Feline panleukopenia
Also known as Feline distemper, Feline parvovirus, Feline infectious enteritis.
Infection with feline parvovirus, which wipes out the immune defences and the lining of the gut. It is highly contagious and severe in unvaccinated kittens, and the core vaccine prevents it almost completely.
A lethargic kitten that is vomiting or has diarrhoea is an emergency: it can get worse within hours.
- System
- Infectious diseases
- Is it urgent?
- Usually
- Spreads to other cats
- Yes
- Spreads to people
- No
- Typical cost in Spain
- Test, €30–50; hospital stay of 3 to 7 days, €600–2,000.
Highly contagious between cats, including via objects. It does not pass to people.
Symptoms
- Sudden lethargy and fever
- Vomiting and diarrhoea, sometimes with blood
- Rapid dehydration
- Refuses food and water
- In kittens, death within hours
- If infected in the womb: a kitten that wobbles (cerebellar hypoplasia)
Causes
Feline parvovirus, which is shed in huge amounts in faeces and survives for months in the environment, on shoes, clothes and floors. The cat does not need to go outside: the virus can be brought into the home.
How it is diagnosed
A rapid faecal antigen test and a blood count, which shows very few white blood cells.
Treatment
There is no specific antiviral: hospitalisation in isolation with fluid therapy, anti-nausea treatment, antibiotics to prevent secondary gut infections and assisted feeding.
No doses, on purpose: any medicine must be prescribed by your vet for your cat.
Prognosis
Guarded. With early, intensive treatment many kittens survive; without it, mortality is very high. Those that get through the first few days usually recover fully.
Prevention
Core vaccination from 8 weeks, with boosters until 16 weeks or later and another at one year. Disinfect with diluted bleach, because many disinfectants do not kill this virus.
Frequently asked questions
Is feline panleukopenia contagious?
To other cats: yes. To people: no. Highly contagious between cats, including via objects. It does not pass to people.
Can feline panleukopenia be cured?
Guarded. With early, intensive treatment many kittens survive; without it, mortality is very high. Those that get through the first few days usually recover fully. There is no specific antiviral: hospitalisation in isolation with fluid therapy, anti-nausea treatment, antibiotics to prevent secondary gut infections and assisted feeding.
How much does it cost to treat feline panleukopenia?
As a guide for Spain in 2026: Test, €30–50; hospital stay of 3 to 7 days, €600–2,000. Prices vary a lot between clinics and cities, and out-of-hours emergencies cost more.
How can feline panleukopenia be prevented?
Core vaccination from 8 weeks, with boosters until 16 weeks or later and another at one year. Disinfect with diluted bleach, because many disinfectants do not kill this virus.
More in infectious diseases
Educational content from Michipedia. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a vet: if you have any doubt about your cat's health, ask. Costs are a guide for Spain in 2026.