Infectious diseases in cats can lead to serious or even fatal complications if not diagnosed and managed promptly. From rabies to feline leukemia or FIV, proper prevention and regular veterinary care are key to keeping your feline companion healthy.

Rabies: A Fatal Viral Disease

Feline rabies is a fatal viral encephalitis affecting the nervous system. It’s transmitted through bites, and the virus can be present in saliva 8 days to a few hours before clinical signs appear.

Key characteristics:

• Incubation: 1 week to 8 months
• Forms:
  • Furious form: aggression, behavioral changes, fatal within 2-10 days.
  • Paralytic form: jaw muscle paralysis, inability to swallow, death within 2-3 days.
• Presence in Quebec: increasing cases.
• Vaccination: initial vaccination at 3-4 months, boosters annually or every three years.
• Zoonotic: transmissible to humans.

In case of a bite, immediately wash the wound with soap and consult a veterinarian.

Feline Leukemia (FeLV)

Feline leukemia is an incurable viral disease affecting the cat’s immune system.

Transmission methods:

• Direct contact: saliva, urine, blood, tears, vaginal secretions, breast milk.
• Indirect transmission: bites, scratches, mother-to-fetus.

Disease characteristics:

• Virus survival in the environment: 24-48 hours.
• Life expectancy for infected cats: approximately 3 years.
• Symptoms: variable and often progressive.
• Incubation: about 2 months.
• Screening: available at veterinary clinics.
• Vaccination: two doses one month apart, then annual booster.

Unneutered outdoor cats are most at risk.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is similar to human HIV but isn’t transmissible to humans.

Transmission methods:

• Bites and scratches, common in cat fights.
• Mother-to-fetus transmission through placenta or milk.
• Contact with infected blood or body secretions.

Disease characteristics:

• Virus latency: inactive for up to 7 years.
• Clinical signs: related to progressive immunodeficiency, increasing susceptibility to infections.
• Incurable disease.
• Screening: available at veterinary clinics.
• Prevention: neutering reduces aggressive behaviors and biting risk.
• No vaccine available.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a severe viral disease resulting from feline coronavirus mutation.

Key characteristics:

• Low contagiosity compared to other feline viruses.
• Forms:
  • Wet form (exudative): fluid accumulation in abdomen or thoracic cavity.
  • Dry form (granulomatous): neurological, ocular, or systemic symptoms.
• More common in multi-cat environments (breeding facilities, shelters).
• Difficult diagnosis: feline coronavirus is common; only mutation causes FIP.

New treatment available:

• GS-441524 antiviral (derived from Remdesivir) demonstrates high success rates.
• 12-week daily treatment, injections or tablets.
• Strict veterinary supervision required.
• Limited availability in Canada; obtainable under veterinary supervision.

If your cat has FIP, consult a veterinarian promptly to discuss treatment options.

Feline Panleukopenia

Feline panleukopenia is a severe viral disease, similar to canine parvovirus, with high mortality rates.

Characteristics:

• Symptoms: severe diarrhea, vomiting, hypothermia, significant white blood cell reduction.
• Intrauterine contamination: causes cerebellar hypoplasia in fetuses.
• Treatment: supportive care and antibiotics.
• Virus persistence: survives up to 3 months in the environment.
• Effective disinfectant: bleach.
• Vaccination: included in the standard protocol.

Conclusion

Infectious diseases in cats can lead to severe outcomes but are often preventable through vaccination and regular screenings.

To protect your cat, ensure vaccinations are up-to-date and regularly consult your veterinarian. For more information, feel free to contact us.