Also known as Feline Distemper

If you have read Bandit's tribute to FunnyFace, you will know that we lost her to this terrible disease. She had only received her first dose of the vaccine when she became ill. I wish I knew then, what I know now.

Over the years feline panleukopenia (FP), has been known by a variety of names: feline distemper, infectious enteritis, cat or show fever, cat typhoid, cat plague, and several others.

FP is an extremely common and highly contagious viral disease. It is caused by feline parovirus. Confusion surrounds this disease because of its name. It is not related to canine distemper, which causes coldlike symptoms followed by seizures. Neither disease is transmissible to humans.

Cats at any age may become infected. Young kittens, sick cats and indoor cats that have not been given boosters recently are most susceptible. Older cats are more likely to have acquired an immunity and, therefore are infected less frequently.

Kittens less that 16 weeks old may die at a rate of about 75%, and others at a rate of 50%.

Kennels, pet shops, humane shelters and other areas where groups of cats are quartered appear to be the main reservoirs of FP today. The virus has appeared in all parts of the US and most countries of the world.

The FP virus is passed from cat to cat by direct contact. Infection occurs when contact is made with the blood, urine, fecal material, nasal secretions, and even fleas of infected cats. In most cases, recovered cats do not transmit the infection.

A healthy cat can also become infected without coming in direct contact with an infected cat. Bedding, cages, food dishes, and the hands or clothing of handlers may harbor and transmit the virus.

The FP virus is very stable. It is resistant to many chemicals and may remain infectious at room temperature for as long as one year. Most common disinfectants have little effect on it.

Every effort should be made to keep your kitten away from cats who might be spreading the virus and away from FP contaminated environments until vaccination is complete. It is one of the most resistant viruses to disinfection. Only 0.5% formalin or hypochlorite, a 1:32 dilution of household beach in water, can kill this virus.

The best policy to follow is not to introduce a susceptible cat into premises where a cat has had FP for three to four months following the episode even if the area has been disinfected. Do not allow an unvaccinated cat to associate with strange cats. Keep your kitten in your lap or in a carrier and out of contact with possibly sick cats while at the vet's office.

The incubation period for FP is about 7 days from exposure to the first signs of the disease. Although it many vary from two to ten days. The first signs an owner might notice are generalized depression, loss of appetite, high fever, lethargy, vomiting, dehydration, and hanging over or near the water dish. The course of the disease may be short and explosive. Advanced cases, when discovered, may cause death within hours. Normally, the sickness may go on for three or four days after the first elevation of body temperature.

Fever will fluctuate during the illness and abruptly fall to subnormal levels shortly before death. Other signs in later stages may be diarrhea, anemia, and persistent vomiting.

FP is so prevalent and the signs so varied that any sick cat should be taken to a vet for a definite diagnosis.

The prognosis for kittens less that 8 weeks old is poor. Older cats have a greater chance of survival if adequate treatment is provided early in the course of the disease. Treatment is limited to supportive therapy to help the kitty gain and retain sufficient strength to combat the virus with its own immune system. There are no anitbiotics that can kill the virus.

The vet will attempt to combat extreme dehydration, provide nutrients, and prevent secondary infection with antibiotics. Heroic measures such as blood transfusions have been necessary in some cases. If the cat survives for 48 hours, its chances for recovery are much better. Pregnant females that contract the disease, even in its mildest form, may give birth to kittens with severe brain damage.

Strict isolation is essential. The area where the kitty is kept should be warm, free of drafts and very clean. Plenty of "tender loving care" is very important. Cats may lose the will to live; so frequent petting, hand feeding, the cautious use of heating pads, and good nursing care by the owner is essential.

Although FP is often fatal, there is no reason to give up at the first sign of disease. Many cats have survived severe cases to live out normal, healthy lives.

FP is controlled in several ways. Cats that survive a natural infection usually develop sufficient, active immunity to protect them for the rest of their lives. Mild cases may go unnoticed and also produce immunity.

It is also possible for kittens to receive immunity from their mother through the transfer of antibody. This passive immunity from the mother is temporary and its effectiveness varies in proportion to the level of antibody in the mother's body. The immunity diminishes rapidly and is not considered effective after 12 weeks of age.

Vaccines offer the safest protection. Most vaccines are made from live viruses treated to destroy their ability to cause disease. They stimulate the cats body to produce protective antibodies against the virus to prevent infection by natural, disease causing viruses. The vaccines are very effective but are preventive, not curative. They must be administered before the cat is exposed and infected to be effective. Most young kittens receive their first vaccination between 6 and 12 weeks of age, or as soon as they are taken from their mother. Usually a second is given three or more weeks later.

In the meantime be sure to keep your kitten well isolated from exposure to disease. In general, two or three vaccinations are given before immunity is complete. Vaccination must be repeated annually as a booster to maintain effective immunity.

Specific vaccination schedules vary dependent on many factors, such as the disease incidence in the area, age and health of the kitty, etc. The pet owner should consult a vet for advice on the correct schedule for each cat.

Page maintained by Casey and Bandit.
Created: April 08, 1998 Updated: 6/15/99
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