Signs & Symptoms of Distemper in Cats

Feline panleukopenia, better known as distemper, used to be a leading cause of death in cats across the United States. Fortunately, it is now possible to vaccinate your feline against this extremely contagious and deadly disease. While the vaccinations are extremely successful, they are reliant on owners taking responsibility for their administration. Since each vaccine is only effective for an approximate period, it is essential that you follow your veterinarian’s guidelines regarding re-administering booster shots at the appropriate time. Even being just a few days late with providing the necessary prevention could leave your cat vulnerable to contracting the condition.
How is feline distemper spread?
Feline distemper is primarily spread through contact with an infected cat’s bodily fluids including saliva, urine, blood, nasal discharge and feces. However, it can also be passed between animals by fleas that have been feeding on a contaminated feline and by humans who do not observe robust hygiene standards when handling infected felines and equipment that they have been using. This is because the feline distemper virus can survive on surfaces for up to 12 months. It is also highly resistant to virtually all cleaning products except bleach.
What happens to cats that contract feline distemper?
The feline distemper virus attacks the host’s blood cells, particularly those in the intestinal tract and bone marrow. If your cat happens to be pregnant, the virus will also assault the stem cells of the unborn kittens, almost always triggering
Symptoms of feline distemper
Your cat will naturally try and hide that she is feeling unwell for as long as possible – an instinct that is deeply ingrained in her to prevent
- Anemia (only officially diagnosed using a blood test)
- Dehydration, most often accompanied by a high temperature
- Depression and disinterest
- Difficulty walking
- Discharge from the eyes
- Excessive sneezing
- Fever
- Hanging
- Hiding
- Lethargy
- Loss of balance
- Loss of coordination
- Low white blood cell count (only identified using a blood test)
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- Refusal to eat
- Resting her chin on the floor for long periods
- Rough coat
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- Sudden onset of diarrhea or bloody diarrhea
- Tucking her feet under her body for extended periods of time
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
If your beloved cat is presenting with any of the symptoms listed above, you should seek the urgent attention of your vet. It may not be that your pet has distemper at
If you would like to know more about feline distemper and the symptoms that the condition presents with, or if you would like to arrange an appointment for your cat to be seen by one of our experienced veterinarians, please don’t hesitate to call our Lake Mary, FL clinic.