You can never be too careful. After many years of doing cat rescue you sometimes think you have seen it all. You hate turning away stray cats and kittens all needing that chance to find a better life. Before you know it, you have cats and kittens in every room and the bathroom. Then one gets sick with an illness such as the new calici virus variant discussed in this newsletter. Very quickly you have a serious issue that can easily get out of control if you don't have the resources to deal with it.
FFR has set policies and procedures that are always reviewed, and we have always tried to keep our new cats and kittens as isolated as possible to help prevent and control outbreaks of disease or infection. Even so, something new can throw a wrench into the best-made plans and policies.
Even though we have more exposure to such threats, you too may be at risk. Did you just bring in a stray cat or kitten that befriended you on the porch? No problem if you don't have any other pets -- but likely you do. That is why the kitten found your kind soul from the many out there. Keep him isolated from your other pets, wash your hands with an alcohol-based disinfectant after each touch, and get him check out by a veterinarian as soon as possible. With just a few simple precautions, rescuing that stray does not have to become a medical nightmare, and you will also be helping an already overburdened rescue community.
John Bennett
President, Folsom Feline Rescue
We'd like to hear from you!
Please send your newsletter comments, questions, feedback, and article suggestions to Laurie Rich, editor, at kittyscoop@folsomfelines.org.
For general information or questions about Folsom Feline Rescue:
Folsom Feline Rescue
P.O. Box 6773
Folsom, CA 95763-6773
(916) 484-4099
info@folsomfelines.org
www.folsomfelines.org
