06/24/2026
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
Immediate Update: Feline Illnesses Surfaced at Outer Banks SPCA
The Outer Banks SPCA has recently identified several illnesses impacting the kittens and cats here at our shelter. Since mid-June, kittens began showing symptoms such as lethargy, unsteadiness in their movement, diarrhea, and general signs of weakness. While the actual illnesses have yet to be determined, extensive veterinary consultation and laboratory testing indicates the illnesses to be viral in nature.
Temporary Shelter Closures:
In order to ensure that we are only placing healthy cats and kittens up for adoption, the SPCA will be closing our cat rooms to the public for the remainder of the week. During this time, we will not allow visitors in the cat rooms, and we will temporarily pause all cat intakes and adoptions. The SPCA will reevaluate the situation this coming Monday and provide further updates.
To help protect the pets in our community, please follow these important guidelines any time you choose to bring a new pet into your home from any source:
• Vaccinate Immediately: It is extremely important to vaccinate cats and kittens of all ages. If you have recently brought a new kitten into your home, please start its vaccine series immediately. Please schedule a visit with your veterinarian if your pet is not current on its vaccines.
• Quarantine New Additions: Keeping new pets separate from established pets and slowly introducing them is the best way to make sure everyone stays healthy and bonds well.
• Watch for Symptoms: If you have a cat under six months old that begins acting lethargic, unsteady, has diarrhea, or any other signs of weakness, please take them to your veterinarian immediately.
