A deadly cat virus has been detected in Metro Vancouver and there is a warning out for cat owners to take precautions.

The virus is called feline panleukopenia, the viral disease also known as feline distemper, and it is a highly contagious and often fatal virus, especially for young, unvaccinated cats.

An alert was put out by Regional Animal Protection Society (RAPS) – a registered charity in Richmond dedicated to helping animals and their people – on Wednesday, Aug. 5, after multiple cats, found in Abbotsford along the Sumas border, were diagnosed.

Valerie Wilson, cat sanctuary and adoption centre manager for the rescue society, said they brought in eight kittens, four of which tested positive for the virus.

She said there were more kittens, but they passed away before they could be tested.

Eyal Lichtmann, chief executive officer of RAPS, believes this is one of the most heartbreaking diseases anyone working in cat rescue can encounter.