Outbreaks of infectious diseases among furry animals are a concern for animal owners, veterinarians and scientists alike. Infections spread rapidly mainly among stray animals, which are kept in shelters in large numbers in small areas. Panleukopenia, herpes, and calicivirus are diseases of cats, but there are even more dangerous ones: viral leukemia, immunodeficiency, and coronavirus, which are very difficult and not always successfully treated. Coronavirus infection is what we will talk about next.

Coronavirus in cats

Coronavirus diagnosed by a doctor is not always difficult and hopeless. The disease affects the organs of the abdominal cavity. Infected cats can only be carriers of the virus, but do not get sick themselves. Some may not show symptoms for many years, and in others – the disease in a few days will cause irreversible processes in the body and the animal will die. Diarrhea and vomiting are the main signs of the disease, which can progress to coronavirus enteritis or infectious peritonitis and then, without special treatment, the animal dies. Feline coronavirus (FCoV) has no commonality with human coronavirus (Covid-19).

The strain is dangerous for cats

The FCoV (Feline Coronavirus) strain is the causative agent of two animal diseases, feline coronavirus gastroenteritis or feline infectious peritonitis (hepatitis), which is caused by mutation of FCoV into FIPV (feline infectious peritonitis) virus. The mutation can be triggered by factors such as immunodeficiency, co-morbidities, and severe stress. Signs of FIPV disease can be seen both a few days after infection and after a long period of time – sometimes several years.

It happens that animals with a strong body and stable natural immunity do not get sick.

Forms of coronavirus manifestation in cats

  • The asymptomatic course of the disease is viral carrier. In 90% of cases, the host may not notice the ailment of the cat.
  • Chronic course – gastroenteritis. Periodic vomiting and diarrhea are possible, in some cases with an admixture of blood. In a few days, recovery can occur, and the disease can pass into the most severe form.
  • Acute course – infectious peritonitis, usually the cat dies.

Types of coronavirus

Coronavirus in cats can be categorized into two types: dry or wet.

Thedry type manifests itself as follows: lethargy, apathy, depression, shortness of breath, fever, diarrhea, anemia, weight loss, inflammation of the eyes with iris changes and possible development of blindness, neurological disorders appear – convulsions, paralysis, tremors.

Thedamp type has the following signs: fever that cannot be brought down,

lethargy, drowsiness, weight loss, lacrimation and sneezing, diarrhea, abdominal bloating, due to the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen may develop ascites (dropsy).

The disease in cats with the dry form is more severe, they die twice as often as with the wet form.

How does infection occur?

Coronavirus infection is spread orofecally – through sharing a litter box, food bowl, or sniffing another animal. The cat presents with vomiting or diarrhea. The animal becomes a latent carrier of the virus, which is transmitted to other cats through its feces. Sometimes the virus settles on the palatine tonsils and is transmitted by saliva.

There are three main routes of transmission:

  • Alimentary – through contaminated water and food and by licking fur.
  • Vertical – intrauterine. The virus can enter through the placenta during kitten whelping.
  • Sexual – through bodily fluids during mating, from a virus-carrying animal to a healthy one.

Can a person get infected from a cat, or can a cat get infected from a person?

A person from the animal can not be infected, because the virus exists and multiplies in the body of the cat, so the disease is transmitted only to animals of the feline genus. But the owners can infect the Pet, bringing kovid from the street on their own clothes, shoes or hands. If the cat rubs itself against the owner, the virus will be transferred to the fur and then into the intestinal tract – this is a typical way of infecting the cat.

Treatment of coronavirus infection

Coronavirus infection in a cat should not be self-treated.

If your Pet shows signs of illness, bring him to the clinic immediately. The doctor will conduct appropriate laboratory tests, such as: rectal flushes to determine the PRC (polymerase chain reaction), general and biochemical blood tests, urinalysis, ultrasound of the abdominal cavity. Based on the results of the examination, the veterinarian will prescribe a treatment that will be effective for your Ponytail. It may be symptomatic – to support the animal’s body or antibacterial – to extinguish inflammation.

Conclusion

The first cases of coronavirus in cats were recorded by veterinarians back in 1963. Outbreaks of coronavirus disease are most often recorded in October and November. An effective vaccine against coronavirus infection in cats has not yet been invented, and those that are available are not effective. It is known that the virus is unstable in the environment and it can be easily deactivated by chlorinated detergents, ultraviolet light and, of course, follow the rules of hygiene. Therefore, take care of the cleanliness and disinfection of the premises, timely replace the litter in the trays, provide Tails with a balanced diet and clean water, strengthen its immunity and avoid contact with sick animals.

Still, the best way to keep your Pintail safe from coronavirus is to surround him with care and love.