THERE have been reports of more cats who have died because of the deadly virus, feline panleukopenia. The virus, also referred to as feline distemper is a highly contagious, often fatal, viral disease of cats.  The symptoms include bloody diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss and fever.

Northglen News can confirm four cats have tragically died from the virus at the feral cat colony on North Coast Road. However, some residents, say the numbers outside that colony far exceed that mark.

Redhill resident, Farrah Khan Maharajh, of local NPO, Feeding the Furballs said she is aware of a mass number of deaths as early as mid October.

“I am aware of a mass number of deaths of domestic, kittens in foster, and feral cats who have died because of the disease. We are not sure how the disease is spreading so fast. I can only speculate that people are handling sick animals and are unaware or not informed of the disease and are taking it home and infecting their own cats.

“My warning is not to touch cats you are not hundred per cent sure of healthwise. Make sure your cats are vaccinated. If you have had a cat die from pan, don’t adopt another animal because the virus can stay in an environment for 6 to 12 months.

Maharajh added, pet owners need to seek medical advice should their cats develop any symptoms.

“There are only precaution measures, if they are immune compromised, they can be more susceptible to the virus. Pet owners are urged to make sure their cat’s vaccinations are up to date. So far, we’ve only identified this colony as being affected,” she said.