Distemper (Panleukopenia) in Cats 🐱💉

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Feline distemper, or panleukopenia, is one of the most severe and highly contagious viral diseases affecting cats—especially kittens. While often referred to during vaccination discussions, this illness is far more than a simple vet visit topic. In this 2025 guide, I explain how the virus works, how to protect your cat, and why prevention is absolutely critical. 🦠

🔬 What Is Feline Panleukopenia?

Caused by a parvovirus, feline panleukopenia targets rapidly dividing cells in the body, including those in the bone marrow and intestines. It is extremely resilient, surviving a year indoors and resistant to alcohol, iodine, and freezing. Only a strong bleach solution (1:32 dilution, 10-minute contact time) reliably kills it. 🧴

Why So Dangerous?

The virus destroys white blood cells (panleukopenia = "all-white-shortage"), crippling the immune system. It also attacks the intestinal lining, leading to:

• 💩 Severe diarrhea
• 💧 Dehydration
• 🦠 Secondary bacterial infection

Without treatment, mortality is up to 90% in unvaccinated kittens. The virus is spread through all body secretions—especially stool—and remains infectious long after signs have faded. ⚠️

📋 Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms can escalate quickly, and some cats die before vomiting or diarrhea even starts. Common signs include:

• 🌡️ High fever
• 🚫 Loss of appetite
• 😿 Lethargy
• 💩 Diarrhea and vomiting
• 💛 Jaundice
• 🛌 Collapse

If your kitten survives the first 5 days, chances of recovery increase dramatically. 🩺

🧠 Cerebellar Hypoplasia: Infection in Pregnancy

If infection strikes a pregnant cat, kittens may abort. If late in pregnancy, kittens may develop cerebellar hypoplasia—a neurological disorder causing tremors and unsteady movement. These “wobbly cats” often adapt and live happy lives with care. 🧠🐾

🧪 Diagnosis

• 🩸 CBC shows almost no white blood cells
• 💩 Canine parvovirus SNAP test often used in cats
• 🧬 PCR testing or virus isolation confirms diagnosis
• ⚠️ Recent vaccination may cause false positives on tests

Diagnosis can also be confirmed through necropsy or histopathology post-mortem. 🔬

💊 Treatment

No specific antiviral exists. Supportive care in hospital is essential and includes:

• 💧 IV fluids for hydration
• 💊 Broad-spectrum antibiotics to prevent secondary infections
• 🩸 Glucose support
• ❄️ Temperature regulation
• 🤢 Anti-nausea medications

Without hospitalization, survival is rare. Cats who recover develop lifelong immunity. 🛡️

📈 Recovery & Shedding

Recovered cats can shed the virus for up to 6 weeks. Surfaces should be bleached, and unvaccinated cats should not enter the area during this period. 🧽

💉 Prevention with Vaccination

Vaccination is highly effective and considered core for all cats. Guidelines include:

• 📆 Start vaccines at 6–8 weeks of age
• 💉 Booster every 3–4 weeks until 16 weeks
• 🧪 Final booster at 1 year, then every 3 years

Vaccine Types:

• 💉 Modified live virus (MLV) – most commonly used
• ⚠️ Avoid MLV vaccines in pregnant queens (can cause cerebellar hypoplasia in kittens)
• 🧫 Killed virus vaccines are less common and may carry risk of vaccine-associated sarcoma in rare cases

🏠 Environmental Disinfection

The virus is difficult to remove. Clean all exposed surfaces with:

• 🧴 1:32 bleach solution
• 🕒 10-minute contact time minimum
• 📦 Discard contaminated soft items if they cannot be thoroughly disinfected

📱 Ask A Vet App Support

Worried about your kitten’s symptoms or vaccination needs? The Ask A Vet app offers:

• 💬 24/7 vet chat support
• 📸 Upload videos of symptoms for fast triage
• 📅 Vaccine schedule assistance
• 🧾 Guidance for home disinfection and kitten recovery

🏁 Final Takeaway

Feline panleukopenia is fast, fatal, and preventable. Vaccination is your best weapon against this devastating disease. Protect your cat with timely vaccines, early vet visits, and proper hygiene. With good prevention, we can keep this deadly virus out of our homes and shelters. 🐱🛡️💉