VACCINATIONS

As a responsible cat owner, maintaining your cat's health is a primary concern.  In addition to providing a loving environment and a quality diet, prevention of infectious disease is one of the most important steps you can take to keep you pet illness free.  Kittens, debilitated, and geriatric cats are particularly at risk for contracting infectious diseases.

Fortunately, the vaccines available for cats are highly effective for preventing most of these infectious diseases.  Due to the nature of your feline's immune system, the age at which your pet receives its vaccines and the timing of the shots are very important.  In general, kittens require a series of two or three vaccines depending on their age.  When the initial "kitten shots" are complete, boosters are required to maintain you cat's immunity against these deadly diseases. 

All cats, indoor and outdoor, should be vaccinated against the following:

FVRCP

Feline Viral

Rhinotracheitis          A herpes viral disease that infects the eyes and upper respiratory tract.  Once contracted, infected cats continually have recurrence of disease symptoms lifelong.

Calicivirus                    A viral disease causing vomiting and diarrhea, oral ulcers, and high fever.

Panleukopenia          A viral disease that causes severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration, then infects the bone marrow.  It is commonly causes death in unvaccinated cats.

Rabies                       A deadly virus that results in a fatal disease of the nervous system and can infect humans.

Any cat that goes outside or may have contact with other cats or contact with urine or feces of other cats should be vaccinated against:

Feline Leukemia     A virus that is transmitted from an infected cat via a bite or scratch, or from contact with infected saliva or urine.  This virus causes suppression of the immune system and can be the cause of cancer in cats.  It is often fatal.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

                                    A virus that is transmitted from an infected cat from a bite, or scratch, or from contact with infected saliva or urine.  This virus causes suppression of the immune system that can lead to disease and death.

                                                     

The typical vaccination schedule for a kitten is as follows:

At about 8 weeks old           FVRCP (1^st of 3)
At about 12 weeks old         FVRCP (2^nd of 3),+/- Fe Leuk(1^st of 2),+/- FIV(1^st of 2)

At about 16 weeks old         FVRCP(3^rdof  3), Rabies, +/-FeLeuk (2^nd of 2), +/- FIV(2^ndof 2)

After this initial booster series, vaccines are updated regularly thereafter.  After the first year, FVRCP and Rabies vaccines are recommended to be given every 3 years.  All others are recommended to be given annually.