Deadly Disease Killing Lakewood Kittens, Cats

LAKEWOOD, OH — Feline panleukopenia (FP), a viral disease that spreads among cats, has been hitting some Cleveland suburbs. The disease has killed six cats so far, according to the Citizens Committee for the Lakewood Animal Shelter (CCLAS). Thirteen cats have been brought in with the disease.

"The best thing people can do to protect their cats is to get them vaccinated. Kittens are especially susceptible to this virus. Kittens need their vaccinations and follow-up booster shots," a spokesperson for CCLAS said in an email.

Feline panluekopenia causes a reduction in white blood cells, making cats more vulnerable to other diseases and illnesses. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, healthy cats have several thousand white blood cells per milliliter of blood. Cats with FP can see that number drop to just a few hundred white blood cells per milliliter of blood. (To stay up to date on these stories, subscribe to the Patch Lakewood newsletter. As news breaks and the story develops, you will be the first to receive updates from Patch.)

The disease primarily targets kittens, commonly causing fever, vomiting, diarrhea and seizures. A member of the Citizens Committee said the disease is usually fatal in unvaccinated kittens. The Lakewood Animal Shelter has done a thorough cleaning of all cat cages and cat areas in the facility since the outbreak started. The CCLAS is also asking residents to keep cats indoors and to get pets spayed and neutered.

The first case in Greater Cleveland's most recent outbreak was apparently recorded Sept. 11 at the Tremont Animal Clinic. Since then, Lakewood Animal Shelter has been dealing with an influx of infected kittens. The hospital briefly had to stop accepting cats for treatment. Intake has since re-opened.

The Lakewood Animal Shelter has been home to at least one of the fatal cases of FP, according to the shelter's GoFundMe page. The facility took in a pair of kittens suffering from the disease. One of the pair did not survive.

"Caught early and with aggressive treatment, some of these kitties are strong and are surviving this horrible illness," the shelter said on its fundraising page.

In mid-October, the shelter said its expenses for treating affected kittens was $2,879 and climbing. The Lakewood Animal Shelter is now asking residents to donate for the treatment of these animals.

To donate to the Lakewood Animal Shelter, click here.

Sandstone Animal Hospital, in Berea, noted that FP can be spread through a cat's bodily fluids. It has also been reported that fleas that attach themselves to infected cats can transport the disease. Treatment will include a dose of antibiotics, along with an IV for fluids.

The hospital says the disease does not usually have a happy ending, with many animals dying from a secondary infection. Learn more about the disease and how it can be treated by clicking here.

The Tremont Animal Clinic did not respond to Patch's request for comment.

Photo from GoFundMe