Feline distemper is a highly contagious viral disease of cats, caused by the feline panleukopenia virus (FPV). The virus attacks the intestines and bone marrow, among other things, and the disease can progress rapidly. Kittens are most severely affected, but unvaccinated adult cats can also become seriously ill.
Do you suspect feline distemper? Call 33 13 98 40 before you come. If a highly contagious disease is suspected, we plan the reception so that the cat is not taken through the usual waiting room. Kittens with vomiting, diarrhea and rapid deterioration should be evaluated on the same day. Read more about emergency care at A-VetOutside opening hours: contact the veterinary on duty.
What is feline distemper?
Feline distemper is caused by feline panleukopenia virus, a parvovirus. The name panleukopenia refers to the fact that the virus greatly reduces the number of white blood cells, making the cat more susceptible to bacterial infections.
The virus attacks rapidly dividing cells – particularly in the intestinal mucosa and bone marrow. This explains both the severe gastrointestinal symptoms and the fact that the cat's general condition is so affected.
The disease occurs in Norway. It is most common in environments with low vaccination coverage and among unvaccinated cats.
How is feline distemper transmitted?
Feline distemper is transmitted through contact with the virus from infected animals and their feces or other bodily fluids, and indirectly via contaminated objects and the environment. The virus is absorbed through the mouth and nose.
The virus is very resistant and can survive in the environment for up to a year under favorable conditions. It can also be transported on clothing, shoes, footwear and equipment. This is one of the reasons why even pure indoor cats should be core vaccinated – the cat does not need to meet another cat to become infected.
The incubation period is usually around two to ten days from infection to symptoms.
Symptoms of cat distemper in cats
- pronounced lethargy
- decreased or lack of appetite
- fever
- vomiting
- diarrhea, which may be bloody
- stomach ache
- dehydration
- weakness or collapse due to serious illness
Kittens are particularly frequently and severely affected, but unvaccinated or inadequately protected adult cats can also develop severe disease. The course can become acute within a short time, and some kittens die soon after the first symptoms appear.
Infection during pregnancy can result in fetal death, miscarriage or stillbirth. Infection late in pregnancy or shortly after birth can cause cerebellar hypoplasia – kittens who survive, but who suffer lasting tremors and coordination difficulties.
When should a veterinarian be contacted?
Contact your vet immediately if your kitten is vomiting and has diarrhea, if there is bloody diarrhea, or if your cat becomes noticeably lethargic and stops eating and drinking. The fluid loss alone can be life-threatening.
Call the clinic before you arrive. If a highly contagious disease is suspected, we plan the reception so that the cat is not taken through the usual waiting room. Read more about how we work with infection control.
How is feline distemper diagnosed?
The diagnosis is made based on medical history, symptoms and laboratory tests. A rapid test can detect parvovirus antigen in stool, among other things, but a negative test does not rule out feline distemperViral shedding can be variable, and the sensitivity of the test is limited.
Recent vaccinations may temporarily affect the test results, so please tell us when your cat was last vaccinated.
Blood tests are used to assess, among other things, the number of white blood cells, fluid balance and how seriously the cat is affected. A sharp drop in white blood cells strengthens the suspicion. If the suspicion remains strong, repeated or supplementary testing may be necessary.
How is feline distemper treated?
There is no treatment that will eliminate the virus. Treatment is intensive supportive care that keeps the cat alive while the immune system takes over:
- Fluid treatment – usually intravenously, with correction of salts and blood sugar
- Antiemetic – to stop vomiting and make it possible for the cat to get nutrition
- Early nutrition – the cat should be fed as soon as possible, if necessary via tube. Prolonged fasting is no longer recommended
- Antibiotics – not against the virus, but because damaged intestinal mucosa and low white blood cells create a high risk of intestinal bacteria entering the blood
- Blood or plasma transfusion – in selected serious cases
Cats that survive the infection usually develop a very long-lasting, probably lifelong, immunity.
Prevention of feline distemper
A sick cat should be kept separate from other cats. Do not let it meet visiting cats, and do not let it go outside.
FPV is resistant to many common cleaning agents. Visible dirt and organic material must be removed before disinfection, and a product with documented efficacy against parvovirus must be used according to the manufacturer's instructions. Sodium hypochlorite is one example of an active ingredient that can inactivate the virus.
A home where a cat has had feline distemper may still contain infectious virus long afterwards. Before introducing an unvaccinated kitten into the environment, a veterinarian should be consulted regarding vaccination status and sanitation.
If you have multiple cats in your household, they should be evaluated by a veterinarian even if they are not showing symptoms.
Can the vaccine protect against cat plague?
Vaccination provides very good protection against feline distemper and significantly reduces the risk of serious disease. The vaccine is part of the core vaccination program for cats, and is recommended for all cats – even pure indoor cats.
Kittens are vaccinated several times because maternal antibodies can affect the effectiveness of the first doses. At A-Vet we follow a basic program with vaccinations throughout the kitten period and the first booster around six months of age. Further intervals are adjusted to the cat's risk of infection.
See the full program on the page about vaccination of cats.
Can feline distemper infect humans or dogs?
Feline plague is not contagious to humans.
The feline distemper virus does not cause disease in dogs. There are closely related parvoviruses in dogs, but this is not the same as a dog getting feline distemper from a cat. If you have a dog in the house, you can discuss its vaccination status with your veterinarian in the usual way.
Is feline distemper notifiable?
Parvovirus infections are listed on the Norwegian Food Safety Authority's national list 3. Detected disease is therefore reported to the Norwegian Food Safety Authority in accordance with current regulations. The regulations are subject to change, and updated information can be found at The Norwegian Food Safety Authority.
