Abnormal Cat Behaviour

Rumours of cats behaving out of the ordinary, gathering in groups and avoiding human contact. Scientists who have been examining this behaviour in cats have been trying to discover whether the change is a result of genetic alteration for the infected felines who have survived the violent stages of the new cat disease. It is too early to determine whether cats who have survived been infected with the 'shudder' are able to return to a normal healthy state. It is possible they will have recurring problems with their health and well being or have other adverse side effects. It is also uncertain whether the surviving cats become carriers of the disease and as a result are still considered an health and safety risk for other pets. There is no connection with cross species infection at this time.

Any cats found in the street are still to be reported to the authorities and treated as a health risk, people still trying to care for their cats risk spreading the contamination and are advised to surrender their pet to prevent any possibilities of spreading the disease. Updated 19 August

Source: Limited access Defra red group only