Caroline County Sees Rise in Feline Distemper Cases

Caroline County, MD - Cat owners in Caroline County are being asked to keep a close eye on their pets. The Caroline County Sheriff's Office Animal Control Unit says more cases of Feline Panleukopenia (FPV) are being reported across the county.

FPV goes by a few other names, including feline distemper and feline parvovirus. It's a virus that passes very easily from one cat to another, and it can be deadly.

Kittens and cats that haven't had their shots face the most risk. Animal Control says the disease can move through an area fast, and young kittens are in the most danger of dying from it.

Animal Control is urging all cat owners to take steps now to protect their pets. That goes double for anyone whose cats spend time outside.

The first step is getting your cat vaccinated. Animal Control says the vaccine is the most effective way to prevent FPV, so check with your vet to make sure your cat is up to date.

Keeping cats indoors helps too. The less time your cat spends outside, the less likely it is to come across a sick animal or an area where the virus is present. This is even more true for cats that haven't been vaccinated yet.

You can also help by keeping your cats away from strays and any cats you don't know. Animal Control asks that animals that aren't familiar with each other don't share food bowls or other items.

It's a good idea to know the warning signs. A cat with FPV may vomit, have diarrhea, stop eating, run a fever, or seem extremely tired and weak. If your cat shows any of these signs, call your veterinarian right away.

Animal Control says taking these steps now can help keep your own pets safe. It can also help slow the spread of FPV throughout Caroline County.