09/12/2026
Many cats in our community, in our shelter, and across the nation are facing Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV).
This deadly, highly contagious virus is easily transmitted. Veterinarians and other animal welfare organizations report seeing a stronger, more virulent presentation of Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV).
While this virus is typically most dangerous to kittens and other vulnerable populations, there are reports of this strain across the nation resulting in the cause of death for many adult cats.
What this means for you and your pets:
1. Make sure your pets are up to date on vaccinations. The FVCRP vaccination for cats is critical in protecting them. (Information on access to those below.)
2. Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV) is not transmissible to dogs or humans.
3. Watch for symptoms and get veterinary care as soon as you notice them.
4. This virus can be fast-acting; within 24 hours of symptoms appearing, it can be deadly.
5. Keep your cats indoors if you are able. This virus can live in the environment for a long time; if other cats in your area have it, it can spread easily.
What this means for Wichita Animal Services and lost or found pets in Wichita.
1. We ask that if you find a healthy cat, leave it in place. Feel free to offer water, especially in the heat, but they are likely to have a home and live nearby.
2. If you find a healthy stray, help us bridge this gap. Check with neighbors and local lost-pet pages. You can take a photo and post it on pawboost.com, which will also post it on lost-and-found social media pages for you. You can come into the shelter to use our computer to make a post and print a flyer.
3. If you find a sick or injured cat, you can call us at 316-350-3361 or bring it into the shelter.
We have had several cases of FVP in the shelter. If a cat is healthy and safe where it is, leaving it there temporarily can be safer than bringing an unexposed animal into a facility currently managing a known exposure.
We do vaccinate on intake; however, if a cat comes in with the virus, the vaccine will not stop it, and it can spread quickly.
Vaccination Resources:
1. Any local veterinarian
2. Kansas Humane Society's Community Clinic kshumane.org/services/community-clinic
3. Wichita Animal Action League's League Alpha Clinic waalrescue.org/services/alpha-clinic
4. Bruce Veterinary Servicesrinary Services has mobile clinics that travel all around Wichita and neighboring counties, email [email protected] or visit them on Facebook to view the schedule.
Wichita Police Department City of Wichita- Government
