Feline Distemper (panleukopenia) FAQ

Protect your feline friend - vaccinate.

What is panleukopenia?
Panleukopenia is a very common feline virus also known as Feline Distemper (FP), feline infectious enteritis, cat fever and cat typhoid. It can be highly fatal in young kittens and cats with compromised immune systems. It is very similar to the parvovirus disease in dogs, but is caused by a totally different virus.

The virus invades rapidly growing cells. (Digestive system, bone marrow, lymph tissues, and developing nervous systems.) It's a very rapid virus which can kill kittens in a manner of days. Because FP attacks the bone marrow, infected cats usually become anemic and are more likely to get secondary infections due to a compromised immune system. People cannot contract the virus as it does not infect people. (Or dogs.)

How widespread is Feline Distemper?
Panleukopenia is extremely widespread. It is anywhere and everywhere. Because the virus is highly stable at room temperature, it can last on surfaces and within environments for years. Most cleaning agents do not kill the virus, nor does freezing. Contact with bleach for no less than ten minutes will deactivate the virus. Due to its stable nature, it's said to be "universal." In fact, almost every cat will be exposed to the virus by the age of one year old.

What are the symptoms of panleukopenia?
The symptoms of Feline Distemper include fever, vomiting, lethargy, seizures, depression, & lack of appetite. The lack of appetite usually comes first, followed by fever, vomiting and dehydration. Some cats will only show mild depression or lethargy. Cats are very good at hiding diseases and by the time the cat shows the easier-to-spot symptoms of the disease, he may already be severely ill.

How is panleukopenia transmitted?
The virus is shed through body fluids – urine, saliva, nasal discharge, and feces. It can also be transmitted through fleas, environmental/object contact, litter boxes, shared feeding bowls, etc. Again, due to the stable nature of the virus, prevention is the best way cat owners can deal with this virus. Also, infected cats should be kept isolated. Because FP can live on surfaces for years, if possible, unvaccinated cats should not be allowed in an environment where panleukopenia was previously active.

Who is most susceptible to it?
It is most seen in young kittens between 3-5 months old, but cats of any age can become infected. 75% of cats younger than 16 weeks will die from the disease if infected. Pet shops, kennels, shelters, unvaccinated feral cat colonies are often sources of outbreaks, though it turns up all over the country. Urban areas too often see higher levels due to the fact that stray cats often come in contact with one another. Remember, it's probable that indoor cats will come into contact with it eventually. Again, by the age of one, almost all cats will have contact with the virus

How is Feline Distemper treated?
There is no “cure” for panleukopenia. It is treated by supporting the infected cat through subcutaneous fluid administration to combat the dehydration & antibiotics to prevent secondary infection. Still, even with treatment upwards of 75% of cats will succumb to the virus. Some cats simply “lose the will to live” so holding, petting and hand feeding can help with some of the emotional stress placed on cats fighting the virus and will promote healing.

How is the spread prevented?
The good news is that cats and kittens are vaccinated for Feline Distemper. (Cats who survive will an infection have a lifetime immunity from it.) Talk to your vet about the vaccine and be sure that you cats are kept up to date. (It usually comes in a series of shots given to young cats.) The vaccine causes the cat to build up antibodies so if in the future the cat is exposed to the virus, the immune system has weapons to fight it.

Cats that have been in contact with infected cats need to be closely monitored for symptoms and taken immediately to the vet if symptoms arise. Even though killing the virus is near impossible on all exposed surfaces, disinfect everything that is possible to disinfect with a bleach solution.

Remember, vaccines will prevent transmission, but a vaccine will not “cure” an unvaccinated cat once it is infected. Be proactive about this virus rather than reactive. You can also talk to your vet about a titer test if you are worried about over-vaccination which has become a new topic of discussion in the vet world as of late. Remember – yearly check-ups are crucial for your cat's well-being. If you go the titer test route, make sure to have your cat tested yearly for immunities for Feline Distemper and other viruses effecting your feline friend. Prevention is the key to a long-lasting, healthy feline!

Have you dealt witih Feline Distemper? Please share your story with the community via comments below.