Our animal control officers and shelter staff are seeing unprecedented numbers of very sick cats and kittens being brought to our facility by members of the community. Please be aware of what types of medical conditions are being spread amongst outdoor cats throughout the communities we serve, and what you should do to help protect the health and safety of cats.
We believe the influx is a result of unhoused cat populations exploding throughout our county. These cats are not being vaccinated, spayed/neutered, or receiving standard veterinary care. Well-meaning individuals are bringing us stray or feral cats that are suffering from a variety of conditions including panleuk (feline parvo), giardia, coccidia, upper respiratory infections, FELV/FIV, and ringworm. Some of these are life-threatening viruses. Many of these viruses can have an incubation period of 10+ days, so it is extremely important that infected cats and kittens (symptomatic or non-symptomatic) do not come into shelters, facilities, homes, or outdoor environments to prevent the spread of the viruses. We have currently suspended all adoptions and intakes of cats to reduce the spread to or from our facility.
Here is how you can help. It is critical that you have your cat vaccinated and that you limit their contact with other cats. If you find a cat or kittens that you believe is sick, please contact your local animal control or a veterinary office prior to transporting the animal to a facility; in Metro Animal Service’s area please call 253-299-PETS. Then, do your best to describe what you are observing to include symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, lethargy, hair loss, coughing, sneezing, runny nose or runny eyes. Be certain to thoroughly disinfect anything that came into contact with a potentially infected cat or kitten, including crates, bowls/dishes, and bedding.
We understand that there are many cats that are allowed to wander from house to house as the “neighborhood pet” or “community cat.” If this is happening in your neighborhood and you are concerned about the health and safety of that cat, it is important that you and your neighbors collectively take steps to protect it. Please designate the following: Who is responsible for providing the cat with access to clean drinking water and health food for the cat? Who provides warm, safe shelter for the cat? Who is responsible for getting that cat spayed/neutered? Who is making sure that the cat receives vaccinations and regular veterinary care?
Vaccinations, spay/neuter, access to clean water and nutritious food, and safe housing are how we protect the health of our community’s cat population, both those living outdoors and those in our homes. It is the right thing to do for your cat. Meanwhile, at the shelter, we will follow all proper safety precautions to halt the spread of these diseases and let you know when we can resume normal operations for cat intakes and adoptions. We look forward to being able to provide healthy cats and kittens to loving homes as soon as safely possible.
