Collier animal shelter temporarily suspends cat intake due to rise in FPV cases

Writer: Carolina Guzman
Published: Updated:

Collier County Domestic Animal Services (DAS) is suspending stray, community and owner-surrender cat intake due to a rise in feline panleukopenia (FPV) cases in the area.

According to DAS, this is a precautionary measure.

Humane Society Naples (HSN) sent WINK News a statement saying they support DAS’ decision, describing the measure as “proactive,” noting that the move keeps cats in their care safe and healthy.

“While HSN has not closed intake, we are currently at capacity for cats affected by or exposed to FPV,” said Rebecca Thompson, Director of Development at HSN. “Our leadership team is actively working with the county and the community to identify other possible solutions. Community involvement through adoption and fostering can help create space in local shelters, enabling us to offer ongoing assistance to animals requiring help.”

FPV is also known as feline distemper.

Symptoms, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, can include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Fever
  • Depression/lethargy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dehydration (may appear as sunken eyes or dry gums)
  • Painful belly

FPV is a highly contagious virus that affects only cats and poses no threat to humans or other animal species.

However, this potentially fatal disease can spread quickly among unvaccinated or immunocompromised felines.

While cat intake is suspended at DAS, the organization emphasizes that it still has healthy, vaccinated cats available for adoption.

There are also other animal shelters in Collier County, including cat-focused ones, that residents can reach out to.

Below you will find a select list with links to these non-profit shelters:

We have reached out to see if either shelter also have policies on cat intake with this FPV outbreak in the area.

To view cats available at DAS, click here. There are currently no adoption fees through September.

Click through the following links to see the cats available for adoption or or apply to foster an animal at HSN.

Stay tuned to WINKNews.com, WINK News App, streaming, and on-air for any new developments on this story. 

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