Rotavirus Infections in Cats: Expert Vet Guide 🐱💧 2025

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

Rotavirus is a contagious viral infection that primarily affects the small intestine of kittens and immunocompromised adult cats. While often self-limiting in healthy felines, rotavirus can cause serious dehydration and gastrointestinal distress, especially in vulnerable cats. 🧻💧

🔍 What Is Rotavirus?

Rotavirus is a wheel-shaped, double-stranded RNA virus that infects enterocytes (intestinal lining cells). It's part of the Reoviridae family and spreads through the fecal-oral route. Most infections are subclinical, but kittens and elderly or immunocompromised cats can experience symptoms. 🧬🦠

🌍 How It Spreads

• 💩 Ingestion of contaminated feces
• 🧼 Contact with infected surfaces (litterboxes, bowls, grooming tools)
• 👅 Self-grooming after contact with virus-laden material

Rotavirus is resistant to many common disinfectants and can survive in the environment for weeks unless properly cleaned with high-level virucidal agents. 🧴

🚨 Signs & Symptoms

• Watery or mushy diarrhea 💩
• Vomiting 🤮
• Dehydration 🥤
• Lethargy 😴
• Decreased appetite 🍽️
• Abdominal discomfort 🌀
• In severe cases: hypothermia, collapse ❗

Most adult cats recover quickly, but kittens may require urgent fluid therapy. 🐱🍼

🧪 Diagnosis

Diagnosis often relies on ruling out other causes of gastroenteritis, including:

• Giardia
• Coronavirus (including FCoV/FeCV)
• Salmonella or Clostridium

More specific rotavirus diagnostics include:

• Fecal ELISA (enzyme-linked immunoassay) 🔬
• RT-PCR for rotavirus RNA 🧬
• Electron microscopy (in research settings) 🧫

💊 Treatment & Supportive Care

There is no specific antiviral for rotavirus in cats, so treatment is supportive:

• 💧 IV or subcutaneous fluids to correct dehydration
• 🧂 Electrolyte support (especially sodium, potassium)
• 🍲 Bland diet (boiled chicken, rice, or vet-formulated GI diets)
• 💊 Antiemetics like maropitant or ondansetron
• 🔥 Warm bedding and temperature control for weak kittens

🛡️ Prevention Tips

• 🧼 Disinfect litterboxes daily using hydrogen peroxide or accelerated hydrogen peroxide products
• 🚿 Clean food and water bowls with boiling water
• 🚫 Avoid overcrowding in shelters or multi-cat households
• 🧍‍♀️ Separate sick kittens from healthy animals
• 🧴 Practice good hygiene between handling litters

There is no vaccine for rotavirus in cats. Immunity relies on maternal antibodies and natural recovery. 🧬

📅 Prognosis

• 😺 Healthy adults: excellent recovery within 3–7 days
• 🐾 Kittens or immunosuppressed cats: guarded without rapid care
• 🚨 Mortality possible if dehydration not corrected

🤝 Ask A Vet Telehealth Support

Ask A Vet can guide you through:

• 📱 Real-time monitoring of hydration status
• 📝 How to give subcutaneous fluids at home
• 📋 Feeding strategies for cats with GI upset
• ⚕️ Deciding if and when hospitalization is needed
• 🚪 Safe reintroduction into multi-cat households

✅ Key Takeaways

• Rotavirus spreads via the fecal–oral route 🦠
• Kittens are most vulnerable—hydration is critical 💧
• Most adult cats recover quickly with rest and fluids 🐈
• Disinfection and separation reduce spread 🧴🚫
• Ask A Vet provides expert care at every step 📞

📞 Final Thoughts

Rotavirus may sound scary, but most cats recover with the right support. The key is quick response, clean environments, and expert guidance. With Ask A Vet’s telehealth help, you’ll confidently care for your cat through any upset tummy. 😻💪

Need help with diarrhea care, rehydration, or a hygiene plan? Visit AskAVet.com and download the Ask A Vet app today!