Feline distemper in cats

Feline distemper is rare but very contagious

Feline distemper is also known as feline infectious enteritis or feline panleukopenia. But this viral disease by any name is still as dangerous. Before a vaccine was available, distemper was responsible for the deaths of many companion cats.

Although it is uncommon today, veterinarians do see cases of this highly contagious viral disease-especially in very young kittens of unknown health who haven't yet received their vaccinations. The virus is easily passed on from cat to cat through both direct and indirect contact. Sneezing, hissing or sharing litterboxes, food and water bowls are all possible methods of transmission. An infected pregnant cat can pass the virus on to her litter. Kittens who were infected in the uterus will be born with an inability to maintain their balance-a disorder called cerebellar hypoplasia. Distemper could also cause an infected pregnant cat to abort.