passage of the feline parvovirus also happens. This is more likely in multicat households, animal shelters, pet shops, and other places where several cats live together.
What Is the Treatment for Cat Parvovirus?
There are no medicines that can kill this virus. Good supportive care with intravenous fluids, nutrients, and antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infection may help your cat survive. Kittens have high mortality rates. Older cats have a better chance of surviving.