The NYC Kittens Who Survived Panleukopenia

In mid-December, a group of cats arrived at our rescue from Louisiana. Among them were five tiny orange littermates—bright-eyed and ready to take on the world. We named them after the five boroughs of New York City: Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. 

A short time later, all five kittens tested positive for Panleukopenia, a severe and highly contagious virus that can be fatal without immediate, aggressive treatment.

The kittens on the day they arrived at Paws and Claws vs. the kittens after settling into Room 2.

The diagnosis was completely unexpected, sparking initial concerns about on-site space and the need to immediately disinfect our treatment room. But we handled it with grace, and most importantly, we caught it early. Despite the frightening diagnosis, these kittens had a fighting chance.

For several long weeks, the NYC kittens stayed in our isolation room, recovering and clearing the virus. Slowly but surely, they began to bounce back. When they were finally declared fully recovered, they took over Room 2 at our Adoption Center, transforming it into their very own orange kitten jungle gym.

None of this would have been possible without Paw Print Club. Because of our members’ ongoing support, we had the resources and supplies to respond immediately to a critical situation.

Even with a whole room to stretch out in, they still preferred to lay in a cuddle puddle.

These five survivors went on to be adopted into loving homes, each one cherished and adored. After all they’ve overcome, they deserve nothing less than the world.

Become a Paw Print Club member today to help us rescue more vulnerable cats like Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten—and give them the fighting chance they deserve.