Short answer
Yes, an indoor cat can get feline distemper, although the risk is lower than for cats that roam outside. The virus is very hardy and can be carried into a home on objects and people, so being indoors does not guarantee protection. Vaccination is the main way to reduce the risk. Your vet can advise on the right vaccine plan for your cat.
What feline distemper is
Feline distemper is the common name for feline panleukopenia, caused by feline panleukopenia virus (FPV). It is a serious and sometimes life-threatening disease, especially in kittens. It attacks fast-dividing cells, including those in the gut and the bone marrow. Despite the name, it is a different illness from the sneezing and eye discharge of a cat cold, though both are covered by the same combination vaccine.
How an indoor cat can be exposed
The virus can survive in the environment for a long time, possibly months, and is not killed by many common cleaners. It may reach an indoor cat through:
- Shoes, clothing and hands after contact with other cats or contaminated places
- New cats, fostered cats or kittens brought into the home
- Shared items such as bedding, bowls and carriers
- Other pets that go outside
Visitors with cats of their own can also carry it in unknowingly.
Signs to watch for
Signs can include fever, low appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, tiredness and hiding. Very young kittens can become very ill quickly; for vomiting in young kittens, see kitten throwing up yellow liquid. Any cat with these signs needs prompt veterinary care, and a sick cat should be kept away from other cats. Because signs are mostly digestive and general, distemper is not typically a respiratory disease, but a sick kitten with coughing or breathing trouble should be seen too (see kitten coughing).
Vaccination for indoor cats
The FVRCP vaccine is generally considered a core vaccine for cats. It protects against feline panleukopenia as well as feline viral rhinotracheitis (herpesvirus) and calicivirus. Kittens usually get a series of shots, with boosters later. The exact schedule depends on your cat’s age, health and history, so follow your vet’s advice. Indoor cats can still need vaccines because of the exposure routes above and because they sometimes escape, move, board or need hospital care.
Feline vs canine distemper
Canine distemper is caused by a different virus. Dogs do not catch feline distemper from cats, and cats are not typically affected by the dog virus in the same way. A dog that goes outside could, however, carry feline virus particles into the home on its coat or paws.
Can humans get sick from it?
Feline panleukopenia virus is not thought to infect people. People can, however, carry the virus on shoes and clothing, so hygiene still matters when you handle a sick or newly adopted cat.
Reducing risk at home
- Keep vaccinations up to date as your vet recommends
- Quarantine new cats and get them checked before introducing them
- Remove shoes or wash hands after contact with other animals
- Ask your vet which disinfectants are effective if a case occurred in the home
- Keep unvaccinated kittens away from places where unfamiliar cats have been
Frequently asked questions
Do indoor cats need vaccines? Most vets recommend core vaccines, including FVRCP, for indoor cats too. Your vet can tailor the plan.
What is the feline distemper vaccination? It is usually the FVRCP vaccine, which covers panleukopenia, herpesvirus and calicivirus.
Can humans get sick from feline distemper? It is not believed to infect people, but people can spread it on belongings.
What are the common signs of canine distemper? That is a different disease. If you are worried about a dog, ask a vet.