Feline Panleukopenia (Cat Distemper) at Pet Hotels

Panleukopenia is the most serious disease risk in cat group housing.

What is Panleukopenia?

  • Highly contagious feline parvovirus
  • Mortality rate up to 90% in unvaccinated cats
  • Can survive in environment for years (resistant to most disinfectants)
  • Spread through bodily fluids, contaminated surfaces

Vaccination (FVRCP) is Essential

The "3-in-1" cat vaccine protects against:

  • Feline herpesvirus (upper respiratory)
  • Viral rhinotracheitis (respiratory)
  • Calicivirus (respiratory + mouth ulcers)
  • Panleukopenia (feline distemper)

Every cat in a pet hotel MUST be vaccinated.

What Good Cat Hotels Do

Admission Requirements

  • FVRCP proof within last 1-3 years
  • Rabies certificate
  • No obvious illness at check-in

Cleaning Protocol

  • Parvo-effective disinfectant (bleach or specific products)
  • Deep clean between every guest
  • Individual litter boxes (never shared)

Red Flags

  • No vaccination requirement
  • Shared litter boxes
  • No isolation area for sick cats
  • Poor ventilation (respiratory viruses spread airborne)

Questions to Ask Cat Hotels

  1. What vaccinations do you require?
  2. How do you disinfect between guests?
  3. Do all cats have individual litter boxes?
  4. What is your isolation protocol?