06/20/2026
Are your cats up to date on vaccines? Help prevent a deadly disease outbreak in Prince George!
This is Pluto, a kitten with Cerebellar Hypoplasia (CH). Normally, we see 1-2 cases per year, and it was exceptionally rare in our area even 5 years ago. In 2026 we will have already had 8 cats with CH. When a pregnant queen contracts Panleukopenia, fetal brain development is effected. The balance center of the brain is underdeveloped, resulting in the birth of kittens who have trouble with moment, balance and coordination. It can be mild, with just a little wobble to their gait, or severe, with cats only able to lay on their side and flail their legs around. Pluto is somewhere in the middle and kittens like him extremely specialized homes and intensive daily care in order to have a good life. (Pluto has been transferred to a specialized rescue and is not available for adoption.)
Panleukopenia is part of the core vaccines cats receive starting at 8 weeks old. It is spread through bodily fluids such as urine, f***s, vomit or nasal discharge.
What this increase in CH cats tells us is that there is currently a spike in Panleuk in our stray and outdoor roaming populations. Panleuk is often called ‘Feline Parvovirus’ because it causes the same symptoms as Canine Parvo and is also routinely is fatal to young and unvaccinated animals.
The vaccine is extremely effective at reducing symptoms from deadly to mild stomach upset, and it assists in protecting your pet within hours of being given.
VACCINES WORK. If you have cats, especially free roaming cats or kittens, PLEASE ensure that they are up to date on vaccines and help prevent an outbreak of this deadly disease in Prince George.
You can keep your cats and other cats in your community safe by:
Preventing your cat from free-roaming. Provide outdoor access safely in a catio or by harness training them.
Vaccinate!
Spaying and neutering.
The BCSPCA Spay and Neuter clinic is an affordable and accessible option for both vaccines and spaying and neutering. If you are a cat owner please do your part to prevent the spread of this deadly disease!