In the last stages of the disease, the victim lapses into a coma and dies of respiratory arrest. There have been only two documented human deaths in the U.S. from rabies contracted from cats since 1960. However, the postexposure treatment of persons bitten or scratched by cats infected or suspected to be infected is enormously costly and inconvenient. The virus is shed in feces, milk, and tears, but spread between cats primarily via saliva by grooming, licking, biting, and shared food dishes. Clinical signs range from chronic diseases to cancer.
Death can be sudden or lingering and painful.
There is at least one reported transmittal of FeLV to a mountain lion. FPV causes vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. FPV disarms the cat's immune system, making it vulnerable to other diseases. Without intensive medical treatment, death will result. A vaccine is available.