Distemper is a common and often fatal viral disease that affects both dogs and cats. In cats, the virus is known as feline distemper, whereas in dogs, it’s called canine distemper. Both viruses belong to the same family, and they share some similarities in terms of symptoms and transmission. Unfortunately, distemper is a zoonotic disease, which means it can be transmitted from animals to humans, and vice versa. In this article, we’ll explore the topic of whether humans can contract distemper from cats and what you can do to prevent this disease from spreading.
Understanding Feline Distemper
Feline distemper, also known as feline panleukopenia, is a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease that affects cats of all ages. The virus is present in an infected cat’s saliva, feces, urine, and blood, and it can survive in the environment for several months. The symptoms of feline distemper can vary depending on the severity of the infection, but they often include:
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- High fever
- Lethargy
- Depression
Feline distemper can be easily transmitted from cat to cat through direct contact with an infected cat’s bodily fluids or contaminated objects such as food bowls, litter boxes, and toys. Kittens and young cats are particularly susceptible to this disease, and they have a higher mortality rate than adult cats. However, with proper treatment and supportive care, many cats can recover from feline distemper.
Can Humans Get Distemper from Cats?
Distemper is a zoonotic disease, which means it can be transmitted from animals to humans, and vice versa. However, the good news is that humans cannot contract feline distemper from cats. The reason for this is that the feline distemper virus is not adapted to infect humans. Instead, humans can contract a different type of distemper virus that affects dogs, known as canine distemper.
What is Canine Distemper?
Canine distemper is a viral disease that affects dogs of all ages. It’s caused by the canine distemper virus, which belongs to the same family as the feline distemper virus. The symptoms of canine distemper can vary depending on the severity of the infection, but they often include:
- Fever
- Nasal discharge
- Coughing
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Seizures
- Paralysis
Canine distemper is highly contagious and can be transmitted from dog to dog through direct contact with an infected dog’s bodily fluids or contaminated objects. Humans can contract canine distemper through contact with an infected dog’s saliva or respiratory secretions. However, this is rare, and there are only a few documented cases of humans contracting canine distemper.
Preventing the Spread of Distemper
The best way to prevent the spread of distemper is to vaccinate your pets against the virus. Both dogs and cats can be vaccinated against distemper, and it’s an essential part of their routine health care. Additionally, you should practice good hygiene and sanitation habits to reduce the risk of disease transmission. This includes:
- Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling animals
- Disinfecting surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with bodily fluids
- Keeping sick animals isolated from healthy animals
- Limiting contact between animals in high-risk areas such as animal shelters and kennels
Conclusion
Distemper is a serious viral disease that affects both dogs and cats. While humans cannot contract feline distemper from cats, they can contract canine distemper from infected dogs. It’s important to take steps to prevent the spread of distemper by vaccinating your pets, practicing good hygiene and sanitation habits, and limiting contact between animals in high-risk areas.
FAQs
Can humans get feline distemper from cats?
No, humans cannot contract feline distemper from cats. The virus is not adapted to infect humans.
Can humans get distemper from dogs?
Yes, humans can contract canine distemper from infected dogs. However, this is rare, and there are only a few documented cases of humans contracting canine distemper.
How can I prevent the spread of distemper?
The best way to prevent the spread of distemper is to vaccinate your pets against the virus, practice good hygiene and sanitation habits, and limit contact between animals in high-risk areas.
What are the symptoms of feline distemper?
The symptoms of feline distemper can vary depending on the severity of the infection, but they often include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, high fever, lethargy, and depression.
What are the symptoms of canine distemper?
The symptoms of canine distemper can vary depending on the severity of the infection, but they often include fever, nasal discharge, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and paralysis.
Can distemper be cured?
There is no cure for distemper, but treatment can help manage the symptoms and support the animal’s recovery. It’s important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible if you suspect your pet has distemper.
Is distemper contagious?
Yes, distemper is highly contagious and can be easily transmitted from animal to animal through direct contact with bodily fluids or contaminated objects.
Can distemper be prevented?
Yes, distemper can be prevented through vaccination and practicing good hygiene and sanitation habits.
Can I adopt a cat with distemper?
It’s not recommended to adopt a cat with distemper as the infection is highly contagious and can be fatal. If you’re interested in adopting a cat, make sure to choose a healthy and vaccinated animal from a reputable source.
Do all cats need to be vaccinated against distemper?
Yes, all cats should be vaccinated against distemper as part of their routine health care. Vaccination is essential to prevent the spread of the virus and protect your cat’s health.
Is distemper more common in dogs or cats?
Distemper is more common in dogs than cats, but both species can be affected by the virus.
How often do cats need to be vaccinated against distemper?
Cats typically receive their first distemper vaccine as a kitten, followed by booster shots every 1-3 years depending on the vaccine used and the cat’s age and health status.
What should I do if I think my cat has distemper?
If you suspect your cat has distemper, it’s important to seek veterinary care immediately. Your veterinarian can perform diagnostic tests and recommend appropriate treatment to help manage the symptoms and support your cat’s recovery.
Can older cats get distemper?
Yes, cats of all ages can get distemper, although kittens and young cats are more susceptible to the disease.
Is distemper fatal?
Distemper can be fatal if left untreated, especially in kittens and young cats. However, with prompt veterinary care and supportive treatment, many cats can recover from the disease.
Can humans transmit distemper to animals?
It’s possible for humans to transmit distemper to animals, although this is rare. Humans can act as carriers of the virus and transmit it to animals through direct contact with bodily fluids. If you’ve been in contact with an infected animal, it’s important to wash your hands thoroughly and practice good hygiene to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus.
References
1. “Feline Distemper (Panleukopenia).” Cornell Feline Health Center, Cornell University, 29 Apr. 2019, vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-panleukopenia/.
2. “Canine Distemper.” American Veterinary Medical Association, 15 Sept. 2020, avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/canine-distemper.
3. “Canine Distemper Virus.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 23 Apr. 2020, cdc.gov/distemper/index.html.