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.
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