Maladies

(A leading cause of death in kittens; sometimes called "feline distemper", but unrelated to distemper in dogs.)

Feline Panleukopenia is caused by a Parovirus. The pathogen is extremely resistant to outside influences, surviving for months, even years, at room temperature and being unaffected by disinfectants. The death rate from feline panleukopenia is very high. Without intensive treatment, survival is unlikely.

This illness develops so rapidly that the cats - usually young ones - most often die within a few hours of the appearance of the first symptoms. Typical signs are refusal to eat, general apathy, high fever (40 - 41? C), more or less violent vomiting, and diarrhea. Veterinary help is urgently required. The life-threatening dehydration caused by vomiting and diarrhea cannot be compensated for with normal administration of fluids.

Vaccination is extremely important. Normally, kittens are vaccinated for the first time at eight or nine weeks, followed by a second shot about three weeks later. Yearly boosters are strongly recommended.