Shelter reports parvovirus outbreak; cat intake paused until January

Shelter staff reported a contagious disease outbreak among cats that killed 11 kittens and one adult animal, and said the facility will not accept or release cats until Jan. 1 to prevent further spread.

Kristen, the staff member who delivered the report, said the shelter recorded 35 cat intakes this month — six surrendered, 17 picked up as strays and seven abandoned at the facility — and that eight cats are on hold and three are in foster care. "We lost 11 kittens and 1 adult cat to it," Kristen said, describing the illness as similar to parvovirus and noting many affected kittens were too young to be vaccinated.

The shelter also outlined finances and fundraising. Staff reported $2,834 in donations listed on the financial packet (including proceeds from a metals drive), about $1,000 so far in GoFundMe receipts and two additional checks totaling $1,500 expected to be added. Staff said some sizable in-kind donations arrived through an Amazon wish list; one donor sent roughly $500 worth of supplies.

Staff described recent transfers and rescues: 11 cats were transferred to outside rescue groups, including seven abandoned animals taken in by a partner rescue, and several dogs were moved to Friends Forever and other rescues. One dog was reclaimed by its owner; others remain in care.

Shelter staff said they are treating remaining animals, have isolated affected groups, and have paused all cat intake and adoptions until Jan. 1 "just to make sure that we're not sending anything sick," Kristen said. The report noted ongoing expenses for medication, veterinary care and fuel for transport, and urged continuity of community donations and volunteer support.

Next steps: Staff will continue treatment and monitoring, update the committee as conditions change, and pursue agreements with nearby municipalities to clarify transfer and housing protocols for strays.