Cat Illnesses - Feline Distemper

Feline distemper (aka panleukopenia) is a highly contagious cat illness caused by a viral infection. It is usually spread via the faeces and urine of infected cats, but can also be spread by bedding, people and fleas .

A cat with feline distemper will suffer from vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, loss of appetite, fever and dehydration. The cat will often go to its water but not drink. In kittens especially, death will unavoidable.

Like other cat illnesses such as feline diabetes, the treatment is directed at the symptoms rather than as a cure. Fluid replacement is an important treatment. Feline distemper can leave the cat vulnerable to bacterial infection, so antibiotics may also be necessary. Other drugs to treat the diarrhoea and vomiting may also be administered. A cat that survives feline distemper for five days is usually out of the woods, but it can take a couple of months for it to regain all the lost weight and return to full health.