Cat Distemper: Is It Caused by Feline Parvovirus?

Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated cats are more susceptible to feline distemper, with the highest incidence among kittens aged 3 to 5 months. If a queen cat becomes infected during pregnancy, it can lead to stillbirths, abortions, and neonatal kittens exhibiting neurological symptoms. The virus is transmitted through contact with infected urine and feces, or via bloodsucking insects and fleas. It belongs to the Parvoviridae family and the Parvovirus genus. The virus can survive in the kidneys for over a year within the body, and it can persist in the environment for a considerable time. However, it can be inactivated by formaldehyde, sodium hypochlorite (common household disinfectant), or glutaraldehyde.

Feline Distemper: Four Key Symptoms

1. Fever

When a cat's activity level drops, appearing relaxed yet with a very high body temperature, often exceeding 4041°C when measured with a thermometer, it may indicate feline distemper. This could be due to a cold, fever, or heatstroke. In any case, it's crucial to take your cat to the vet immediately for a checkup.

2. Lethargy

After infection with the feline distemper virus, a cat's resistance can determine whether the disease develops. If the cat's resistance is low, it might only show signs of a decreased appetite or a lack of energy, even ignoring its favorite treats or food.

3. Vomiting

Frequent vomiting, not just after eating, and the vomit not being food or hairballs but often yellow bile, can be a sign of feline distemper.

4. Diarrhea

Persistent diarrhea, even when the stomach is empty, can lead to watery, smelly stools with blood. If not addressed promptly, this can lead to dehydration and potentially death.

Feline distemper is a highly contagious disease that affects cats, with a mortality rate of up to 5075%. Young kittens, with lower resistance, are more prone to the disease, and the younger the kitten, the higher the mortality rate. If your cat shows any of these symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately and disinfect items your cat has come into contact with to prevent the spread to other healthy cats.

What is Feline Panleukopenia?

1. Symptoms of Feline Panleukopenia

Generally, a cat's nose is moist and cool. In cats with feline panleukopenia, the nose becomes dry and hot. The normal cat temperature is around 3839.5°C, but during the initial stages of infection, it can rise to 40°C, then drop to normal within 12 days, and rise again after 34 days. The cat may initially appear listless and anorexic, with occasional fever, soft stools, or mild vomiting, which later progresses to frequent vomiting and severe diarrhea. Symptoms can worsen rapidly, and the entire course of the disease typically lasts no more than a week, leading to rapid dehydration, weight loss, sunken eyes, matted fur, and lack of skin elasticity.

2. Is Feline Panleukopenia Contagious?

Young kittens are more prone to feline panleukopenia. Contact with infected cats or those with canine parvovirus can lead to infection. The risk of infection is also higher for cats that have not been vaccinated. Cats with panleukopenia require immediate isolation and treatment.

How to Treat Feline Distemper

Treatment for feline distemper usually involves administering immunoglobulins and interferon. Cats with frequent vomiting may also need injections of gentamicin and B6, along with a period of fasting and water restriction. Cats with bleeding symptoms may require additional injections of blood coagulants. It is advisable to take infected cats to a vet for treatment, as there is a systematic and scientific approach to treating feline distemper, and owners should not attempt to treat their pets at home.

How to Treat Feline Panleukopenia

Feline panleukopenia, also known as feline distemper or feline infectious enteritis, is treated with interferon combined with hyperimmune serum, along with symptomatic treatment. This approach has significantly reduced mortality rates but can be expensive.