Feline Distemper: Serious But Preventable

Of all the illnesses that a cat can contract, Feline Distemper is the one that may be the most preventable. While it can occur in adult cats it is of most concern when your cat is in its kitten stage of life. Kittens are more fragile and can develop symptoms rapidly and death can be swift if you have not taken precautions.

Feline Distemper’s medical term is Feline Panleukopenia (FPV) and is highly infectious. Dogs also have a form of distemper that is equally devastating to unvaccinated puppies, and while it has similar symptoms, it is a different virus in cats. Feline Distemper is distinct unto cats.

The Panleukopenia virus is quite hardy and flourishes in carpets, upholstery, around food and water dishes, and especially around cat boxes. While adults can catch Feline distemper their immune systems are stronger and better able to battle the infection. Kittens, however, have immune systems that are not fully developed.

While pregnant the mother cat can contract and transfer distemper to any or all of her kittens causing them to actually be born with distemper. Death rates for these kittens are extremely high and if they survive they may suffer damage to their brain creating a lifetime of disabilities for the kitten/cat.

Symptoms will come swiftly and they come in the form of loss of appetite, vomiting, apparent stomach cramping, fever, and in severe cases convulsions. It is crucial that you get your kitten to the Vet as soon as you can once these symptoms appear. The Vet will validate that the kitten has Feline Distemper by administering a blood test.

Once the test comes back positive your Vet will immediately commence life support treatment. This will come in the form of intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and perhaps your kitten will need blood transfusions.

The prevention of Feline Distemper is fairly uncomplicated and it is very successful IF you get your kitten or cat vaccinated. This is fairly routine, but inexperienced pet owners can overlook it when their cat suddenly has kittens in the garage or under their beds. Due to their inexperience with cats them may overlook getting their kittens their distemper shots.

If you have little money and cannot provide these for your kitten there may be assistance and you should not be shy in inquiring with your Vet or local Humane Society as to financial assistance you can receive in order to get your kitten its shot. Until you are able to provide this make sure you keep your kitten away from other cats and even if your kitten has had its shots keep it from contact with other cats for 4 months.

Breeders, you may want to vaccinate your females for Feline Distemper prior to mating them and once they nurse this should provide even extra immunity along with their vaccinations. Adult cats should have yearly boosters for feline distemper as well to keep them healthy.