Feline Distemper Closes TCHS Cat Room

(KNSI) – The Tri-County Humane Society is working to reopen its cat room after it was forced to close due to a potentially deadly disease.

A statement from the TCHS says a litter of kittens brought to the shelter tested positive for feline distemper. The illness is often fatal. TCHS closed the cat room on August 27th to prevent the possibility of spreading the sickness.

Executive Director Vicki Davis told KNSI News the staff reacted swiftly, “We, of course, saw it as soon as they broke out with it and quickly went to action by quarantining those that have been exposed and moving those who haven’t, and were vaccinated, off to another area. But I think we’re almost home free for opening up and only have a few on quarantine.”

Because feline distemper was in the shelter, TCHS has stopped taking cats, including strays.

She says they are about halfway through the quarantine. TCHS’s cat room hopes to reopen next week. Despite the need to close it, adoptions have been taking place. “People can still come in. We’re just asking that they don’t take them out, handle them, touch them, and then go on to the next one like they’ve been doing before. So we’re a little more restrictive in your interaction time with the cats, but there are many that are up for adoption.”

Those who were up to date on vaccinations and not exposed are green-lighted for adoption.

See all the cats currently available for adoption by clicking here or calling 320-252-0896.

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