Many people have contacted us regarding the temporary two-month suspension of bringing kittens to the Dimos neutering sessions. This decision has been made by Arche Förderverein Arche Noah Kreta e.V. for the following reasons:
Kitten parvovirus (Feline Panleukopenia) is a highly contagious and often fatal disease, particularly in young, unvaccinated kittens. It causes severe symptoms including bloody diarrhoea, vomiting, extreme lethargy, fever (or later dangerously low body temperature), loss of appetite, dehydration, weakness, rapid weight loss, and nasal discharge. The disease can progress very quickly and is frequently fatal despite treatment; veterinary care is supportive only.
Every year, our young stray cats are devastated by parvovirus. This is not new — but this year the situation has reached epidemic levels, with large numbers of kittens dying across Crete and other parts of Europe. Unvaccinated stray kittens are at highest risk during the colder months.
We are still neutering our rescue kittens, but only those who are healthy, weigh at least 2 kg, and are fully vaccinated. Rescue kittens should not be housed together in large groups we have seen communal catteries decimated.
HYGIENE IS CRITICAL — CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN!
All equipment including pens, boxes, traps, carriers, and bedding must be thoroughly disinfected between every cat, every time. Use diluted bleach or an approved veterinary disinfectant effective against parvovirus. The virus can be transported between environments and species via contaminated surfaces, equipment, clothing, and hands.
Thank you for your understanding and for helping protect our vulnerable kittens.
Feline Parvovirus (FPV)
Skip to content
We support local cats & cat colonies with food, medicine, veterinary care & assist in the coordination of neutering programs
