What the Difference between Feline Distemper Virus and Cat Flu(URT DISEASE)?
Feline Distemper (Panleukopenia) is a virus similar to Canine Parvo (which most are familiar with). It is highly contagious. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, depression and fever. Cats will likely refuse food and water. Feline Distemper can be fatal especially in those with weak immune systems (very young and very old cats) and cats with weakened immune systems due to Feline Aids and Feline Leukemia. “Cat Flu” is a upper respiratory tract disease. The “cat flu” is NOT influenza virus. Symptoms include sneezing, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis (inflammation of the lining of the eyes), discharge from the eyes, loss of appetite, fever and depression. However, you do not see vomiting and diarrhea as you do with Feline Distemper. Again, very young, very old and immune suppressed patients have the highest mortality rate. There are vaccines available to prevent both, as well as other illnesses commonly found in cats. This is why vaccination is very important! Hope that helps!
