An unknown illness is currently making cats at the Marion County Humane Society sick. Adoptions of cats are being suspended at this time at the Humane Society.

Leslie VanderLinden, President of the Marion County Humane Society tells KNIA/KRLS News, “Well, we have some cats that seem to have upper respiratory problems. They also are having like crusty eyes and sneezing and coughing.So we decided it was in everyone’s best interest for us to halt adoptions until we can determine exactly what is wrong with them. We don’t want anyone going home with a sick cat, or infecting other cats if it’s contagious. Which we don’t know that either at this point.”

At this time there are approximately 50 to 60 cats at the facility. Tests have been sent out to see if the illness can be stopped. The hope is to get the cats healthy again to help get them to people who would like to get an adoption in time for Christmas.

Dogs haven’t been affected by the illness, so they can still be adopted at this time.