Fourteen cats and kittens were quarantined last week as they received treatment for upper respiratory infections after recently being moved to the Edison Animal Shelter for adoption from a South Jersey shelter, according to township officials.
“Only a few cats displayed symptoms, but we are being extremely cautious. We are taking preventative measures to be certain each receives appropriate care,” said Business Administrator Maureen Ruane. “We want to ensure that every pet Edison offers for adoption is healthy.”
None of the 14 cats and kittens displayed symptoms before being transferred to Edison from the Burlington County Animal Shelter in Westampton, which was unable to accommodate the animals due to overcrowding. Cats can often develop respiratory problems due to stress from travel or being in unfamiliar surroundings, officials said.
“We were glad to accept these cats and kittens,” Ruane said. “Our shelter had sufficient space to accommodate them, and Edison has an exceptional track record for pet adoptions.”
Since January, the shelter has placed 140 cats and kittens, along with 72 dogs, with new owners.
The New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Middlesex County Health Department inspected the township’s animal shelter on Nov. 16. Veterinarians contracted by Edison Township are now treating the recently acquired cats and kittens, officials said.
In September, the Edison Animal Shelter closed for two weeks after an outbreak of ringworm.
Ringworm, which is a fungal infection, was detected during a routine inspection by the Middlesex County Health Department and the New Brunswick-based Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
The Edison Animal Shelter remains open but will not take any more cats or kittens until a veterinarian approves for adoption the ones that are currently quarantined. The shelter also has 12 dogs — housed separately from the cats — that are available for adoption.
The shelter provides animal control services for Metuchen, Piscataway, Dunellen, Scotch Plains and Edison.