Companion Animal Welfare

Cat Welfare and Panleukopenia Prevention

Feline panleukopenia (feline parvovirus) is highly fatal, especially in kittens. Vaccination is highly effective and is one of the most important preventative health measures for cats.

Key Facts

Panleukopenia causes severe vomiting, diarrhoea, immunosuppression, and high mortality
Kittens are most severely affected, with mortality rates over 90% in unvaccinated animals
The virus is highly environmentally stable and can persist in premises for years
Vaccination from 8-9 weeks provides excellent protection
Shelter outbreaks can devastate unvaccinated cat populations rapidly

Welfare Considerations

Panleukopenia causes extreme suffering and rapid death, especially in kittens. Vaccination is highly effective, readily available, and prevents this devastating welfare emergency entirely in vaccinated cats.

What You Can Do

Ensure all cats and kittens receive full primary vaccination courses
Maintain vaccination boosters as recommended by your vet
Support vaccination programmes in cat shelters and colonies
Learn about feline vaccination schedules and disease prevention