Animal Shelter Cats Quarantined Due to Virus

An outbreak among cats at the Prince William County Animal Shelter has caused the site to temporarily stop cat adoptions and surrenders for up to three weeks.

The Calicivirus is not contractible by humans or dogs, but highly contagious for cats. It can cause pneumonia, severe painful oral ulceration and in some cases painful arthritis, according to the shelter.

Since Calici is a virus, there is no specific treatment. It can spread in a cat’s excretions, urine, and feces, according to the shelter. It can also be spread through contact with bedding, food dishes, as well as the hands, clothing, and shoes of people who have handled infected animals.

Check the Animal Shelter website for further announcements regarding the quarantine.

When to Contact Your Vet

According to the shelter, typical symptoms of an upper respiratory infection involve the nose and throat, causing symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, conjunctivitis (inflammation of the membranes lining the eyelids), and discharges from the nose or eyes. The discharges may be clear or may become purulent (containing pus).

Contact your veterinarian if your cats are displaying signs of possible calicivirus.