The severity of the disease varies considerably in susceptible individuals, from either a subclinical infection, to a mild transient fever and leucopenia, to a severe, peracute syndrome where the cat may be found dead. In general, the disease tends to be more severe in young kittens.

The following signs are, however, often typical:

• Incubation period 2-10 days.
• First signs of illness are lethargy, fever, anorexia, and apparent thirst but refusal to drink.
• Vomiting generally occurs.
• Diarrhoea less common, particularly in early stages.
• Abdominal palpation reveals fluid-and-gas-filled intestines, and may elicit pain.
• After 2-3 days, symptoms variable, e.g. fever, profuse watery diarrhoea or dysentery, severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
• Anaemia not usually present though may develop in long-standing cases especially if there is intestinal bleeding.
• Subnormal temperature carries grave prognosis.
• Mortality rate varies from 25% to 75%.
• Fatalities due to overwhelming bacterial infection, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance.

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