Have an outdoor cat? Watch for signs of distemper, after contagious cat reported

A sick cat found near Meadows Elementary in east Lacey, south of Steilacoom Road, was diagnosed by Animal Services with feline panleukopenia, also known as distemper, on Monday.

Pet owners with outdoor cats should watch out for signs of the highly contagious and potentially fatal disease. The FPV virus attacks white blood cells’ abilities to fight off an infection, making the condition especially dangerous for kittens, sick cats, or unvaccinated cats.

Feline panleukopenia spreads through bodily fluids of infected cats and through fleas. Pregnant cats can also pass the disease to their kittens.

The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends cat owners ensure that their pets are caught up on vaccines, including the distemper or FPV shot. The FPV vaccine for cats is typically administered as part of a combination vaccine called FVRCP, which also protects against feline viral rhinotracheitis and feline calicivirus. The FVRCP vaccine is considered a core vaccine, meaning it is recommended for all cats, including indoor cats.

Cat owners should remain aware of the common symptoms of feline panleukopenia, which include:

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting

• Fever

• Depression/lethargy

• Loss of appetite

• Dehydration (may appear as sunken eyes or dry gums)

• Painful belly

The AVMA urges cat owners to call a veterinarian immediately if they notice symptoms.