Feline Distemper is a highly contagious disease and possibly fatal if not treated as soon as its first detection. Most cats have a strong immune system, which makes them resistant to several viruses and disease-causing bacteria. However, this doesn’t mean that they cannot acquire a severe illness. Feline Distemper, also called feline panleukopenia, mainly affects the bone marrow and decreases the count of white blood cells in the body. Unvaccinated cats are seriously susceptible to this disease, especially kittens that came from the shelter.
There are early cat distemper symptoms that you can watch out for, like loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. It has similar signs with other diseases, so it would be best to get them checked immediately for early intervention if you spot one.
To know more about the signs and symptoms of a possible infection, you can check out our Distemper in cats page.
As of today, there is no known medication to kill the virus yet. Sadly, not every infected feline can survive, but some ways can still help with the recovery process. You can also try to help your cat at home if they are suffering from this infection.
Shedding is the loss of hair, which usually happens in most animals, specifically cats. It is their body’s way of releasing toxins and chemicals from their system. All of the infected cats in the house and the shelter should be put into quarantine while showing symptoms to protect other felines.
The vomits, feces, and blood can contain the virus and be transferred to other animals. The cat will also shed the distemper virus before showing clinical signs, so there is enough time to transmit the infection before the diagnosis.
Feline Distemper can be treated at home. The treatments that you can do include medication, change in diet, and fluid therapy. Keep in mind that this infection is fatal, so it is essential to get a proper diagnosis and treatment from a reliable veterinary clinic. However, you should consult first before starting at-home therapies to ensure your cat’s safety and faster recovery.
Cats experiencing diarrhea and vomiting are prone to dehydration, so it is essential to sustain them with lots of water. If they cannot drink independently, you can use a syringe to put water in their mouth. You can also administer the fluids subcutaneously (in spaces under the skin). It can be given as often as needed, but be sure not to over-hydrate the cat.
Your trusted vet will give you instructions on what you can do, the amount you need, how frequently you have to do it, and the supplies necessary for the treatment.
Anti-nausea medications can help with the vomiting, and they will encourage the infected cat to eat normally. Although most medicines require a prescription, there are supplements and digestive enzymes you can purchase to help your feline’s stomach issues. Aspirin-related ingredients are toxic to cats, so refrain from using Pepto-Bismol and other related products.
With feline Distemper, secondary infections and conditions may arise. These infections can be treated immediately with antibiotics, especially the eyes and nasal discharge, and pneumonia. You can get one from your Vet’s prescription and continue administering it to your cat at home. It comes with a specific dosage, and you must keep using it until all the pills are finished.
If the infected cat has a severe upset stomach, you can try to give them bland wet food to relieve the tension in the digestive system. Wet foods have higher contents of water so that it will help with dehydration and easier processing.
If you choose to get your cat treated at a veterinary clinic for Distemper, they can use many available treatments to address the infection. This disease has several symptoms and secondary conditions, so it is essential to give each one attention.
Feline Distemper can cause dehydration, which is a severe case for most cats. It is essential to sustain their body with enough fluids, and IV is one way to administer the supply of water and electrolytes on their system.
Usually, the cat will receive a mild sedative and shave the area to inject the IV. A catheter will then be inserted using a needle, which will be attached to a drip and a bed of fluid to keep them stable.
Vitamin B12 has many benefits to every cat’s immune system, digestive tract, and nervous system. A healthy feline usually gets this vitamin from the food they eat, but its supply might not be enough for those suffering from Distemper due to loss of appetite. Vets use B-vitamin injections to stimulate a cat’s appetite and help them eat again.
Cobalamin, the vitamin B12 shot, can sustain the nutrient deficiency and is injected into the pocket between the skin and muscle.
Maropitant and metoclopramide are some of the anti-nausea medications that can ease the vomiting symptom. It can also fight other infections from damaging the body.
People often say that prevention is always better than cure, and it applies accurately with Feline Distemper. There is no possible way yet to kill the virus, so vaccination is the best action to create a stronger immunity against this infection. If you are only planning to adopt, check your prospective shelter and ensure that the environment is safe, clean, and well-maintained. You can also get your cat vaccinated at the nearest veterinary clinic.
The Feline or Cat Distemper vaccine is a proven safe and effective tool when it comes to the prevention of infection and spreading of the said disease. It is done by introducing small amounts of the virus into the cat’s body. The antibodies will then identify the infection and react quickly if the cat somehow contracts the virus again in the future.
In most cases, the Feline Distemper vaccine is administered to 6-month old kittens, and the boosters are given every 2 to 3 weeks until they reach the age of 16 weeks old. The vaccine will then again be given at regular intervals throughout their adult life.
Pregnant cats should also get the vaccine because it will give stronger protection to the kittens through maternal antibodies. The benefits of vaccination are more significant than the risks, but you should consult a vet first to ensure that your cat can receive it without complications.
Every case is different. Although the vaccine is primarily safe, there are still some reactions your cat might get from it.
Mild reactions include:
Some cats might get an allergic reaction and develop fever, swelling, and hives. On the other hand, severe reactions include:
If the side effects last for more than two days, it would be best to contact your trusted veterinarian immediately and address the situation.
To clean your indoors, you should start by rinsing the surfaces and floors using water and a clean cloth or mop. This is important before some disinfectants get deactivated if they contact soap, detergents, and other organic matter.
Create a diluted bleach solution by mixing 1 part of bleach with 32 parts of water. It would help if you use this mixture to clean the items you plan on throwing out because it can still act as a carrier to spread the virus outside.
Let the bleach solution sit for at least 10 minutes before rinsing it with water and drying. Keep your cats away from the surface until it is completely dry, as bleach is harmful to animals. Clean the litter pans, water and food bowls, scratchers, and toys regularly to keep them clean.
If you have a carpet, you should clean it with the mixture and a carpet steamer. Throw the remaining bleach solution down the toilet for proper disposal.
Panleukopenia can survive on surfaces without a host for more than a year, especially in moist and dark areas. If you always let your cat play outside, disinfection around your home will be a great idea. Some disinfectants cannot kill the virus, but studies show that bleach can kill the pathogen of the virus.
Spray the areas around your house with the bleach mixture.
There is a higher risk of virus transmission in shelters because the animals are closer to each other. Body fluids are a strong carrier of the infection, and they can be passed quickly from one cat to another through contact and ingestion.
It is necessary to clean animal shelters regularly with the use of a bleach mixture. You should wash the beddings, blankets, towels with hot water now and then. If an object is believed to be contaminated, it would be best to throw that away due to the virus’ resilience.
Regular washing of hands is proven to prevent various diseases and the spread of many viruses. You should wear gloves when handling stool, vomit, or other animals that may have the infection.
Fabrics can also carry the virus and transfer it to other surfaces and animals. If you come in contact with an infected cat, change your clothes before touching other animals or place them in the washer right away. Separate it from other laundries while washing to avoid contamination. You can also wash them with hot water and a good detergent with bleach.
In the worst cases, you should throw away the soiled clothes immediately.
Shelters are often overcrowded with animals, and some even have several cats in one kennel. This increases the risk of harboring the disease. These places need to get cleaned and disinfected often.
You should get your cat vaccinated against Feline Distemper, especially if they are always in contact with other animals.
Unfortunately, there is no cure yet for Feline Distemper. If they are showing early signs of the infection, you should bring them to the nearest clinic as soon as possible and get them checked. The Vet will give you antibiotics, vitamins, and other essential medications to help with the recovery.
Based on recent studies, Feline Distemper is not contagious to humans, unlike other viruses such as rabies.
The most common side effects of the Feline Distemper vaccine are the following:
Feline Distemper (panleukopenia) is one of the most contagious and fatal viruses in cats. Kittens have weaker immune systems, so they are more prone to get the infection. Affected cats need to get treated as soon as possible to prevent serious consequences.
Vets highly recommend getting every cat vaccinated by the Feline Distemper vaccine. This would help the antibodies fight the virus if your cat contracted them from the environment and other cats.
Adult cats must get the vaccine shot every three years of their life.
To prevent Feline Distemper, the vaccine is the best way to go with it. Make sure to maintain the cleanliness of your home and wash their things regularly. You can also ask your Vet for the other things you can do.
Canine Distemper is a severe viral disease that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous system in dogs.
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