Memorial Road Pet Hospital
![Kitten being held with one hand by a medical staff member in blue scrubs Kitten being held with one hand by a medical staff member in blue scrubs](https://images.ctfassets.net/rt5zmd3ipxai/5qAfGKtVOeHA4VzBHdr8ob/e8800adc86c4f39a17d19ef568a995b8/NVA-Cat-Staff.png?fit=fill&fm=webp&h=400&w=1366&q=72,%20https://images.ctfassets.net/rt5zmd3ipxai/5qAfGKtVOeHA4VzBHdr8ob/e8800adc86c4f39a17d19ef568a995b8/NVA-Cat-Staff.png?fit=fill&fm=webp&h=800&w=2732&q=72)
Feline Distemper
![Older cat laying in cat bed Older cat laying in cat bed](https://images.ctfassets.net/rt5zmd3ipxai/5G7YFUPDXeY7F5Nw78k3Rr/a932c3de7a13b15b5e1e556c4077a828/AdobeStock_191976683.jpeg?fit=fill&fm=webp&h=480&w=782&q=72,%20https://images.ctfassets.net/rt5zmd3ipxai/5G7YFUPDXeY7F5Nw78k3Rr/a932c3de7a13b15b5e1e556c4077a828/AdobeStock_191976683.jpeg?fit=fill&fm=webp&h=960&w=1564&q=72)
What is Feline Distemper?
Feline distemper, or panleukopenia, is a highly infectious respiratory disease. This virus attacks the immune system, hitting the lymph nodes first and then attacking bone marrow,affecting the patient's ability to produce white blood cells and recover.
![Cat smiling and laying on patio outside Cat smiling and laying on patio outside](https://images.ctfassets.net/rt5zmd3ipxai/mEUkH0MA2jM8k9dCtA6JC/aebc76f99d79a9133416575592cac4c1/AdobeStock_184672154.jpeg?fit=fill&fm=webp&h=480&w=782&q=72,%20https://images.ctfassets.net/rt5zmd3ipxai/mEUkH0MA2jM8k9dCtA6JC/aebc76f99d79a9133416575592cac4c1/AdobeStock_184672154.jpeg?fit=fill&fm=webp&h=960&w=1564&q=72)
Signs and Symptoms
Hospitalization is needed to treat these cases with intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and blood sugar support.
Gooey eyes
Nasal discharge
Fever
Poor appetite
Coughing
Vomiting
Diarrhea
![Cat laying on dock during sunset Cat laying on dock during sunset](https://images.ctfassets.net/rt5zmd3ipxai/3YtOXBfdMSTZSbp9XXNp2n/e51e1052d0bf10181b6aeae604749c5e/Cat-Sunset.png?fit=fill&fm=webp&h=480&w=782&q=72,%20https://images.ctfassets.net/rt5zmd3ipxai/3YtOXBfdMSTZSbp9XXNp2n/e51e1052d0bf10181b6aeae604749c5e/Cat-Sunset.png?fit=fill&fm=webp&h=960&w=1564&q=72)
Vaccination
Kittens are typically vaccinated against this highly communicable disease at ages 8, 12, and 16 weeks. Adult cats, especially those that may be in kept in groups, are typically vaccinated yearly.