The start of the cat plague?

Rumours are spreading 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 a disease. It is too early to determine whether the cats who have survived 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 a liable health and safety risk for other pets. 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.

Source: Cat infection issues posted to DEFRA special access only