What Is Feline Distemper?

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT

A virus that can turn deadly, feline distemper is preventable and treatable, if caught early enough. Here’s what you need to know about the illness and how it affects cats.

Feline Panleukopenia virus, which is also known as FPV and feline distemper (though it isn’t related to canine distemper), is highly contagious and life-threatening.

By understanding feline distemper, you can help prevent it.

Transmission

Feline distemper can be spread via direct contact with an infected animal or his secretions, including the blood, urine, and feces. Fleas can also transmit the virus. It can even be spread through use of contaminated bedding, litter boxes, and food dishes. Individuals who have treated a cat with feline distemper can then expose other cats if they don’t properly wash their hands or clothes first.

Related:Two Infectious Illnesses You Should Know About

The virus may be transmitted to kittens before they’re born, as well as shortly after. In these cases, mortality is 90 percent. Those kittens that recover from neonatal infection might have cerebellar brain damage that results in an uncoordinated gait when they start walking.

Felines who end up surviving the virus become immune to it, but they can end up shedding the virus for a few weeks, exposing other cats to it. An infected cat could shed feline distemper in his urine and feces for up to 6 weeks post-recovery.

Those at highest risk for becoming seriously ill from this virus are kittens between two and six months of age. Cats with compromised immune systems, as well as pregnant cats, are also at a greater risk of severe symptoms. Adult cats who get feline distemper may experience mild symptoms or it may go unnoticed.

Symptoms of Feline Distemper

FPV is a leading cause of death amongst kittens. Because it affects rapidly dividing blood cells, especially those in the bone marrow and intestinal tract, as well as stem cells in fetuses, it can result in anemia and make the body susceptible to other viral and bacterial illnesses and infections.

Related:Feline Vaccinations: Which Ones Are Really Necessary?

Within two to 10 days after being exposed to the virus, a cat will begin showing symptoms of acute illness. These may include severe apathy, fever up to 105°F (40.5°C), and loss of appetite. Repeated vomiting that brings up yellow-stained, frothy bile is also common, and the cat may be crouching in pain with his head just a few inches over a water or food bowl. In the event a cat is able to drink water, he’ll immediately vomit, and he’ll cry out as a result of pain within the abdomen.

Diarrhea may also appear early in the progression of the virus, though it frequently occurs later. Stools are typically streaked with blood or yellow in color.

The onset of the virus can be sudden in both young kittens and some older felines, so an owner may not even know the pet is sick until it’s too late or the animal has died. Secondary bacterial infections are common, and these may also result in death.

Below is a list of some of the other symptoms associated with feline distemper:

    Treatment of FPV

    Immediate treatment is necessary to save lives. Addressing dehydration, as well as giving a cat antibiotics to prevent infections, may be part of the treatment plan, in addition to supportive care in a warm, quiet space separate from other animals.

    The FPV virus will depress your cat’s mental and physical health, so he’ll need to receive plenty of comfort and affection from you until he’s cured.

    If a cat is promptly and effectively treated and able to survive the first 48 hours, it’s likely that he’ll fully recover with lifetime immunity. However, it might take weeks for the cat to be completely healthy again.

    Feline Panleukopenia Virus Prevention

    Once in the environment, feline distemper is very hardy. It will survive in cracks, furnishings, and carpeting for over a year at room temperature, and it can survive at lower temperatures as well. Strict hygiene is necessary to prevent the spread of the virus and to kill it from the environment.

    This virus is resistant to household cleaners. The most effective way to destroy it is with a bleach solution of 1/2 cup of bleach in a gallon of water. Use the solution for 10 minutes on floors, litter boxes, cages, etc. To be sure feline distemper is completely out of your environment, though, discard your pet’s belongings and replace them with new ones.

    The best way to prevent an infection is to have your cat vaccinated against feline distemper. Also, keep your cats indoors to prevent them from encountering sick cats outside.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    ADVERTISEMENT

    You May Like

    Three-Toed Box Turtle

    The Three-Toed Box Turtle is a subspecies of the Common Box Turtle, and it is named ""three-toed"" because its back feet feature three toes.

    Curly-Coated Retriever

    The agile Curly-Coated Retriever (or Curly) is a multiple-purpose dog that is happy running in the fields, retrieving in the water or lounging on the couch.

    Bengal

    The highly intelligent Bengal forms close and strong bonds with their humans, seeking attention and placing themselves in the middle of all activities.

    Top 10 Toys To Keep Your Dog Mentally Sharp

    Looking for ways to keep your smarty-pup''s mind stimulated? Check out the top 10 toys to keep your dog mentally sharp (and have fun in the process!).

    Exotic Shorthair

    The quiet and docile Exotic Shorthair adapts easily to any environment, getting along well with dogs and children. They are inquisitive and outgoing.

    Ask The Hairy Dogfathers: Planning A Frugal Father’s Day

    Doggy Dads deserve to be celebrated on Father''s Day. But what do you do when your budget doesn''t allow for a blowout? The Hairy Dogfathers have a few ideas.

    Best Flea Powders for Cats

    No one wants to have fleas in their home or on their pets, so there are various products on the market designed to repel and kill these pests. One option is flea powder. What are the benefits of using this type of flea control product, and what are some things to think about before buying it to give it a try? We’ve got you covered with some helpful information and tips below.

    Top 5 Peanut Butter Dog Treat Recipes Part 2

    We hope you enjoyed Part 1 of our favorite peanut butter dog treat recipes - because it''s time for Part 2! Peanut butter is a staple in everyone''s pantry.

    Adoptable Dog of the Week – Bugz

    Bugz, our Adoptable Dog of the week, is the best kind of bug - a cuddle bug! A Shepard mix from Cheyenne, Wyoming, Bugz is a happy and smart pup.

    Bichirs

    Bichirs are a species of freshwater fish. They are characterized by their long, eel-like bodies and unique dorsal finlets. Capable of breathing surface air.

    Best Low Calorie Dog Treats

    Low calorie dog treats are a great way to reward a dog that''s on a weight management diet or needs to maintain a leaner body weight.

    Toronto’s First Upscale Dog Resort Opens To Wagging Reviews

    Park9 is where you’ll find all the hip Canadian dogs enjoying the finer things in life – like a pool, 5-star sleeping accommodations and luxe spa…

    Product Review: Ruffwear Omnijore Joring System

    We test out Ruffwear''s Omnijore Joring System. Designed for any dog-pulling activity, Kev uses the Ruffwear Omnijore Joring System on a recent skijoring run

    Chili Recipe For Dogs

    It’s not football season (just yet), but there’s no reason why we can’t enjoy some chili. And did you know that our dogs can even get in on…

    7 Ways a Shelter Dog Can Improve Your Life

    If you want to experience the joys of owning a dog but aren''t sure that buying a puppy is the right choice for you, think about adopting a shelter dog.