Cat Distemper

Cat distemper is a completely different disease from canine distemper — dogs and people cannot catch feline distemper. Its medical name is feline panleukopenia (FP); also called infectious enteritis, cat fever, and cat typhoid.

Like dog distemper, it is very contagious and can survive on surfaces, furniture, and clothing for a long time. Annual vaccination is essential. The vaccination against cat distemper is included in the 4-in-1 vaccination your cat needs each year.

Common symptoms include excessive thirst, high fever, vomiting, depression, lethargy, loss of appetite, and dehydration. Symptoms vary widely — if a cat or kitten becomes sick, call a vet immediately.

The disease usually lasts 3–4 days after the first high fever develops. The cat’s temperature will fluctuate, and may drop suddenly below normal right before death.

If a cat survives, it usually becomes immune. Kittens born to an immune mother are also immune, but only up to about 12 weeks of age.

Prevention is far better than treatment. Kittens should get their first shot between 6–12 weeks of age, repeated two weeks later, then annually. The vaccine must be given before any exposure to distemper.

Treatment may involve IV fluids, antibiotics, and Vitamin B injections.