Panleukopenia

This is a disease caused by a virus that primarily affects kittens and weak animals. Cats become infected by ingesting the virus as it is shed by other infected animals, via all bodily fluids.

The virus may persist in the environment for a full year. This virus causes a severe bloody diarrhea and suppression of the immune system. Kittens may become infected while still inside the mother; these kittens develop brain problems and may be very dull and unresponsive (in which case they either die or may need to be euthanized). They may simply have problems walking, but can grow up to be happy cats with a disability.