Signs & Symptoms of Distemper in Cats

Feline panleukopenia virus, commonly referred to as FPV, is oftentimes also called "feline distemper." It is a highly contagious disease for cats that have not been vaccinated against it, and proves fatal for 50 percent to 90 percent of cats that become infected by it.

  1. Facts About Distemper

    • Feline distemper is caused by a virus that is very similar to that which causes parvovirus in dogs. It is a widespread disease that is transmitted by contact with infected feces and urine, as well as items such as water bowls and food dishes and even toys that may have come in contact with infected feces and urine. It can also be passed between an infected mother cat and her kittens while they are still in the womb. Most cats will come in contact with feline distemper at some point in their life, and all cat owners are encouraged to get their felines vaccinated against it at the earliest possible age.

    Basic Symptoms

    • Many of the symptoms that appear in FPV are the same as those that arise in canine distemper, which is why it is called feline distemper. These symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and seizures. It takes 10 days from the time a cat is infected with distemper for signs or symptoms to show, though with older cats they may not be as obvious as they are in younger cats.

    Symptoms in Young Cats

    • In kittens and young cats that have not been vaccinated against distemper, signs of the disease can appear suddenly. They usually include a high fever, lethargy and loss of appetite. These will by followed by vomiting and dehydration, which can themselves be followed by diarrhea. The loss of weight and important nutrients will oftentimes lead to weakness, hypothermia and bacterial infections.

    Symptoms in Pregnant Mother Cats

    • A mother cat that is infected with distemper will not only have the previously listed symptoms of the disease, but it can negatively affect her unborn kittens. Many cats will miscarry their litter or give birth to a litter of stillborn babies. Kittens that survive may suffer from body tremors as well as issues with their nervous systems.

    Treatment for Distemper

    • As soon as signs and symptoms are seen of FPV, it is important that the infected cat see a veterinarian, who can begin it on treatments such as intravenous or subcutaneous fluids, medications and antibiotics, vitamin B injections and blood transfusions if necessary.