Tabby Cat

　　This disease mainly infects cats, but other felids (wild cats, tigers, leopards) can also be infected and develop the disease. Kittens are particularly susceptible. Infected animals are the main source of transmission; the virus is excreted through vomit, saliva, feces, and urine, contaminating food, utensils, cat shelters, and the surrounding environment, resulting in infection of susceptible cats through contact. The main entry points are the digestive and respiratory tracts. Even weeks or over a year after recovery, infected cats can still shed the virus through feces and urine. During the acute phase, fleas and some blood-sucking insects can also spread the disease. Pregnant cats can transmit the virus vertically to their fetuses via the placenta. The disease is most common from late autumn to winter and spring, with over 55.8% of cases occurring from December to March, and 19.5% in March alone. The course of the disease is mostly 3–6 days. Cats that survive beyond 7 days often recover. Mortality is generally 60-70%, with some outbreaks exceeding 90%.

　　Clinical Symptoms

　　The incubation period is generally 2-6 days. In susceptible cat populations, the infection rate can reach 100%, but not all infected cats show symptoms. Based on clinical manifestations, there are three clinical types:

　　1. Peracute type: Cats die suddenly before symptoms appear, often mistaken for poisoning.

　　2. Acute type: Cats show only lethargy and loss of appetite as prodromal symptoms, dying within 24 hours.

　　3. Subacute type: Initially, cats show lethargy, loss of appetite, and a temperature above 40°C. After 24 hours, the temperature drops to normal for 2-3 days, then rises again above 40°C, presenting a clear biphasic fever. During the second fever, symptoms worsen: cats become deeply depressed, weak, lie down with their head resting on their forelimbs, and suffer vomiting and diarrhea. They pass bloody watery stools and dehydrate rapidly. When cats have a high fever, their white blood cell count can decrease to below 2000/mm³ (normal cats have 15,000-20,000/mm³).