My kitten died from distemper. How to prepare home for a new cat?

If Barney has already been infected with parvovirus (typically called panleukopenia in cats) by your unvaccinated kitten, then there's no need to separate them at this point. However, if you have any other cats in your home, then Barney and the unvaccinated kitten should be strictly isolated from the other cats. If you have other cats in your home, disinfecting with diluted bleach daily is important to prevent further spread. If you do not have other cats, then it's reasonable to wait until both kittens have recovered before thoroughly disinfecting with bleach. With a parvovirus, reinfection is not typically an issue, as it can be with other viruses. If either kitten becomes lethargic, experiences vomiting and/or diarrhea, refuses to eat, or develops any neurologic changes, they should be examined by your vet right away. I've attached a few links below for further reading. I hope that Barney and his friend both make speedy recoveries! https://www.petcoach.co/cat/condition/panleukopenia/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/panleukopenia-feline-distemper-in-cats-kittens/

Hello and thank you for your question on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Good question! A wide variety of disinfects will deactivate the common viruses repressible for upper respiratory illness in cats as will steam cleaning. Lysol or clorox products or a diluted bleach solution can do the trick. I hope this helps and best of luck

Feline distemper can last years in the envirom=nment. In order for your cats to be as safe as they can be, they need to complete their series of vaccinations. Since they are adults, that means they need two vaccinations given 3-4 weeks apart for maximum immunity benefits. I would get them both vaccinated again, then repeat it in 3-4 weeks, THEN I might consider letting them back into your bedroom, as long as everything possible inside it has been disinfected with a 1:32 solution of household bleach and water.

There is a vaccine for the coronavirus that causes FIP (feline infectious peritonitis), however it is rarely used due to its ineffectiveness. Core vaccines for kittens and cats include FVRCP (rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia) and Rabies. Lifestyle vaccines, given based on risk of exposure, include FeLV (feline leukemia) and Bordatella. Vaccines are started at 8 weeks of age and boosted every 4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. You can sanitize hard, non porous surfaces in your home with a 1:32 dilution of household bleach and water. Allow for a 15 minute wet contact time. Discard anything that cannot be sanitized. Wash all bedding in the hottest water allowable by fabric. The feline coronavirus can survive in the environment for 7-8 weeks in optimal conditions. Have any kitten purchased or adopted physically examined by your veterinarian to confirm good health or to diagnose and treat any pre-existing conditions.

Hello. You can never go wrong with dilute bleach. One (1) part bleach to nine (9) parts water is effective for just about all viruses & bacteria. Wipe the entire cage down with the dilute bleach, let things sit for about 5-10 minutes & then just wipe dry. No need to rinse. Either replace the litter box with a new one or soak it in the bleach water along with all bowls & dishes. The dishes should be rinsed with water before drying. New bedding will kept your kitten healthy & safe. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I am sorry for your loss. Everyone deals with this type of loss differently. Here are some articles that may be helpful: https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/pet-loss.aspx https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/coping-death-your-pet http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/7-ways-to-cope-with-the-loss-of-a-pet 1:32 dilute bleach will kill parvovirus, but it is unlikely that you will be able to disinfect everywhere that Chico was during the last couple of months (think couches, carpets, rugs, etc). Since it can stay infective in the environment for many months, I would recommend not getting a young puppy for at least 6 months. If you do decide to get another dog, an older one that has been previously vaccinated or a puppy that is older than 4 months old and has already had 3 rounds of vaccines should be safe. Distemper does not last long in the environment.

I'm am sorry for your loss. Wait at least 1 month. Vacuum and clean as thoroughly as you can. Hard, non porous surfaces (and bowls, toys, etc.) can be washed in hot, soapy water or the dishwasher. Rinse in a 1:32 dilution of bleach. Any toys or bedding that cannot be sanitized, should be thrown out. Normal exposure to air and sunlight will usually kill the FIP virus in the environment within 2 weeks.