(Source: American Veterinary Medical Association)

All cats should have feline panleukopenia vaccinations to prevent this deadly disease. There are many discounted vaccination options in Bastrop County – see our website at shelterpetsafetynet.org to find a list of some of them!

 Vaccination is just as important for strictly indoor cats as for indoor/outdoor cats because the virus is everywhere in the environment. Most kittens receive their first vaccination between 6 and 8 weeks of age, and follow-up vaccines are given until the kitten is around 16 weeks of age. Adult vaccination schedules vary with the age and health of the cat.

In addition to vaccinations, here are some other actions to take if you’ve had a cat exposed to feline distemper.

Bedding, cages, food dishes, and the hands or clothing of people who handle the infected cat may harbor the virus and transmit it to other cats. People handling infected cats should practice proper hygiene to prevent spreading the infection. Infected cats must be isolated. Any materials used on or for infected cats should not be allowed to near other cats.

The virus is difficult to destroy and resistant to many disinfectants. Unvaccinated cats should not be allowed into an area where an infected cat has been — even if the area has been disinfected.

You can read more about panleukopenia here