Symptoms of Cat Distemper Diarrhea: What to Look Out Fo

Section 1: Specific Symptoms of Cat Distemper Diarrhea

When a cat contracts the feline distemper virus, the intestinal epithelial cells are attacked by the virus, leading to massive necrosis and shedding, which results in diarrhea. The diarrhea caused by feline distemper typically presents with three distinct stages: the early, late, and postrecovery stages.

But think again if you believe that feline distemper is just a simple case of diarrhea! This virus can be lifethreatening to cats, and its impact is farreaching. In addition to diarrhea, cats with feline distemper may exhibit the following symptoms:

1. Early Symptoms of Feline Distemper Diarrhea

During the early stages of feline distemper, cats may excrete sticky, dark brown feces. The symptoms at this point are often subtle, with some cats experiencing mild vomiting, loss of appetite, and a lack of energy. Pet owners can use their knowledge of the early symptoms of feline distemper to make an initial diagnosis and provide pretreatment for their cats, preventing the disease from progressing to a more severe stage.

2. Late Symptoms of Feline Distemper Diarrhea

As the feline distemper virus reaches its peak in the cat's body, the condition rapidly worsens. The diarrhea becomes more severe, with the cat potentially passing watery or bloody stools. This stage is accompanied by a range of complications that affect the cat's overall health, such as fever, loss of appetite, depression, persistent vomiting, and sticky discharge from the eyes and nose.

3. PostRecovery Symptoms of Feline Distemper Diarrhea

It's a testament to the courage and resilience of cats that have survived feline distemper. The battle against the virus is a painful and protracted one. After recovery, cats are often left weak, and their intestines may not have fully recovered, leading to continued diarrhea. At this time, pet owners should feed their cats a mild, nutritious diet and continue to administer probiotics to help restore gut health and promote healing.

It's typically young cats, those who haven't been vaccinated or haven't completed their vaccination series, who are most susceptible to feline distemper. Since young cats can't be vaccinated until around four months of age, Oxygen Pet Doctor advises pet owners to keep young cats away from other cats. For firsttime cat owners, adopting an older cat is recommended, as older cats are less likely to contract infectious diseases.