How to Identify Feline Parvo or Feline Distemper (Panleukopenia Virus) in Cats

Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper or "Feline Parvo") is a very deadly disease for cats. It is very similar to canine parvo, however feline parvo is only infectious to cats, and there is no cure. I had two of my young cats die before I could even get their shots. So always get your cat vaccinated ASAP! I learned that the hard way.

The symptoms of parvo come on suddenly and death occurs within 24 hours, there is not much you can do to save them unless you have hundreds of dollars to put them on intravenous, which they may survive.

They become lethargic, constant vomiting, lose their appetite, fever, lose skin elasticity due to dehydration.

My cat (he was six months) became so lethargic, he would just lay there, his body felt cold and when I petted him, it felt so weird, probably due to the fact that he was dehydrated. I had no idea what was going on with him, I thought it would pass and he would be fine. I brought him water, which he could not drink because he had no energy at all, not even enough energy to lick his lips, within 24 hours he passed away. His mother (1 year) appeared to have the same exact symptoms and she died within hours.

This disease is easily spread through an infected cat's bodily fluids such as urine, feces, and saliva. It is sometimes spread through food dishes, litter boxes or even someone handling an infected cat.

Areas that you suspect might be infected with feline parvo. should be disinfected with a bleach solution (4oz. of chlorine per gallon of water) After my cats died I cleaned their dishes, litter box and scrubbed the carpets so my last cat would not get infected (he got his shots when he was a kitten) He's fine.

If your cat shows these symptoms bring them to the vet immediately!

Don't forget to get your cat vaccinated, spayed or neutered.