Feline distemper in cat

Feline Panleukopenia or feline distemper is one of the most life threatening and highly contagious viral disease seen in cats. Usually young kittens are more susceptible to this disease but sadly cats of any age group can be afflicted.

The disease can be transmitted through contact with infected cats, hair, nails, food, and any other carriers. Cats get infected through direct contact with an infected cat or any contaminated objects. The Infected cats pass on the virus through their secretion like feces, urine, saliva etc. Blood may play a major role for transmission of virus. Pregnant female cats can pass the virus to her kittens, and they may severely affected.

There is no treatment for feline panleukopenia, so it should be prevented before its occurrence through vaccination. The symptoms seen in an affected kitten within two days are:

• Fever
• Vomiting
• Loss of Appetite
• Weakness
• Dehydration
• Watery diarrhea
• Unborn kittens may have brain damage

The primary vaccine against feline panleukopenia should be given by 9 to 12 weeks of age, followed by booster dose 4 to 6 weeks after primary vaccination and annual vaccination should be in regular practice.