Spread through Secretions
If a cat inhales or ingests any secretion of an infected cat, he will get the virus. Raccoons may be carriers of the virus also.
The parvovirus is a sturdy virus and may continue to exist in an environment for over a year, spreading the virus. The virus is resistant to many cleaners and disinfectants.
However, a cat that has already had feline distemper is immune to the virus for life.
From Mother to Kitten
An unborn kitten can get the cat distemper from an infected mother while in her uterus. The virus may cause brain damage and the kitten may often die.
Cat distemper can be a severe condition for kittens and cats with poor immune system. To prevent the transmission to other cats a vaccine should be administrated.