The Humane Society of Indianapolis, which was forced to suspend its intake of kittens in late December because of several felines that tested positive for feline distemper, has started accepting them again. The shelter started accepting kittens again as of Jan. 10, 2007.
“There has been a greater than expected number of cases of feline panleukopenia, or feline distemper, in recent weeks. This disease is highly contagious and can be fatal, so vaccinations are important to keep the disease under control in the community,” said Martha Boden, humane society CEO.
Younger cats are more susceptible to feline distemper than adults. Symptoms include lethargy, diarrhea and vomiting. The disease, which can kill within hours, cannot be transmitted to dogs or humans.
During the kitten intake suspension, the Indianapolis Humane Society didn’t experience any new cases of the disease, it says, but Boden advises owners to make sure their cats are vaccinated against
the sickness.