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In the past 12 months, we have experienced three confirmed cases of panleukopenia at the Athens County Humane Society. Unfortunately, this is likely only a small fraction of the cases that have occurred throughout our community.
You may remember Raven and Dusk, adoptable siblings we cared for last summer. They were our first case of 2025. Earlier this year, Evelyn came to us and tested positive as well. This sweet girl arrived with four kittens (currently adoptable), and thankfully none of them ultimately developed symptoms. Evelyn underwent hospitalization and supportive care and has since made a full recovery.
Not long afterward, Heather Norman from the Athens County Dog Shelter and an ACHS foster contacted us about a litter of kittens found on a train in Nelsonville. Ryan Hurd transported them to us, and we quickly realized they were very sick. This became our third case.
| In all three situations, we were able to provide the supportive care needed, with very few casualties. For that, we are incredibly grateful. Our volunteers also did an amazing job maintaining strict hygiene and isolation procedures, preventing the spread of this terrible disease to the other animals in our care. | |
"Feline distemper, also known as feline panleukopenia, is a very contagious, life-threatening infectious disease of cats.
It commonly swoops through a group of cats, especially kittens, leaving a trail of death behind it."
—From “Distemper (Panleukopenia) in Cats” by Wendy Brooks, DVM, DABVP, featured in the Athens Veterinary Clinic Pet Library
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Important facts about panleukopenia:
- The virus can survive in the environment for approximately one year and is resistant to many common cleaners. The most effective disinfectant is a bleach solution of 1 part bleach to 32 parts water, used to thoroughly soak contaminated surfaces.
- Feline panleukopenia is a parvovirus similar to the one seen in dogs. However, one major difference is that panleukopenia is even harder to eliminate from the environment.
- Cats recovering from panleukopenia can continue shedding the virus for up to six weeks after symptoms disappear and should remain isolated during that time.
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The mortality rate for infected cats – especially kittens – can be as high as 90%.
The good news is that the vaccine for panleukopenia is included in the core yearly FVRCP vaccine, and it is extremely effective.
This is one of the many reasons we encourage all fosters, volunteers, and pet owners to keep their animals current on vaccinations. Staying up to date not only protects your own pets, but also helps protect every foster animal that may come into your care.
For more information about feline panleukopenia, including symptoms, treatment, and prevention, please visit the Athens Veterinary Clinic Pet Library article “Distemper (Panleukopenia) in Cats” by Wendy Brooks, DVM, DABVP.
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Nala in Swahili means "Gift," and this beautiful one-year-old marmalade tabby lives up to her name. Nala was rescued on a cold February day when she was days away from giving birth. On Feb. 9, two adorable kittens were added to our ACHS family.
All three are now thriving and up for adoption. Mama Nala has been lovingly devoted to her girls while always cozying up to her foster caregiver. She's a cat who greets people at the door with head nudges and purrs of pleasure.
Nala is often playful and especially loves nice pole chases. She's relaxed and friendly. Mama Nala, or, as her foster calls her, Mamalade, is a wonderful companion kitty,
truly a cat who is laid back and affectionate.
Nala may be fine as an only cat, but knowing that she connects with people, it's ideal if she is adopted to a home where she is sure to get the love and attention she enjoys.
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Fern is a sweet ~2 year old girl who is looking for a calm, low-key home to call her own. This gorgeous brown tabby would love to be the queen of the castle and would do best as the only cat in the home.
Fern enjoys the simple things in life, curling up in a comfy bed, lounging in a cat tree, and spending quiet time with her people. She would make a wonderful companion for someone looking for a gentle and peaceful feline friend.
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Sid is a sweet 3-year-old, shy boy who has spent much of his life outdoors, so he’s still learning that the world can be a safe and cozy place. What he’s discovered so far? He loves a soft, comfy bed and having a human nearby to cuddle. Once he feels secure, his gentle, affectionate side really shines through.
He’d do best in a calm, patient home where he can take his time building trust, but the reward is a deeply loyal companion who just wants to be close to his person.
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Chicken is a majestic 3-year-old feline who has absolutely no idea just how special he truly is. With his gentle nature and quiet charm, he may be a little shy at first, preferring to take his time getting comfortable. But with a bit of patience, he blossoms into an incredibly sweet and loyal companion.
Once Chicken warms up, he loves being near his people and offering calm, comforting company. Whether he is lounging nearby or soaking up gentle pets, he is a big, lovable chunk who is impossible not to adore.
We are already a little jealous of whoever gets to bring him home, because cats like Chicken do not come around every day. Maybe that someone is you?
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Cain is our longest resident, and more than anything we want to see him find a home of his own. He’s safe and loved in a foster home, but still waiting for the forever family he’s never had.
When Cain first came to us, it was clear he hadn’t known much kindness. He had spent much of his life chained outside, without the comfort every dog deserves.
Even then his loving, excited personality was waiting to shine. With time, care, and the support of his foster family, Cain has completely come into his own: he’s affectionate, eager, and full of life. He gets excited to see his people, leans in for attention, and has fully embraced the joys of indoor living (especially cozy blankets).
Cain would do best in a quiet home with no other animals, where he can truly relax and feel secure. He has so much love to give and has been waiting far too long for someone to give him a chance.
He has waited longer than any dog should. It’s his turn.
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This Bulletin is put together by ACHS volunteers Kate Erlewine and Tom Erlewine, with information from Mary Connolly, ACHS Executive Director.
Please send comments and suggestions to info@athenshumane.org.
The Athens County Humane Society isn’t part of, or funded by any national organization. We’re just local volunteers here to help animals.
We’ve been doing this work in Athens County since 1910.
We provide the county’s only response team for cases of animal abuse and neglect.
We care for abandoned animals, paying their vet bills, finding them shelter in foster homes, and adopting them into forever homes.
Your support for ACHS gives immediate aid to suffering animals in Ath-ens County. We need your help!
Donate to ACHS
Volunteer with ACHS
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