Vaccinations For Your Cat

Rabies -- this fatal virus attacks the brain and central nervous system. New York State requires that cats and dogs be vaccinated against this disease, because it can infect humans (through being bitten by infected animals). Some infected animals avoid contact with humans while others become abnormally aggressive and may attack other animals or humans. Cats get this disease by being bitten by infected animals. In North America rabies is most commonly spread by raccoons, skunks, foxes and bats but any warm-blooded animal may carry it. Cats should be vaccinated at 14 weeks of age or older, then given a booster shot in one year, then every three years. Unfortunately, there is no treatment available should your pet contract rabies.


FVRCP – Kittens are routinely vaccinated against this in a series of shots with a combination injection called FVRCP. Cats should be boosted annually for the rest of their lives. Kittens should start this vaccine series from six to eight weeks, and be boosted every three to four weeks until sixteen weeks of age.

·        Feline Panleukopenia (FPL) -- also known as Feline Distemper is one of the most widespread of all cat diseases it, is highly contagious and causes the death of many cats. Three-fourths of kittens that get this disease die, as do about half of older infected cats. Symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, weakness, tremors, and loss of coordination.

·        Feline Calcivirus (FCV) -- a respiratory disease, passed by coughing or sneezing, may lead to pneumonia. This disease often occurs along with FVR. Symptoms are fever, loss of appetite, nasal discharge, and ulcers on the tongue.

·        Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) -- a highly contagious respiratory disease, passed by coughing or sneezing, may lead to pneumonia. FVR is often more severe than FCV and may cause miscarriages ("spontaneous abortions") in pregnant cats. Symptoms include sneezing, loss of appetite, fever and eye inflammation, discharge from eyes and nose.

·        Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) -- this virus suppresses the cat's immune system, leaving the cat without protection from other diseases. Some cats develop cancer. A few cats recover from FeLV, however it is most often fatal. There is no connection between feline leukemia and human leukemia. The vaccine is given in two doses, three weeks apart and then a yearly booster.

Vaccination is economical protection against a number of costly and sometimes fatal diseases. Vaccines work by producing antibodies in cats, protecting them from infection by various viruses and bacteria. Re-vaccination is essential in maintaining this immunity and giving cats lifelong protection. Kittens receive some immunity from their mothers, but this protection is unpredictable. For this reason kittens receive a series of vaccinations during the early, most susceptible months of their lives. Listed below are the most routine vaccinations available for cats.


Most cats display no ill effects or are somewhat less active for up to two days following vaccinations. More severe reactions include fever and vomiting, and should receive IMMEDIATE veterinarian attention. Cats that repeatedly react to vaccinations should receive their annual boosters on separate days, or in some cases, the cats may be pretreated to minimize the threat of reaction.

Vaccination is an important preventative measure but will not cure existing disease. Consult the pet care team at your veterinary hospital about the appropriate vaccinations needed for your cat. Do not be afraid to ask questions, as we are the most reliable source of information about your cat’s health.

 

Suggested Vaccination Schedule for Your Cat

Each cat or kitten is different, so the doctor may alter the injections slightly to meet your pet’s individual needs.

6-8 Weeks

  • Feline Leukemia/FIV Test
  • FVRCP

·        FeLV (Leukemia) Vaccine if the kitten will be going outside.

  • Fecal Test and Worming

 

10-12 Weeks

  • FVRCP
  • FeLV Vaccine

 

14-16 Weeks

  • Rabies Vaccine
  • FVRCP
  • FeLV Vaccine

 

6 Months

  • Neuter/Spay

 

16 Months

  • Rabies Vaccination
  • FVRCP
  • FeLV Vaccine

 

Annual

  • FVRCP
  • FeLV Vaccine
  • Fecal exam to check for parasites

 

Tri-annual

  • Rabies Vaccine

 

FVRCP and FeLV are annual vaccines after the initial kitten series.  Rabies is good for one year after the first shot, and then needs to be boosted every three years.

Written by Megan Joy