Can cats get distemper from being outside?
The parvovirus is resistant to disinfectant cleaners and can remain in an environment for up to a year. Unvaccinated cats who are allowed outside, or who visit shelters or kennels, are more likely to come into contact with infected cats and contract the virus.
Can cats pass distemper to dogs?
Sadly, most of the infected cats die. However, their dog never experienced any illness as feline distemper does not affect dogs.
How does feline distemper live in the environment?
Unlike Canine Distemper, Feline Distemper can live in the environment for up to a year in dark, moist areas, and basically all cats and kittens are at risk of catching the disease. Feline Distemper is caused by contact with infected urine, feces, saliva, blood, nasal secretions, or fleas that have bitten an infected cat.
How old do cats have to be to get distemper?
Treatment of distemper in cats. Feline panleukopenia virus is most common in cats aged 5 months or younger, especially those who have not yet been vaccinated and who are in contact with adult cats. There is no specific treatment for the disease itself as no medication can eliminate the virus.
How can you tell if your cat has feline distemper?
The signs and symptoms of feline distemper can be caused by other disorders. Sometimes the symptoms resemble poisoning. In order to arrive at a correct diagnosis, a vet will probably perform a blood test to look at the level of white blood cells and perhaps a stool test to look for the presence of the virus.
Who is Linda Crampton and what is feline distemper?
Linda Crampton is a biology teacher, writer, and long-time pet owner. She currently has dogs, cats, and birds in her family. What Is Feline Distemper (Panleukopenia)? Feline distemper is a serious disease that affects domestic cats as well as wild ones.
Feline Distemper, or Feline Panleukopenia, is a highly contagious disease caused by the Feline Panleukopenia virus, with a high mortality rate for unvaccinated cats, especially kittens aged between 2 and 5 months.
How does feline distemper affect both wild and domestic cats?
Feline distemper is a serious disease that affects domestic cats as well as wild ones. It’s caused by a virus that is extremely widespread in the environment and is very contagious among cats. In fact, it’s thought that almost all domestic cats are exposed to the virus during their lives.
Is there a cure for feline distemper in cats?
Treating Feline Distemper. Your cat’s immune system can fight off distemper on its own. However, due to the initial affects of the disease, most cats with distemper that do not receive treatment die before the disease passes.
Can a pregnant cat get a feline distemper shot?
Precautions for the Feline Distemper Vaccine. Cats that are pregnant should also not receive the shot, as doing so can abort her kittens. The feline distemper vaccine should only be given to healthy cats. Some veterinary experts recommend giving a feline epinephrine prior to the shot, since some cats can have an anaphylactic shock or a false fever.