What is Feline Distemper (Panleukopenia) – Causes & Prevention

Feline distemper, also known as feline panleukopenia (FPV), is a highly contagious and severe viral disease primarily affecting young kittens and unvaccinated older cats. Caused by the feline parvovirus, it targets cells that divide rapidly, particularly those in a cat's digestive tract and bone marrow, leading to symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting, depression, dehydration, and in severe cases, death.

What Causes Feline Panleukopenia?

The disease is caused by the feline parvovirus, a hardy virus similar but distinct from the one causing canine parvovirus. It can infect domestic and feral cats, as well as other carnivores like ferrets and mink, which may serve as reservoirs. The virus is primarily shed in the faeces of infected animals and is extremely resilient, surviving for months or even years in the environment.

Cats become infected through direct contact with infected faeces, saliva, or contaminated items such as food dishes, bedding, or even shoes and clothing. Pregnant cats may transmit the virus to their unborn kittens or infect newborns through grooming.

Symptoms May Not Always Be Evident

A critical challenge in managing feline distemper is that infected cats may not display clear clinical symptoms, especially early in the disease. When symptoms do occur, they typically arise within two to ten days post-exposure and resemble those seen in dogs with parvovirus infection.

Thankfully, advances in vaccination have made feline distemper relatively rare in vaccinated populations. Nevertheless, kittens and adult cats without vaccination remain at risk, especially in crowded or unclean conditions.

Symptoms to Watch For

When symptoms occur, cat owners should be vigilant for signs including:

• Depression and lethargy
• Weakness and loss of appetite
• High fever
• Vomiting and diarrhoea, sometimes bloody
• Severe dehydration
• Abdominal pain and vocalisation indicative of discomfort
• Neurological signs such as lack of coordination, tremours, or ataxia
• Pregnancy loss or fading kitten syndrome in newborns
• Sudden death, sometimes mistaken for poisoning

The virus affects not only the gastrointestinal tract but also blood, lymphatic, nervous, reproductive, and eye tissues. Secondary bacterial infections due to immune suppression frequently contribute to fatal outcomes.

At-Risk Cats

Kittens without maternal or active vaccination are most vulnerable, including those born to unvaccinated mothers. Cats living in dirty or crowded environments have a heightened risk of exposure and disease severity.

Effective Prevention with Vaccines

Vaccination remains the cornerstone of prevention. Modified live and inactivated vaccines are used widely, with the modified live vaccines providing faster immune protection. However, they are contraindicated in pregnant queens and very young kittens under six weeks due to potential side effects.

Kittens should receive vaccinations starting at eight weeks, followed by boosters at 12 and 16 weeks. Adult cats require periodic boosters, generally every three years, though veterinarians may advise differently based on risk.

Environmental control is vital since the virus survives in soil, tiles, carpets, and furniture for years. Bleach diluted at 1:32 in water is effective for disinfection.

Tips for Responsible Cat Owners

Feline distemper is completely preventable with diligent vaccination and hygiene. Keep a clear vaccination schedule and ensure new pets, whether adopted or purchased, have up-to-date vaccinations. This vigilance protects your cat and the wider feline community from this dangerous disease.

What is Feline Distemper?

Quick Answer: Feline distemper, or panleukopenia, is a contagious viral illness caused by the feline parvovirus, affecting rapidly dividing cells and leading to serious illness in cats.

This disease results in immune system compromise and severe gastrointestinal symptoms. It spreads through contact with infected bodily excretions and environmental contamination, persisting in the environment for long periods without proper sanitation. Prompt diagnosis includes clinical signs assessment and laboratory tests like PCR. Vaccination has dramatically reduced its incidence in vaccinated populations, but unvaccinated cats remain susceptible.