SPOKANE, Wash. – Spokane SCRAPS announced that several stray cats around Spokane have tested positive for feline panleukopenia, a contagious and potentially life-threatening disease.
According to SCRAPS, kittens are particularly susceptible to panleukopenia. In order to help reduce the spread of the ailment, owners should vaccinate their cats, especially if those pets are allowed outside.
“We quarantine panleuk positive cats and do supportive care on site. While panleuk has a high mortality rate, we have a lot of success with our care plan and many kittens survive to adulthood,” SCRAPS said.
Signs that a cat is experiencing panleukopenia include vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy. If you encounter a stray cat, wash your hands to minimize the spread of the disease to other cats.
