Feline distemper or Panleukopenia, is an infectious disease that affecting cats, ferrets, and some forms of wildlife, including endangered big cats. It is not transmissible to dogs.

It is called feline distemper because the symptoms mimic those of canine distemper. The diseases are completely different however, caused by a different virus.

Other names for feline distemper are: Feline infectious enteritis, cat plague, feline ataxia.

The effects of the disease are severe and it is highly infectious. The mortality rate being 25-70%

Cats most susceptible to the disease are kittens. Kittens may even contract the disease from their mother before birth. Older cats are not at high risk for distemper since they tend to develop immunity over time. When an older cat contracts the disease it will usually be in a milder, non lethal form.

Symptoms of Distemper.

Symptoms typically become apparent within 10 days of infection.

Loss of appetite and a high fever are usually the first symptoms to appear.

Dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea is common. Kittens especially, being very affected by dehydration need urgent medical care. Depression, listlessness, dull coat, lack of elasticity of the skin, bloody and watery diarrhea.

These symptoms appear so suddenly, some owners think their pet has been poisoned. Three to four days later they will start vomiting and can become severely dehydrated. Severely dehydrated cats may hang their heads over the water bowl, but not drink.

This disease can kill very rapidly and is very common. Any cat with the above mentioned symptoms should be seen by a vet immediately.

A diagnosis is made by the presenting symptoms, and by ruling out other illnesses along with history of vaccinations and possible exposure.

While there is no specific cure for distemper, supportive treatments of intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and nutritious diet can help save the cat or kitten. Time is of the essence, the sooner the cat is seen by a vet, the more likely the cat is to recover.

The feline Panleukopenia virus, is easily spread by contact with a diseased animal or its secretions. Cats can be infected by litter boxes, food bowls and even toys and clothes. Therefore, introducing an unvaccinated cat to a surroundings previously inhabited by a sick cat, puts her at great risk

This is a hardy virus that can lurk in carpets and upholstery for years.