Cowpox (Poxvirus) in Cats: A Vet’s 2025 Guide to Recognition, Treatment & Zoonosis 🐱⚠️

Hello! I’m Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc, veterinarian and founder of Ask A Vet. In this comprehensive 2025 guide, we discuss poxvirus infection in cats—commonly called cowpox. These rare but important skin and systemic infections stem from rodent bites and can affect both feline and human health. You’ll learn how to recognise lesions, confirm diagnosis, manage treatment and recovery, and reduce zoonotic risk.

📘 1. What Is Feline Cowpox?

Feline cowpox is caused by an Orthopoxvirus, closely related to smallpox but typically milder in humans. It’s transmitted from wild rodents to cats, most often outdoor hunters ([turn0search1], [turn0search7]). Most infections occur in Europe during late summer and autumn, when rodents are active ([turn0search1], [turn0search7]).

🦠 2. How Do Cats Get Infected?

• Usually from direct rodent bites during hunting activities ([turn0search7]).
• Seasonality: increased cases from August to November ([turn0search1]).
• Rare cases of cat-to-cat transmission under natural conditions ([turn0search4]).

👀 3. Recognizing the Lesions & Signs

The primary sign is a skin lesion, often progressing to multiple ulcerative crusts:

• Typically on the head, neck, forelimbs, or oral mucosa ([turn0search1], [turn0search4]).
• Starts as nodules; then ulcers, scabs, and pustules form within days to weeks ([turn0search4]).
• May include systemic signs—fever, lethargy, anorexia, and even respiratory symptoms in severe cases ([turn0search1], [turn0search9]).

🔬 4. Confirming the Diagnosis

1. Clinical suspicion based on lesions and outdoor cat history.
2. Skin biopsy shows characteristic inclusion bodies for Orthopoxvirus ([turn0search1]).
3. Viral isolation or PCR from scabs confirms diagnosis (~90% accuracy) ([turn0search1], [turn0search2]).
4. Chest X-rays and full physical exam for possible generalized disease in immunocompromised cats ([turn0search9]).

🛠️ 5. Treatment & Care Options

No specific antiviral exists, so treatment focuses on supportive and symptomatic care:

• Strict wound care: clean lesions, topicals, and prevent self-trauma with an e-collar ([turn0search10]).
• Antibiotics: to prevent or treat secondary bacterial infections ([turn0search4], [turn0search10]).
• Fluid therapy & nutrition: if anorexia or systemic illness is present ([turn0search10], [turn0search1]).
• No steroids: contraindicated—they worsen progression and are associated with poor outcomes ([turn0search4]).

📈 6. Prognosis & Recovery

• Most healthy cats recover fully in 4–8 weeks with proper care of lesions ([turn0search4], [turn0search10]).
• Immunosuppressed cats (FeLV, FIV) are at higher risk of generalized infection and may die ([turn0search4], [turn0search1]).
• Monitor lesion healing, systemic signs, and watch for secondary pneumonia or ocular signs ([turn0search1], [turn0search9]).

🛡️ 7. Zoonotic & Public Health Considerations

• Cowpox is zoonotic—humans can contract it from infected cats, especially via scabs or lesions ([turn0search6], [turn0search19]).
• Avoid handling infected cats if pregnant, very young, elderly, or immunocompromised ([turn0search6]).
• Use gloves and vary wound care instructions; confirm lesion healing before allowing close contact ([turn0search6]).
• Reporting case to authorities may be mandated as Orthopoxvirus infections are notifiable in many regions ([turn0search6]).

🏡 8. Case Examples

“Smokey,” an outdoor tabby, had a single scabby ulcer on his ear. He was diagnosed via biopsy and PCR. There were no systemic signs. With wound cleaning and oral antibiotics, he fully recovered in six weeks.

“Luna,” FeLV-positive, presented with multiple ulcerative nodules on her limbs and face. Despite antibiotics and wound care, she developed pneumonia and was euthanized after severe illness progressed to CNS involvement. Cowpox confirmed at post-mortem ([turn0image2], [turn0search3]).

🚨 9. When to Seek Immediate Veterinary Care

• Persistent, spreading ulcers or non-healing nodules
• Systemic signs—fever, anorexia, cough, breathing effort
• Immune-compromised status (FeLV/FIV), pregnancy, or old age
• Contact with vulnerable people in the household

🔧 10. Prevention & Mitigation

• Keep cats indoors or restrict hunting in rodent-rich areas especially in outbreak months.
• Promptly treat wounds, perform rodent-proofing, and maintain indoor rodent control.
• Use disinfectants—virus survives in crusts and environments; clean surfaces with virucidal agents ([turn0search5]).
• Isolate infected cats until completely healed (no scabs).

✨ 11. Final Thoughts

Cowpox infection in cats may be rare, but accurate diagnosis, supportive wound care, and zoonosis prevention are essential in 2025. Outdoor cats who hunt rodents are at greatest risk; most healthy cats recover well without antivirals. Ask A Vet supports you with telehealth advice, wound-care checklists, medication reminders, and zoonotic safety guidance through every step. 🐾❤️

For tailored aftercare resources, zoonotic risk planning, and tele-vet support, visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app. We’re here for you and your feline friend.