Early Symptoms of Feline Distemper: What to Watch For

The Early Symptoms of Feline Distemper

When a cat contracts feline distemper, the initial symptoms may include a lack of energy, loss of appetite, and vomiting. If you notice these signs in your pet, it's crucial to seek veterinary care promptly.

Feline distemper, also known as panleukopenia or feline infectious enteritis, is an acute, highly contagious disease. Affected cats typically exhibit sudden high fevers, persistent vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, disordered circulation, and a dramatic decrease in white blood cells.

The incubation period for feline distemper ranges from 2 to 9 days, and the symptoms can vary depending on the cat's age and the virulence of the virus. Young kittens often suffer from acute illness, with temperatures soaring above 40°C and vomiting. Some cats may die suddenly without showing any symptoms, while others might exhibit symptoms of spinal ataxia.

Cats over six months of age tend to present with subacute clinical signs. They may initially have a fever of around 40°C, which then drops back to normal within 12 days, only to rise again 34 days later, creating a biphasic fever pattern.

Cats with feline distemper may display confusion, decreased appetite, persistent vomiting (often with a yellowgreen color), sticky discharge from the mouth, eyes, and nose, mucous in the feces, and diarrhea. These are latestage symptoms that can be lifethreatening.

Transmission Routes of Feline Distemper

Cats that are not fully vaccinated or those who have not been vaccinated are more susceptible to feline distemper, particularly kittens aged 3 to 5 months. If a pregnant cat becomes infected, it can lead to fetal death, abortion, and neonatal neurological symptoms in the kittens.

The disease is transmitted through the urine and feces of infected cats, as well as by insects and parasites. The causative agent is a parvovirus from the family Parvoviridae. Once inside the body, the virus can survive in the kidneys for over a year. The virus can persist in the environment for a considerable time but can be inactivated with household disinfectants like sodium hypochlorite or glutaraldehyde.

Feline distemper is highly contagious, and infected cats should be isolated and treated accordingly.