It's important that you be able to recognize feline parvo symptoms in order to adequately respond as soon as your cat displays any signs of having this disease. Officially known as panleukopenia, this disease is referred to as feline parvo in many cases because it tends to mimic the symptoms of canine parvo. This disease can strike cats at any age, but it's generally most fatal and serious in younger cats.
For this reason, vets recommend that you have your cat vaccinated at an early age in order to avoid the risk of this condition. Still there may be situations in which your pet is exposed to this disease in the meantime, so it's vital to know the symptoms.
Diarrhea
Cats with parvo oftentimes have violent and uncomfortable diarrhea. This may occur one time or it is more likely to occur most times your cat goes to evacuate his bowels. In the case of parvo, diarrhea is oftentimes yellowish in color and may be tinged with blood.
Vomiting
It's not uncommon for cats with parvo to begin to vomit regularly as well. These cats may vomit immediately after eating a meal or they may vomit in between meals, generally vomiting up either the food that they previously ate or a light yellowish substance that is composed mostly of bile if they vomit in between regular meals. Because vomiting is not an uncommon symptoms for a number of different health problems and diseases, this should be one of only many symptoms that you notice in your cat; if you see him vomit at any time, look for signs of other damage or injury or for other symptoms of disease.
Lethargy
Cats with parvo are typically quite lethargic and may even be close to unconsciousness. The cat's body will have very little energy to expend in any way. It's not uncommon for your pet to be totally unresponsive if you try to interact with him. His body will slouch over his food and water bowls as well.
High Fever
Cats with parvo oftentimes display signs of a high fever. You may not be able to recognize the fever through any visible warning signs that your pet gives, so purchasing a veterinary thermometer and familiarizing yourself with the procedure for taking your pet's temperature, as well as the standard and healthy range of temperatures for a cat, is a good idea.
Seizures
In later stages of parvo, cats will oftentimes go through seizures. These may be sudden and short lasting or somewhat longer. It's not uncommon for your cat to lose muscular control, to begin to foam at the mouth and to writhe around as part of this seizure, although the signs of a seizure are oftentimes much more subtle than this as well.
If you notice any of these warning signs of parvo, it's important to
take your pet in to the vet for immediate treatment. Avoid any contact
with other animals, as parvo is highly contagious and can spread easily.