Feline distemper is highly contagious viral disease which occurs most commonly in kittens, but cats of any age may be affected. The death rate is highest in young kittens and old cats.
Symptoms of feline distemper develop 2-5 days after exposure to the virus. Severe diarrhea is the most consistent sign of the disease, but fever, vomiting, lack of appetite, dehydration, and depression are also common. Often, cats develop a secondary pneumonia because the virus lowers the immune system.
Cats become infected by direct contact with an infected cat or its body secretions, especially feces. The virus is very hardy and can survive in the environment for more than a year. Queens that contract the virus during pregnancy may abort, deliver stillborn kittens, or kittens may be born with a brain defect.
Vaccination is highly effective for the prevention of feline panleukopenia. All kittens should be vaccinated at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age. An adult cat should receive annual booster vaccines.