Although there is no way for a pet owner to determine which virus (or even if a virus) is the cause of a cat’s symptoms, it is important that you contact your veterinarian if your cat is experiencing diarrhea or signs of a respiratory infection.

A reovirus can be one of several viruses that are members of the Reoviridae group of viruses. These viruses can cause illness in animals and plants, with particular animals or plants being susceptible to particular viruses. In animals, these viruses typically cause either a respiratory infection or intestinal infection and sometimes both. Diarrhea and the accompanying dehydration are the common results of a reovirus infection in cats. Upper respiratory infection may also be present in the same animal.

The symptoms of a reovirus infection are generally mild to moderate in cats that are otherwise healthy. Symptoms will likely be more severe in very young, elderly, or otherwise immunocompromised cats. Symptoms of reovirus infection may include the following: 

There are several types of reoviruses, but the most common are the following:

Reovirus infection is caused by one or more of the numerous viruses that are classified together in the Reoviridae group. Cats are usually infected by these viruses in one of the following ways:

Although any cat can become infected with a reovirus, the following factors will make a cat much more susceptible to infection:

Your veterinarian will begin by listening to your observations and concerns regarding your pet’s health, and, if possible, will likely review your cat’s medical history. The vet will conduct a thorough physical examination to assess your cat’s overall health. In addition, the following diagnostic tests may be administered in an attempt to eliminate some of the numerous types of infections, such as bacteria, parasitic worms, and other viruses, that may be causing your cat’s symptoms:

As is the case with many viral infections, there is little that can be done to address the viral cause of the intestinal symptoms in your cat. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses, and thus would only be effective in treating or preventing bacterial infections that may accompany the viral infection. Reovirus infection is generally self-limiting, meaning that it will “run its course.” Treatment, therefore, will attempt to address the accompanying, and possibly dangerous, dehydration that results from persistent diarrhea. This treatment includes the following:

The prognosis is generally very good for an otherwise healthy adult cat that is experiencing a reovirus infection. As is often the case with minor viral infections in human beings, hydration and rest are usually the best ways for a cat to recover from a reovirus infection. In the days after your cat has been examined by your veterinarian it is important that you provide plenty of fluids, alone time, and quiet for your cat. Your vet may request a follow-up visit to check on your cat’s progress. If your cat’s symptoms do not get better in an amount of time that has been set by your vet, which is likely from three days to a week, or if your cat’s symptoms leave and then return, contact your veterinarian. Although nothing definitive can be done to prevent viral infection, providing proper nutrition and a clean, healthy, stress-free living environment that is not overcrowded are the best ways to avoid viral infections in the future.