Cat (Feline) Vaccinations

What vaccinations are needed for my Cat?

Kitten Indoors:

• FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) at about 8-10 weeks and again at about 12-14 weeks of age.
  

Kitten Outdoors:

• FVRCP at about 8-10 weeks, 12-14 weeks, and about 15-17 weeks of age.
• FeLV (Leukemia vaccine) at about 12-14 weeks and about 15-17 weeks of age.
• Rabies at about 15-17 weeks of age.

Adult Cats:

• FVRCP at one year after last kitten vaccine, then every 3 years
• Rabies at one year after last kitten vaccine, then every 3 years (outdoor cats)
• FeLV at one year after last kitten vaccine, then every year if cat fights, high feline density areas, otherwise every 3 years.

FeLV/FIV Testing

We recommend testing all kittens. Those that test positive should be re-tested in 6 months – some will convert to negative

Indoor cats don’t need to be tested again, unless deemed necessary by a doctor.
Outdoor cats should be tested yearly, especially since there is no effective vaccine for FIV.

Rabies
This vaccine protects against a fatal virus that damages the central nervous system. Symptoms include fearfulness, aggression, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, staggering, and seizures. Rabies is transmitted through bites from infected animals and from eating infected animals, and can be transmitted to humans.

Rhinotracheitis (W/Calicvirus)
This vaccine protects against two fatal viruses that attack the upper respiratory system. Symptoms include: nasal discharge, sneezing, inflammation of the nose and eyelids, fever, lameness, and mouth ulcerations. The viruses are spread through air or direct contact with infected bodily discharges.

Panleukopenia
This vaccine protects against a fatal virus which attacks the immune system, causing the cat to be more susceptible to other infections. It can also cause permanent brain and eye damage. Signs include: depression, decreased appetite, fever, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. Transmission can occur through bodily discharges, fleas, bedding, cages, and food dishes. This virus is very resistant to disinfectants and can remain in the environment for up to one year.

Feline Leukemia
This vaccine protects against a fatal virus that causes leukemia. It can damage almost any tissue including kidneys, liver, brain, spinal cord, and blood. Some symptoms include: weight loss, lethargy, vomiting, and decreased appetite. The virus is typically spread through cat fights, but can be passed through casual contact, bodily discharges, and from mother to kitten.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
This vaccine protects against a fatal virus that is similar to HIV in humans. FIV suppresses the immune system, thus making the cats more susceptible to infections and other diseases. Symptoms include: inflammation of the mouth, recurrent respiratory infections, weight loss, anemia, diarrhea, eye disorders, neurologic disease and cancer. Transmission is primarily via bite wounds. Infected cats can live for many years before symptoms are seen.

PREVENTATIVE CARE

Fecal Exiamination
This test detects intestinal parasites (roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, coccidia and tapeworms). Kittens become infected in their mother’s womb and from her milk. Adult cats become infected by ingesting the eggs in other cat’s feces, eating rodents, birds, or fleas, or by penetration of their paw pads. Some parasites can be spread to humans and be very dangerous, particularly to children. Therefore, it is important to check a stool sample every 6 -12 months.

Flea and Tick Prevention
Topical liquid applied every month (April-December) to kill fleas and ticks.

Annual Blood Screen
This blood screen is recommended for pets 7 years of age and older to detect problems related to aging. Early detection may improve and lengthen your pet’s life.