Kittens affected by feline distemper, also known as Feline Panleukopenia, can become severely ill, leading to a condition known as “fading kitten syndrome“. Symptoms typically manifest two to seven days after exposure to the virus, with a rapid onset. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for feline distemper, and the disease has a high mortality rate without treatment.
However, prompt medical intervention increases the chances of a full recovery. Treatment may involve quarantine from other animals, thorough cleaning, and disinfection of the surroundings. The duration of illness is usually 5 to 7 days, and affected cats may exhibit symptoms such as diarrhea, lethargy, dehydration, and vomiting.
Understanding Feline Distemper (Panleukopenia)
Feline distemper, also known as panleukopenia, is a highly contagious and potentially fatal viral disease that affects cats of all ages, but especially kittens and young cats. It is caused by a parvovirus that attacks the bone marrow, lymph nodes, and intestines of the cat, causing a severe drop in white blood cells, dehydration, diarrhea, vomiting, and anemia.
Causes and Transmission
Feline distemper is spread through direct contact with infected cats or their bodily fluids, such as saliva, urine, feces, or blood. It can also be transmitted indirectly through contaminated objects, such as food bowls, litter boxes, bedding, toys, or clothing. The virus can survive in the environment for up to a year and is resistant to most disinfectants. Therefore, it is very important to isolate infected cats and sanitize their surroundings.
Symptoms to Watch Out For
The incubation period of feline distemper is usually between 2 to 10 days, but it can be longer in some cases. The symptoms may vary depending on the stage and severity of the infection, but they typically include:
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Depression
- Dehydration
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
- Abdominal pain
- Low body temperature
- Pale gums
- Eye discharge
- Seizures
- Coma
- Death
Treatment and Management of Feline Distemper
There is no specific cure for feline distemper, as the virus cannot be killed by antibiotics or antivirals. The treatment is mainly supportive and symptomatic, aiming to keep the cat hydrated, nourished, and comfortable, and to prevent secondary infections and complications.
Early Intervention is Crucial
The sooner the cat is diagnosed and treated, the better the chances of survival. If you notice any signs of distemper in your cat, take it to the vet immediately. The vet will perform a physical examination, a blood test, and possibly a fecal test to confirm the diagnosis. The cat will then be hospitalized and given intravenous fluids, electrolytes, blood transfusions, anti-nausea medications, antibiotics, and painkillers. The cat will also be kept warm, clean, and isolated from other cats.
Lifelong Immunity Can Develop with Proper Treatment
If the cat survives the acute phase of the infection, which usually lasts for a week, it will gradually recover and regain its appetite and energy. The cat will also develop antibodies that will protect it from future infections by the same strain of the virus. However, the cat may still shed the virus for up to six weeks after recovery, so it should be kept away from other cats until it is completely clear of the virus.
Prognosis and Survival Rate
The prognosis and survival rate of feline distemper depend on several factors, such as:
- The age of the cat: Kittens under 8 weeks of age have a very low chance of survival, as their immune system is not fully developed and they are more prone to dehydration and complications. Older cats have a better chance of survival, as they have a stronger immune system and may have some immunity from previous exposure or vaccination.
- The health of the cat: Cats that are healthy, well-nourished, and vaccinated have a higher chance of survival than cats that are malnourished, stressed, or have other underlying conditions, such as feline leukemia, feline immunodeficiency virus, or feline infectious peritonitis.
- The severity of the infection: Cats that have a mild or moderate infection have a higher chance of survival than cats that have a severe or fulminant infection, which can cause sudden death or irreversible organ damage.
- The quality of the treatment: Cats that receive prompt and adequate treatment have a higher chance of survival than cats that receive delayed or insufficient treatment, which can lead to dehydration, shock, sepsis, or intestinal perforation.
The survival rate of feline distemper ranges from 50% to 90%, depending on the above factors. Some studies have reported survival rates of 60% to 70% in shelter cats, 80% to 85% in pet cats, and 90% in vaccinated cats.
Prevention and Tips for Protecting Your Cat
The best way to prevent feline distemper is to vaccinate your cat against the virus. Vaccination is safe, effective, and widely available, and it can protect your cat from the most common strains of the virus. However, vaccination is not 100% foolproof, and it may not protect your cat from new or rare strains of the virus. Therefore, you should also take other measures to reduce the risk of exposure and infection, such as:
- Spaying or neutering your cat prevents unwanted pregnancies and reduces roaming and fighting behaviors, which can increase the chance of contact with infected cats.
- Keeping your cat indoors or in a secure enclosure to prevent contact with stray or wild cats, which may carry the virus.
- Avoiding bringing new cats into your home without testing them for the virus and quarantining them for at least two weeks, to prevent introducing the virus to your existing cats.
- Cleaning and disinfecting your cat’s environment regularly, especially if you have multiple cats or if your cat has been exposed to the virus. Use bleach or other products that are effective against parvoviruses, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
- Washing your hands and changing your clothes before and after handling your cat or its belongings, to prevent spreading the virus to other cats or yourself.
- Seeking veterinary attention as soon as you notice any signs of illness in your cat, to ensure early diagnosis and treatment, and to prevent the spread of the virus to other cats.
Tips for First-time Cat Owners
If you are a first-time cat owner, you should do some research and preparation before adopting a cat, to ensure that you can provide a safe and healthy environment for your new furry friend. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Choose a cat that suits your lifestyle, personality, and budget. Consider factors such as the age, breed, size, temperament, and health of the cat, and how much time, space, and money you can devote to its care.
- Adopt a cat from a reputable source, such as a shelter, a rescue group, or a breeder. Avoid buying a cat from a pet store, a backyard breeder, or an online seller, as they may not provide proper care or documentation for the cat, and may sell you a sick or unvaccinated cat.
- Take your cat to the vet for a check-up, vaccination, deworming, microchipping, and spaying/neutering, as soon as possible after adoption. Follow the vet’s recommendations for the cat’s health and wellness, and schedule regular visits for preventive care and routine tests.
- Provide your cat with a comfortable and stimulating environment, with adequate food, water, litter, toys, scratching posts, beds, and hiding places. Keep your cat indoors or in a secure enclosure, and supervise it when it is outside. Provide your cat with a collar and an ID tag, and keep its microchip information updated, in case it gets lost or stolen.
- Socialize your cat with other cats, people, and animals, gradually and positively, to help it develop a friendly and confident personality. Avoid exposing your cat to stressful or dangerous situations, such as loud noises, unfamiliar people, or aggressive animals, which can cause fear or aggression in your cat.
- Train your cat to follow basic commands, such as “come”, “sit”, “stay”, and “no”, using positive reinforcement, such as treats, praise, and play. Avoid using punishment, such as yelling, hitting, or spraying, which can damage your cat’s trust and relationship with you, and may cause behavioral problems in your cat.
- Groom your cat regularly, to keep its coat clean and healthy, and to prevent matting, shedding, and hairballs. Brush your cat’s teeth, trim its nails, and clean its ears and eyes, as needed, to prevent dental, claw, and eye problems. Consult your vet if you notice any signs of skin, ear, or eye infections, such as redness, swelling, itching, or discharge.
- Monitor your cat’s behavior and health, and report any changes or concerns to your vet. Look out for signs of illness, such as loss of appetite, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, fever, coughing, sneezing, or difficulty breathing. Seek emergency care if your cat shows signs of severe distress, such as seizures, collapse, or bleeding.
Pet-safe Houseplants
If you have houseplants in your home, you should make sure that they are safe for your cat, as some plants can be toxic or irritating to cats, and may cause gastrointestinal, respiratory, or skin problems, or even death, if ingested or touched by your cat. Here are some examples of pet-safe house plants that you can grow in your home without harming your cat, according to the ASPCA:
- African violet
- Air plant
- Bamboo
- Basil
- Calathea
- Christmas cactus
- Echeveria
- Hens and chicks
- Orchid
- Peperomia
- Spider plant
- Zinnia
However, even if a plant is not toxic to cats, it may still cause some irritation or discomfort if your cat chews on it or rubs against it. Therefore, you should always monitor your cat’s interaction with your plants, and keep them out of reach if possible. You can also provide your cat with some cat-friendly plants, such as catnip, cat grass, or catmint, to satisfy its natural curiosity and need for greens.
