Mason the sole survivor of infected litter

Stray kittens in and around Regina have been succumbing to a “harsh virus” this winter, according to a local rescue organization.

Alanna Whippler, adoption and intake coordinator with Regina Cat Rescue, said her staff have encountered 13 felines with clear signs of distemper in recent months. Twelve have died. All but one were kittens under four months of age.

Whippler said her organization isn’t qualified to declare an outbreak, but it’s the first major wave of infections they ’ve seen in years.

Feline distemper is caused by a highly contagious virus and can cause fever, diarrhea and dehydration. It can be fatal in young cats and those with weakened immune systems.

The first four cases came one at a time in November, Whippler said. Then, just weeks later, a litter of five infected kittens was brought in from a site in the Global Transportation Hub.

“One little guy out of that litter that came from the GTH, he managed to fight it off,” Whippler said.

That kitten, known as Mason, was the only survivor. He remains in the care of the rescue organization.

Whippler’s staff dealt with more infected animals in January. She said she’s also aware of a case detected by the Regina Humane Society.

Local Veterinarian Lesley Sawa said there’s always a danger more infections could spring up. The oncoming kitten season could be especially risky, both Whippler and Sawa agreed.

Sawa advised residents to quarantine any stray cats they bring into their home, and to keep note that the virus can be passed on through contaminated clothing or shoes, which should be sterilized to avoid exposure.

“And get them vaccinated,” she added, “so if there is exposure, they will have some form of protection.”