Feline Distemper and Rabies

  • Feline distemper and rabies are serious infections that can be fatal. Cats that go outside are at increased risk for exposure to feline distemper and rabies.
  • Vaccination can protect cats from disease associated with the feline distemper and rabies viruses.

What Are Feline Distemper and Rabies?



How Do Cats Become Infected With Feline Distemper and Rabies?

Once a cat is infected with FPV, it may shed virus in body fluids (most notably urine and feces) for a few days or up to 6 weeks. If another cat encounters an infected cat (or its body fluids) during this time, transmission is likely. However, FPV can also live in the environment (such as contaminated bedding and other items) for a very long time, so contact with contaminated objects can also spread the infection. Rabies is most commonly transmitted through contact with saliva from an infected animal. The most common means of contact with saliva is through bite wounds. Cats that go outside, fight with other cats, or encounter wild animals are at increased risk for exposure to rabies.

Signs of Feline Distemper and Rabies


  • Fever
  • Vomiting
  • Lethargy (tiredness)
  • Dehydration
  • Diarrhea



  • Early signs: Fever, acting nervous or agitated, hiding
  • Later signs: Aggression, increased agitation, erratic behavior
  • End stage: Muscle weakness and paralysis, coma, death


Diagnosis and Treatment

Sophisticated testing of blood and body fluids can be used to diagnose FPV, but many veterinarians make the diagnosis based on clinical signs and the presence of a severely low white blood cell count. Treatment is mainly supportive, consisting of administering fluids to prevent dehydration, antibiotics to treat infections, and other medications to help control vomiting and other clinical signs.

Unfortunately, no diagnostic tests are considered accurate enough to confirm rabies in a living animal. The confirmation tests are generally performed by examining and testing the brain after the animal has died or been euthanized. Additionally, there are no effective treatments for rabies in animals. Because of the high fatality rate associated with rabies infection, the best way to protect your cat is to minimize exposure to animals that may transmit the infection and keep your cat’s rabies vaccination up to date.

Vaccination and Prevention

Several available vaccines are indicated for preventing disease associated with FPV and rabies. Most of the available FPV vaccines are combination vaccines that also protect against feline herpesvirus and calicivirus. Available rabies vaccines may protect against rabies only or may be combination formulations that protect against other feline viruses. All of the available FPV and rabies vaccines have been tested and found to be safe and effective when administered as directed.

Kittens are generally vaccinated against FPV around eight to nine weeks of age. A booster vaccination is given three to four weeks later, followed by boosters every one to three years (depending on exposure risk).


The FPV and rabies vaccinations are recommended for all cats. Some municipalities have regulations mandating that cats receive vaccinations against rabies; vaccination against FPV is not required by law but is highly recommended for medical reasons.

Cats that go outside, live with other cats, or visit grooming or boarding facilities are at greater risk for exposure to FPV compared with cats that stay indoors and have limited contact with other cats. Similarly, cats that go outside, where they can encounter stray or wild animals, are at greater risk for exposure to rabies. Ask your veterinarian about the recommended protocol for protecting your cat from these infectious diseases.

Feline distemper is highly contagious among cats. Although FPV can be killed in the environment by cleaning with a dilute bleach solution, the virus can live on surfaces for up to 2 years and is resistant to many other cleaning products and disinfectants. Be sure to wash your hands and change clothes after handling an infected cat. Similarly, bowls, blankets, towels, toys, litterboxes, and other items should be cleaned with bleach (if possible) to reduce the risk of further disease spread. Keeping sick cats separated from healthy cats can also reduce the likelihood of transmission.


Feline distemper is not considered contagious to humans. In contrast, rabies is contagious to any warm-blooded animal—including humans. If your cat is known or suspected to have either of these diseases, contact your veterinarian promptly. It is also important to discuss how you can protect your other pets and family members.

This article has been reviewed by a Veterinarian.

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