Who’s at risk for FPV?
Any cat or kitten that has not been vaccinated against feline Panleukopenia is at risk. This is a hardy virus that can lurk in carpets and upholstery for years. Cats can be infected by litter boxes, food bowls and even toys and clothes. Therefore, introducing an unvaccinated cat to a surroundings previously inhabited by a sick cat, puts them at great risk. Kittens are especially susceptible to feline distemper because their immune systems are often underdeveloped and cannot fight off the infection. In fact, kittens can be infected in utero or during birth. Mortality rates for this form of neonatal Panleukopenia are extremely high. Survivors of the infection may suffer cerebellar damage.
