Feline infectious enteritis: symptoms, treatment, and prevention

Learn about symptoms, treatment, and prevention measures of feline infectious enteritis, a highly contagious viral disease that affects cats.

Photo of a cat receiving check-up for parvovirus (also known as parvo or feline distemper) symptoms at veterinary clinic

Overview

Feline infectious enteritis (FIE) - also known as feline panleukopenia, feline distemper, or feline parvovirus - is a highly contagious viral disease that causes severe diarrhoea and vomiting in cats. It is mainly spread through direct contact with infected poo, but can also survive on clothes, bedding and food bowls. It is sometimes called feline distemper, and vaccination is the best way to prevent your cat from getting the infection.

Brief summary

Feline panleukopenia is a viral disease that mainly affects unvaccinated kittens and cats
It is caused by the feline parvovirus
Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration and lethargy
The virus can be prevented with your cat’s complete course of vaccinations

What are the signs and symptoms of parvovirus in cats?

What cats are vulnerable to feline panleukopenia?

How is feline infectious enteritis diagnosed?

What are the long-term effects of feline panleukopenia?

Feline infectious enteritis prevention

Medically reviewed by Lizzie Youens BSc(Hons) BVSc MRCVS

Published on 04/04/2023 • Reviewed on 20/01/2025