Does Your Cat Have Feline Distemper?

Feline distemper, also known as feline panleukpenia, is a disease that, perhaps unsurprisingly, affects cats. Unfortunately, other animals, such as raccoons, mink and otters can also be susceptible and therefore these animals can transmit the virus to household cats. So, how do you know if your cat is suffering from feline distemper and how can it be cured?

The Symptoms

It can be difficult for an owner to recognize feline distemper, because the symptoms are similar to the symptoms of numerous other diseases. For example, a cat with feline distemper may experience diarrhea and vomiting. You may also notice a lack of interest in food and water, a poorly conditioned coat or lack of self-grooming, listlessness and a general disinterest in everything. Other signs to look out for are abdominal pains, which can cause a hunched posture, and problems with the third eyelid or haw.

Of course, symptoms will vary from one animal to the next, so if you are concerned for your cat's health, it is wise to seek the immediate assistance of a vet. Fortunately, a medical diagnosis of feline distemper is easily made, as a simple blood test to assess the presence of certain antibodies will confirm the disease.

The Treatment

Feline distemper, like canine distemper, cannot be cured per se. Instead, a veterinarian will prescribe medication to reduce the symptoms (known as supportive treatment), such as vomiting and diarrhea, which can cause dehydration and subsequent death. The cat will be kept in a warm, clean environment to prevent the contraction of secondary infection. If the animal is not eating or drinking, then an intravenous drip may be necessary. These supportive treatments will lesson the symptoms, so the cat's immune system has a chance to fight the virus.

How to Prevent Your Cat from Contracting Feline Distemper

Unfortunately, feline distemper is an incredibly robust virus that can survive for months or even years. However, unlike canine distemper, which is an airborne virus, feline distemper can only be transmitted by contact. In other words, it is contracted through sharing food, water and litter boxes. In addition, a pregnant cat can transmit the disease to her unborn kittens. More worryingly, a human can transmit feline distemper by touching a cat that is infected and passing it to one that is not. Additionally, cat's can pass it to each other by grooming one another and, of course, the spread of fleas from an infected cat to others will also transmit the disease.

Therefore, it is crucial to disinfect all areas that an infected animal may have been. It is advisable to use a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water when disinfecting surfaces. In addition, it is wise to ensure that no fleas, eggs or larvae have been left behind by an infected animal.

However, the good news is that feline distemper is preventable with a vaccine. Therefore, owners do not need to be concerned if their cat has received the vaccination. Because the virus can be transmitted by other animals, such as mink, otters and raccoons, not to mention other cats, it is imperative that your cat is vaccinated if he, or she, is free to roam outside. Nevertheless, even if your cat is kept indoors, it is wise to protect your pet from possible contact with the virus.

If you are concerned about your cat or want to learn more about the vaccination for feline distemper, visit your veterinarian.