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Kitten being held with one hand by a medical staff member in blue scrubs

Feline Distemper

What Is Distemper?

"Vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective health investments in history." - Seth Berkley

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.

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

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.