What Is Feline Distemper?
The formal medical name for feline distemper is feline panleukopenia. This is a disease caused by a member of the parvovirus family.
This is a nasty, highly contagious and potentially fatal disease, but thankfully it is now quite rare due to vaccinations.
The virus destroys cells in the bone marrow, intestines and skin and can lead to a suppressed immune system and secondary infections.
What Are The Symptoms?
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
- Depression
- Dull, rough coat
- Collapse
How Does Distemper Spread?
Infected cats shed the virus in their urine, stools and nasal secretions. The virus can survive in the environment for up to a year and can be spread through human contact with infected surfaces even to indoor, isolated cats.
How Can It Be Prevented?
Panleukopenia can be prevented with the core feline vaccine. In the rare event the virus slips past the protection offered by the vaccine, it greatly reduces the severity of the disease.
Kittens require two injections between 8-12 weeks of age and a single annual booster thereafter to protect them into adulthood.
As ever, if you have any concerns about your cats or kittens, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01435 864422.
Or please book an appointment online, for vaccinations.
