Feline distemper?
If caught in time, the potentially fatal cat distemper virus is treatable and preventive. The information below will tell you what you need to know about the illness and how it affects cats.
Canine distemper is unrelated to the feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), which is also known as feline distemper and is exceedingly contagious and sometimes lethal.
Being informed about feline distemper will help you avoid it.
Transmission
Feline distemper can be conveyed through direct contact with an infected animal or his bodily fluids, including as blood, urine, and feces. Fleas can also transmit the infection. It can also spread through the use of contaminated bedding, litter bins, and food containers. Before treating a cat with feline distemper, individuals should properly wash their hands and clothing to avoid spreading the disease to other cats.
Both before and immediately after birth, kittens may be exposed to the virus. 90% of these cases result in death. After overcoming a neonatal illness, kittens may walk with disorganized gaits as a result of cerebellar brain injury.
Cats that recover from the sickness gain immunity to it, but they may also spread the virus to other cats for a few weeks. An infected cat may continue to discharge feline distemper in his urine and feces for up to 6 weeks after healing.
The kittens most at risk for a serious illness from this virus are those between the ages of two and six months. Additionally, pregnant cats and cats with compromised immune systems are more likely to experience severe symptoms. Adult cats with feline distemper may only exhibit modest symptoms or go unnoticed.
Cat Distemper symptoms and signs
FPV is the primary cause of kitten fatalities. Because it affects rapidly dividing blood cells, particularly those in the bone marrow and intestinal system as well as stem cells in fetuses, it can cause anemia and make the body susceptible to many viral and bacterial illnesses and infections.
After being exposed to the virus for two to ten days, a cat will begin to show acute illness symptoms. Among them may be severe lethargy, a temperature of up to 105°F (40.5°C), and loss of appetite. The cat may be bent over a water or food bowl in distress and may vomit repeatedly, producing yellow-stained, foamy bile. After drinking water, a cat will instantly start to vomit and cry out in discomfort.
Even while it usually appears later in the infection, diarrhea can also appear earlier. Stools are frequently stained with crimson blood or have a yellowish hue.
An owner might not even be aware that their pet is ill until it is too late or the animal has passed away because little kittens and some senior cats can catch the virus unexpectedly. Secondary bacterial infections are frequent and can be deadly.
Other feline distemper signs and symptoms are listed below:
- Dehydration
- gain less weight
- A Challenge for Depression
- Cats have the ability to blend in.
- Long periods of time spent with the body’s feet tucked under it and the chin resting on a certain floor.
- FPV therapy
Immediate medical intervention is necessary to save lives. The treatment plan may also include administering medication to a cat to prevent infections in addition to supportive care in a warm, quiet place away from other animals.
The FPV virus will adversely affect both your cat’s emotional and physical health, so he will need a lot of your comfort and love until he recovers.
If he receives prompt, efficient treatment and survives the first 48 hours, a cat has a good chance of making a full recovery with lifetime immunity. However, it can take a few weeks for the cat to fully recover.
Virus that causes feline panleukopenia prevention
Once outside, cat distemper is highly tenacious. It may last longer than a year at room temperature in cracks, furniture, and carpeting. Even cooler temperatures won’t harm it. To eliminate the virus from the surroundings and stop it from spreading, strict cleaning is necessary.
Domestic cleaners won’t be effective against this infection. The bleach solution of 1/2 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water will most effectively remove it. Apply the remedy for 10 minutes to surfaces like flooring, litter bins, and cages. But in order to ensure that feline distemper is completely eradicated from your environment, you will throw away your pet’s belongings and replace them with new ones.
For the best chance of infection prevention, have your cat receive a feline distemper vaccination. To keep your cats from coming into contact with sick animals outside, keep them inside as well.
