How to Find Out If My Kittens Have Distemper

Distemper (Panleukopenia) is a highly contagious viral feline disease akin to the deadly parvovirus in dogs. This virus can quickly prove fatal to kittens. Vaccinations are the best way to prevent distemper, and any un-vaccinated kitten who exhibits distemper symptoms should be treated immediately, for a better chance of survival. There is no real cure for the disease, but intravenous fluids and nourishment may sometimes help kittens recover.

Instructions

    • 1

      Watch young, un-vaccinated kittens closely for the symptoms of this disease: according to Marvistavet.com, symptoms include loss of appetite, dehydration, seizures, bloody diarrhea and/or vomiting and fever. Symptoms usually come on suddenly, without warning, and owners tend to fear that their cats have been poisoned.

    • 2

      Bring a stool sample from the kittens to your vet, if you are unable to bring the kittens in. Your veterinarian has kits to test for this disease, using your kittens' stool samples.

    • 3

      Bring the kittens to a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis. According to Peteducation.com, the vet will feel the kitten's abdomen to for hardening of the intestines and pain. He will check for swollen lymph nodes. In addition, the vet will perform a blood test to check for antibodies to distemper and a decrease in white blood cells.