Feline panleukopenia, often called “feline distemper” or “cat plague,” is a severe and highly contagious viral disease caused by the Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV), a type of parvovirus. This illness is particularly dangerous for unvaccinated kittens and can be fatal.
Understanding the Illness
The Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV) is a resilient parvovirus that can survive in the environment for an extended period, sometimes over a year. This virus targets and destroys rapidly dividing cells in a cat’s bone marrow, intestinal lining, and lymphatic tissues. This attack leads to a significant decrease in all types of white blood cells, known as leukopenia, severely compromising the cat’s immune system. This weakened response makes affected cats highly susceptible to secondary bacterial infections.
The virus spreads through direct contact with infected cats, their bodily secretions (feces, urine, saliva), and contaminated objects like food bowls, bedding, clothing, or shoes. Its ability to persist means even indoor cats are at risk through indirect exposure.
Recognizing the Signs
Cats with panleukopenia often show rapidly progressing clinical signs. Common symptoms include severe, persistent vomiting and diarrhea, which may contain blood. Affected cats become lethargic and experience anorexia (loss of appetite). Other signs include high fever, dehydration, and abdominal pain. Their hair coat may appear dull and rough, and skin can lose elasticity due to dehydration.
In young kittens, the disease can have a very rapid onset, sometimes leading to sudden death without many prior symptoms. Early recognition and immediate veterinary attention are important for a cat’s recovery.
Veterinary Diagnosis and Treatment
Veterinarians diagnose feline panleukopenia through observations and specific tests. A physical examination noting the clinical signs, alongside a history of possible exposure or lack of vaccination, can strongly suggest the disease. A complete blood count (CBC) typically reveals a characteristic and severe drop in white blood cell count, confirming the “panleukopenia” aspect of the illness. Rapid in-house tests, such as ELISA tests, can detect FPV antigens directly in fecal samples, providing a quick and accurate diagnosis.
There is no specific antiviral medication that directly cures FPV. Treatment focuses on supportive care, aiming to manage the symptoms and support the cat’s weakened immune system. Intravenous fluid therapy is a primary treatment to combat severe dehydration caused by vomiting and diarrhea. Anti-emetic medications are administered to control vomiting, while broad-spectrum antibiotics are given to prevent or treat secondary bacterial infections. Nutritional support, often through syringe feeding or feeding tubes, is also provided to maintain the cat’s strength. The prognosis for cats with panleukopenia varies depending on age and illness severity, with kittens generally having a poorer outlook.
Prevention and Vaccination
Vaccination is the most effective method for preventing feline panleukopenia. The FPV vaccine is considered a core vaccine for all cats and is typically administered as a series of injections to kittens, usually starting around 8 to 9 weeks of age, with booster shots every three to four weeks until they reach 16 to 20 weeks. Adult cats then receive booster vaccinations, often recommended every one to three years, to maintain strong immunity. Even cats that live exclusively indoors should be vaccinated due to the virus’s ability to persist in the environment and be carried indirectly into homes on clothing or shoes.
Beyond vaccination, strict hygiene practices are important, especially in environments with multiple cats or where there has been a suspected infection. The FPV is highly resistant to many common cleaners, but disinfectants containing sodium hypochlorite (bleach solutions, typically 1:32 dilution), peracetic acid, or formaldehyde are effective at killing the virus on contaminated surfaces. Isolating new cats or any cat showing signs of illness until their health status is confirmed helps prevent the spread of the virus. Unvaccinated kittens are particularly vulnerable, so vaccinating mother cats can help pass on protective antibodies to their offspring.