Highly Contagious Virus Impacting Cats At Denton Animal Shelter

By Annie Gimbel, CBS Dallas/Fort Worth

June 30, 2022

Cat adoptions, surrenders, and intakes are postponed for 10 days at the Denton Animal Shelter due to a virus that's impacting their feline population.

Veterinary staff reported that a cat, which underwent treatment for an upper respiratory infection was still exhibiting symptoms of an infection, post-treatment. After further investigation, it was determined that the cat had Calicivirus, which has spread to other felines in the shelter.

Calicivirus is highly contagious and infected cats transmit the virus through saliva or secretions from the nose or eyes. When an infected cat sneezes, airborne viral particles are spread meters through the air. Lab tests have also detected the virus in feces, urine, and blood.

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