Distemper Tips

Our visitors often ask questions about cat health and if a newly acquired stray cat could be ill or make other pets ill.

Visitor Distemper Questions

After Distemper Wait a Year

Hello! We bought a kitten that we had to put down within five days because it had distemper. It was a horrible experience. We have been given the opportunity to have another kitten that will have had its second shot on the day we bring him home. I have bleached the dishes and the litter box with more than the recommended suggestion of bleach for at least an hour. I am a little anxious about bringing home the new kitten. I can't go through that heartbreak again. Do you think this new kitten will be okay? He is about six months old and has been living outside. I need some advice. I have heard conflicting stories from various vets I have called.

Thanks

~~Lisa G.

Expert Reply

Lisa, I am so sorry to hear about your kitten. It doesn't take long before those tiny creatures work their way into our hearts, and there is nothing worse than having to make the choice to put your pet down, especially if you have children who are also grief stricken. My parents had a little Siamese kitten years ago that died in the same way. It was absolutely heart wrenching, because there is little you can do for them once they catch this deadly disease.

Distemper in cats is highly contagious and most often fatal. Because of that, many veterinarians recommend that owners wait a year before introducing a new cat into a home where an animal has had distemper. A solution of bleach and water does usually kill the virus, but the disease is also commonly spread through bedding, contact with feces and food dishes. A human cannot catch distemper, but if you come into contact with the virus and then pet the kitten, he can catch it from you. You should throw away all bedding, litter boxes, dishes or any other items used by the sick kitten. Even after throwing everything out, there are going to be areas the kitten roamed that you haven't thought about; that is why many recommend waiting so long.

You should follow up with information from your personal veterinarian. He/she is more familiar with the situation and can offer additional advice. Weigh your options, and make the best decision for your family and your future pet.

~~Lori.

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