Astrovirus Infection in Cats: Vet Guide 🐱🧬 2025

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, veterinarian & founder of Ask A Vet.

Astroviruses are small, star-shaped RNA viruses in the genus Mamastrovirus that infect cats and other mammals, causing intestinal inflammation and occasionally vomiting or diarrhea. While many cases are mild or subclinical, kittens and cats in shelters can develop significant symptoms. This comprehensive guide explores:

• 🔍 What feline astrovirus is
• 🌡️ How it spreads
• 🚨 Typical symptoms
• 🧪 Diagnostic tools
• 💊 Supportive care & treatment
• 🛡️ Prevention & hygiene
• 🤝 Ask A Vet telehealth support throughout treatment

🔎 What Is Feline Astrovirus?

Belonging to the Mamastrovirus genus, feline astrovirus (FeAstV) was first identified in the 1980s from kittens with diarrhea :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}. It’s a small (~30 nm), non-enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus often found in crowded environments like shelters :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}. Many infected cats are asymptomatic, but outbreaks with vomiting and diarrhea have been documented, especially in shelters :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

🌍 How It Spreads

• Via fecal–oral route—ingesting or contacting contaminated surfaces :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Resistant in the environment—survives on surfaces unless cleaned with effective virucides :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Highly contagious in multi-cat settings like shelters and catteries :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

🚨 Who’s at Risk & Signs

Kittens and immunocompromised or stressed cats are most vulnerable. Studies show astrovirus detected in up to 36% of diarrheic kittens :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}. Signs include:

• Watery diarrhea 💩
• Vomiting 🤮
• Loss of appetite 🍽️
• Lethargy 😴
• Abdominal discomfort and mild fever 🌡️

In outbreaks, vomiting may be prominent—even without diarrhea :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

🧪 Diagnostic Methods

• **RT-PCR** from feces—most sensitive and used in shelter outbreak investigations :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• **ELISA or immunoassays**—detect viral antigen in stools :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• **Electron microscopy**—rarely used, but historically diagnostic :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• **Metagenomic sequencing**—identifies novel feline astroviruses during outbreaks :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.

💊 Treatment & Supportive Care

No specific anti-astroviral drugs exist for cats, so care focuses on symptoms:

• 💧 **Rehydration**: IV or subcutaneous fluids, especially for kittens
• 🧂 **Electrolytes**: maintain sodium, potassium balance
• 🍲 **GI diet**: bland or prescription intestinal formulas
• 💊 **Antiemetics**: such as maropitant or ondansetron
• 🔥 **Warmth & rest**: essential for weak animals

Most healthy cats recover within 5–10 days; kittens may require veterinary support :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.

🛡️ Prevention & Hygiene

• 🧼 Regular cleaning with virucidal agents like accelerated hydrogen peroxide
• 🚫 Isolation of symptomatic cats—especially in shelters
• 🧽 Daily disinfection of litter trays and bowls
• 🧼 Hand hygiene when handling multiple cats
• 📦 Avoid overcrowding and stress in multi-cat housing

📆 Prognosis

• 👍 Excellent in otherwise healthy adult cats
• ⚠️ Guarded for kittens or cats with weakened immunity
• 💧 Risk of dehydration means early treatment is key
• 🔁 Asymptomatic cats may continue to shed—monitor carefully

🤝 Ask A Vet Telehealth Support

Our telehealth services assist you through every stage:

• 📱 Advise on fluid therapy dosing and monitoring at home
• 📋 Help distinguish astrovirus from other GI causes
• 🕵️‍♂️ Guidance on isolation and shelter hygiene protocols
• 📈 Monitor recovery and advise when vet care is needed

✅ Key Takeaways

• Astrovirus is a common, mostly mild cause of GI symptoms in cats 🧠
• Kittens in shelters are most at risk—watch for vomiting and diarrhea
• Diagnosis via PCR or ELISA aids outbreak control
• Supportive care and hygiene are central to recovery
• Ask A Vet telehealth offers expert guidance through diagnosis and recovery

📞 Final Thoughts

While astrovirus infections are often overlooked, they can trigger mild to moderate GI upset—especially in young or stressed cats. Through careful hygiene, supportive care, and expert telehealth support from Ask A Vet, most cats bounce back quickly. 😊🐾

Need help with diarrhea care, home fluids, or outbreak control? Visit AskAVet.com and download the Ask A Vet app today!