Feline Panleukopenia virus (FPV), also commonly referred to as feline distemper, is a highly contagious and life-threatening viral disease in the cat population. Many years ago, I adopted a young kitten from one of the animal shelters in North Jersey. I was very young and didn’t think to ask if the kitten had been vaccinated. Being so young, I never thought that anything could be wrong with the kitten. I took him home and the next day noticed that he was listless. He then began vomiting  and developed severe diarrhea. That night, the kitten died. I was devastated!  All shelters should provide the proper vaccinations for all animals but you must always check before adopting any pet. Distemper is deadly as I learned with my little kitten. It doesn’t waste any time. the disease moves very quickly and can kill your kitten in a matter of a few days.T his causative virus is very resilient and can survive for years in contaminated environments, so vaccination is the best preventative available. Kittens between the ages of two to six months are at highest risk for developing this severe disease.

Here are all the symptoms to watch out for. This information was provided by Pet Md.

Symptoms and Types

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea/bloody diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Weight loss
• High fever
• Anemia (due to lowered red blood cells)
• Rough hair coat
• Depression
• Complete loss of interest in food
• Some cats may hide themselves for a day or two
• Hanging head over water bowl or food dish but does not drink or eat
• Feet tucked under body for long periods
• Chin resting on floor for long periods
• Neurological symptoms in those cats in which virus attacks brain (e.g., lack of coordination)

Remember, take care of your pets because your pets count!

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