Cat Box adoptions, cat/kitten intake, and TNVR closed beginning July 29, 2026

Friends of Strays Shelter Update:

As of Wednesday, July 29, 2026, the Cat Box Adoption Center is closed for adoptions, as well as cat and kitten intake and TNVR intake. Dog adoptions will remain open at this time. 

Like many shelters across the state and country, we are experiencing an increase in cats and kittens testing positive for panleukopenia (panleuk), a highly contagious disease spread between cats. Dogs are unaffected by this illness. 

We’re providing immediate treatment for cats and kittens who have tested positive and doing everything we can to help them. We are closing cat adoptions, intake, and TNVR, to help prevent further spread. Pictured here is Star, who received IV fluids and has been improving thanks to the diligent care of our medical staff.  

Vaccinated cats and kittens are at a lower risk of contracting panleuk than unvaccinated felines. All cats and kittens adopted from Friends of Strays have received their age-appropriate vaccinations, but out of an abundance of caution, our staff will be reaching out to check on every cat or kitten adopted in the past 7 days, so please be on the lookout for our call! 

Potential signs of panleuk are vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and lack of appetite. While these symptoms can be caused by a variety of illnesses, if your cat is experiencing them—whether you adopted from Friends of Strays or elsewhere—we encourage you to contact your veterinarian.

This year has been particularly harsh for this feline disease. Vaccination is key to preventing panleuk and other transmittable diseases. If your cat is not vaccinated, talk to your vet about getting them up to date, or here is a list to affordable resources in the Tampa Bay Area: https://www.friendsofstrays.org/resources,affordable-services

We appreciate your patience and empathy. We will let you know as soon as we can safely reopen cat and kitten adoptions!

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

Right now, the biggest thing we need are monetary donations. Every positive cat is getting medications and extensive care, and anyone suspected of contracting the disease is getting tested to confirm. 
Donate here: http://www.friendsofstrays.org/donate

If you would like to drop off supplies or purchase them from our Amazon wishlist, we will be in need of large trash bags, paper towels, pee pads, non-latex gloves, and we can always take towels!