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Feline distemper is caused by a virus known as the feline panleukopenia virus. All cats are susceptible to the disease and feline distemper can be fatal. Kittens and young cats are the most commonly affected. Feline Panleukopenia: Distemper Virus in Cats provides more information about the feline panleukopenia virus itself and the symptoms of distemper in cats.
Protecting Your Cat Against Feline Panleukopenia Virus
The feline panleukopenia virus is a very hardy virus and is quite difficult to kill. It is present almost everywhere, making exposure to the disease for cats that are unprotected a serious problem.
Fortunately, we have vaccines against the feline panleukopenia virus that are very effective. Vaccination can protect your cat from feline distemper quite well. Feline panleukopenia vaccines are most often part of a multi-valent vaccine which also protects your cats against the upper respiratory diseases, feline calicivirus and feline rhinotracheitis.
Which Cats Should be Vaccinated Against Feline Distemper?
Vaccination against feline distemper (or the feline panleukopenia virus) is considered to be a core vaccine. This means that the vaccine is recommended for all cats. The recommendation is due to the serious and potentially life-threatening nature of the disease and the fact that the virus is so readily encountered by almost all cats.
Kittens can be started on vaccinations against feline panleukopenia as early as 6-8 weeks of age. Your kitten should receive a booster vaccine every 3-4 weeks until he has reached 16 weeks of age. The vaccine should be boostered one year later. Your veterinarian can help you determine a vaccination schedule that is appropriate for your cat.
Types of Feline Panleukopenia Virus Vaccines
Vaccines against feline panleukopenia virus may be injectable or intra-nasal vaccines. The American Association of Feline Practitioner’s advises that all cats (and kittens) receive at least one injectable vaccination.
Feline distemper vaccines (aka feline panleukopenia virus vaccines) can also be killed vaccines or modified live vaccines. (The intra-nasal is modified live, but the injectable can be either killed or modified live, depending on the individual vaccine.) Cats that are positive for either the feline leukemia virus or the feline AIDS virus (feline immunodeficiency virus, FIV) should receive killed vaccines because the killed vaccine is safer for them.
Vaccination against feline distemper is not generally recommended for cats that are pregnant. If vaccination is unavoidable, a killed virus vaccine should be used to avoid causing damage to the developing kittens. Kittens less than 4 weeks of age should also receive a killed vaccine if vaccination is necessary.
Though feline distemper is more common in kittens and young cats, the disease can be fatal. Vaccination against the feline panleukopenia virus provides protection against this disease and is recommended for all cats.
Medical Disclaimer: All advice offered is general, and the Pet Health Care Gazette is not responsible for any problems arising from the use or misuse of the information. Since each animal and each situation is unique, we recommend that you contact your own veterinarian for help with any health or behavior problems in your pet.
About Lorie Huston, DVM
Lorie Huston is a veterinarian, pet health and pet care expert, professional writer, blogger, social media and blogging consultant, and SEO strategist.
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Is the cat virus, came from its saliva like dog rabies? I have not injected my cat any vaccinations, he sleep with me in bed but he was not rude like other cat. Is there any possibility that I acquire such viruses without having me bitten?
Feline panleukopenia is not contagious to people, only to other cats. So, you can’t get feline distemper by being bitten by your cat or by sleeping with him.
How often should a cat get feline distemper shots? I haven’t had my cats vaccinated against this for over 3 years.
If it’s been three years, they’re probably due but check with your veterinarian.
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