Petworks pauses cat adoptions, intake after positive feline distemper test results

KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) — Petworks Animal Services in Kingsport said cat adoptions and intakes at its facility have been paused for at least 14 days after a mother cat and her kittens tested positive for panleukopenia, otherwise known as feline distemper.

According to a post by the shelter, a mother and her kittens that recently came into the nursery started showing signs of illness. The post said that they tested positive for panleukopenia (FPV).

Petworks said that staff feels the contagious virus is contained to the nursery and to only those currently-affected cats. The shelter said it doesn’t want to risk infecting any more cats, and has paused all feline intakes and adoptions for 14 days as a safety precaution.

The post said Petworks staff will do a deep clean during these two weeks and continue monitoring all cats’ health. The shelter added this does not affect dogs that are up for adoption.

Petworks recommended anyone that has recently adopted a cat form its facility to monitor its health and take it to a vet “quickly” if it begins showing signs of illness.

Those with appointments to surrender or adopt a cat or kitten within 14 days should contact Petworks to reschedule, according to the post.

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