Can feline distemper go away on its own?
Panleukopenia, also known as feline distemper, is an extremely contagious and deadly disease caused by a virus. The virus is spread through contact with an infected cat’s saliva, urine, blood, nasal discharge, or feces. There is no cure for panleukopenia and, without treatment, it has a high mortality rate.
How long does distemper last in a cat?
With proper care, cats typically recover and return to normal within two weeks. Owners should be careful to thoroughly wash hands and remember that the disease is easily spread and remains on surfaces for long periods of time.
What are the symptoms of distemper?
What are the symptoms of canine distemper? Initially, infected dogs will develop watery to pus-like discharge from their eyes. They then develop fever, nasal discharge, coughing, lethargy, reduced appetite, and vomiting.
Can vaccinated cats get distemper?
Even though most cats are vaccinated against feline distemper, there is still a chance that your vaccinated cat could contract the disease.
Who is most likely to get distemper in a kitten?
Kittens, pregnant cats, and cats with immune disorders are most likely to be infected with distemper. Distemper is caused by contact with infected salvia, nasal discharge, blood, urine, feces, or fleas that have bitten an infected cat.
Are there any signs or symptoms of distemper in cats?
There are several symptoms which can indicate distemper in cats. However, as the disease often infects the digestive system, these symptoms are also shared with other diseases. It is also very important to remember that the longer you delay in treating distemper the greater the risk of fatality.
What should I do if my kitten has distemper?
Syringe-feeding the cat water, raw goat’s milk, or fermented fish broth is often recommended. Kittens that are born with distemper or contract it prior to eight weeks of age generally have a poor prognosis. In adult cats, symptoms are mild and may go unnoticed.
How long does it take for distemper to go dormant in cats?
Although carried cats can eliminate the virus after 24 to 48 hours, it can remain dormant in the environment for up to a year. This is why vaccination is so important for outdoor cats as the cat doesn’t have to come into contact with another cat themselves, but even their secretions and waste can transfer the disease.
What are the symptoms of distemper in cats?
Feline symptoms for distemper are easily mistaken for other diseases or conditions. The key symptoms include diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Feline distemper spreads through the mucus, saliva, urine and feces of an infected cat. The feline distemper virus enters a cat’s nose or mouth.
What do distemper shots prevent for cats?
- Rabies
- Panleukopenia (also known as feline distemper)
- Feline calicivirus
- Feline viral rhinotracheitis
Can older cats get distemper?
Symptoms of distemper (panleukopenia) often resemble those of parvo disease in dogs or canine distemper, which is why the disease is often called cat distemper. Some older cats do not show many symptoms, but younger, unvaccinated cats can become severely ill.
Can cats get distemper virus?
Any cat can catch distemper, however, kittens between two and six months old, pregnant cats and cats with compromised immune systems are at greatest risk of contracting the disease. A cat who survives a bout of distemper develops immunity to later infection to the virus.