The Scottish SPCA has issued an appeal to animal lovers to donate scratch posts to their Glasgow Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre.
Some of the cats at the centre, which is located in Cardonald, were recently affected by cat flu. Alongside treatment and keeping the felines as comfortable as possible, the centre was tasked with maintaining a high level of hygiene to that ensure the sick cats were quarantined to not spread to healthy cats.
This meant having to dispose of some well-loved scratch posts. The virus also affected black cat Smokey, who was housed in the cattery when the most recent outbreak took place.
He suffered from cat flu but has since recovered and is now back looking for his forever home. Due to his symptoms, Smokey’s outstanding veterinary procedures had to be postponed until he was fully recovered which has prolonged his stay at the centre.
A common condition
Cat flu can be caused by a variety of viruses and bacteria. It is a common condition that lots of cats are exposed to at some point in their life, however the severity of symptoms can vary depending on the strain.
It is spread by either direct contact with an infected cat showing signs of cat flu, indirect contact with an infected cat’s saliva or snot, or contact with a ‘carrier’ cat. These carrier cats may be infected with and are carrying the virus but not showing any signs of disease.
Strict infection control measures in place
Preventing spread in a kennel environment is difficult due to cat flu being airborne and the cats being housed in close proximity. In order to prevent spread, cats showing signs of cat flu will be isolated where possible and strict infection control measures are put in place, and blocks will be closed to incoming and outgoing cats until the outbreak is under control. Symptoms are monitored closely and veterinary treatment given to any cats that require it.
The easiest way to stop a cat from getting severe cat flu is by getting them vaccinated. This won’t prevent them from catching cat flu, but it will help to prevent them from getting severe symptoms and greatly reduces the chance of them needing extra treatment.
Cat scratch posts can be dropped into the centre reception daily between 11am and 4pm at Scottish SPCA Rescue and Rehoming Centre, 125 Kinnell Place, Cardonald, Glasgow, G52 3RY.
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