Feline Distemper: Your Cat’s Worst Nightmare

tabby cat - Feline Distemper: Your Cat’s Worst Nightmare

Most kittens and cats are prone to being infected by Panleukopenia (or Feline Distemper). This is a deadly virus that must be treated right away. Seek medical attention from your veterinarian if your cat is experiencing vomiting, diarrhea or appears lethargic.

What is Panleukopenia (or Feline Distemper or Feline Parvo)? Panleukopenia, commonly referred to as Feline Distemper, is a parvovirus that affects cats especially kittens. Feline Distemper literally destroys a cat’s ability to make white blood cells which are essential to a cat’s immune system. In addition, Panleukopenia attacks a cat’s intestinal tract. Thereby, it poses a double threat to a cat’s health and life.

How Can a Cat Get Feline Distemper?  A kitten can contract Panleukopenia while in vitro – before it’s even born. This deadly disease can also be transmitted to a cat by virtually anything. It could be the infected fecal matter of another cat, clothes, food bowls, and shoes to give just a few examples.

What are the Most Common Symptoms of a Cat with Panleukopenia? Typically, a cat will appear lethargic, experience severe vomiting, and diarrhea. If your cat is exhibiting one or most of these symptoms, it is imperative that you take it your veterinarian immediately. Feline Distemper is a life-threatening illness and it must not be taken lightly.

What is the Best Way to Prevent Feline Distemper? Vaccinating your kitten is the best way to protect it against Panleukopenia. As soon as your kitten is old enough, take it to the veterinarian for its core vaccines also known as FVRCP. Besides protecting your four-legged companion against Feline Distemper, this vaccine will offer protection against feline viral rhinotracheitis and calicivirus.

Other vaccines that help prevent Feline Distemper are Nobivac Feline 1-HCPCh+ FeLV – 25 ds Tray, or Nobivac Feline 1-HCP+ FeLV 25 ds Tray.

How is Panleukopenia Treated? There really is no known cure for Feline Distemper. However, the symptoms can be treated. Because of the vomiting and diarrhea caused by this deadly virus, your cat will most likely get dehydrated. Therefore, fluid therapy, anti-nausea, and anti-diarrhea medications will help minimize these symptoms. Since its immune system has been compromised, it is important that any and all infections are treated right away. Sadly, most kittens will not survive their fight against Paleukopenia. The good news is that cats who have survived a deadly bout with Feline Distemper will most likely develop lifetime immunity against this deadly virus.

To Sum it Up: Feline Distemper is a deadly virus. If your cat is infected with Panleukopenia, you need to take it to a veterinarian right away. Symptoms include excessive vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Having your kitten vaccinated is a great way to prevent feline distemper.

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