08/27/2026
‼️BEHIND THE SCENES - EMERGENCY INTAKE
On Tuesday afternoon, our cat center manager was contacted about a mama cat and some very emaciated kittens found on the east side of Erie. With no where else for them to go and in need of immediate help, we prepared a space in our isolation room.
Upon arrival it was apparent that we needed to start running some tests right away to find the cause of their condition. Unfortunately, the answer was Feline Panleukopenia.
❓WHAT IS PANLEUKOPENIA?
Often shortened to Panleuk, this can sometimes be referred to as Feline Distemper or Feline Parvo. This is a highly contagious and often deadly viral illness. Kittens with panleuk are in grave danger and even with care often don't survive. There is no cure or treatment for the virus itself. All we can do is provide intensive supportive care such as subcutaneus fluids and nutrition support along with treatment for any symptoms like fever, nausea, and diarrhea.
🩺TIME TO GEAR UP!
Because of the highly contagious nature of this virus, any staff members or volunteers working with these kittens must wear protective gowns and gloves. All items that the kittens come in contact with must either be disposible or able to be effectively cleaned with bleach or Rescue cleaner. This virus can live up to a year on uncleaned surfaces.
⁉️HOW CAN THIS BE PREVENTED?
Spay and neuter your pets and any outdoor community cats in your area. This prevents litters of kittens from being born outside where they are more likely to contract the virus. And vaccinate! All cats and kittens should recieve the full FVRCP series of vaccines and all recommended boosters. This vaccine is highly effective at preventing the contraction of this virus.
All Cats and Kittens adopted from Because You Care have recieved all recommended vaccinations so they are as protected as possible from this and other deadly illnesses.
