Feline Vaccinations

FVR-C-P (Feline Distemper)

This vaccination protects against feline viral rhinotracheitis or FVR (also called feline herpes virus-1 or FHV-1), feline calici virus (FCV) and chlamydia. These are highly contagious diseases that can be spread by cats that are not showing symptoms. Vaccination for these diseases protects against clinical illness but not infection. It does not prevent or eliminate chronic viral carrier states or virus shedding.

Panleukopenia, also called feline distemper, is another a viral disease in cats and is where the FVRCP vaccination gets its common name. It does not resemble canine distemper, but does cause confusion because they carry the same name.

Panleukopenia more closely resembles parvovirus in dogs. Clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhea and severe dehydration. In addition, the virus attacks the white blood cells that are normally used to fight infection.

FeLV (Feline Leukemia)

Feline leukemia is contagious, incurable, and usually fatal. The FELV virus severely depresses the immune system so that the cat's body cannot fight off other diseases. FeLV is spread from cat to cat by saliva. Grooming, fighting and drinking from the same water bowl all carry the possibility of exposure. Young cats are at greater risk to contract the disease than older cats.

Clinical signs include weight loss, weakness, loss of appetite, diarrhea and fever. The disease is a great mimicker and the symptoms can look like many things.

The FeLV vaccination can help prevent this disease. Typically, a blood test is done on kittens nine weeks or older before the vaccination series is begun to ensure that they do not already have the disease.

FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis)

FIP is a viral disease spread by prolonged exposure to gastrointestinal and respiratory secretions of infected cats. Recent evidence suggests that the virus may survive in the environment for several days allowing it to be spread by contact with contaminated objects. Cats that have a suppressed immune system, due to stress, certain drugs, or infection by FeLV or FIV are more susceptible. FIP most often occurs in cats between six months and five-years-of-age, but cats of any age can be affected.

There are two forms of FIP, the wet form and the dry form. Cats with the wet form, often have free fluid in their abdomen or chest. The dry form affects the central nervous system, eyes, lungs and/or abdominal organs.

There is currently no know cure for FIP. There is a vaccine available that may be beneficial to some cats in cattery situations or multiple cat households. Because the cat's own immune system can complicate FIP infection, this vaccine is not part of our routine vaccine protocol and should be decided on an individual basis.

FIV (Feline AIDS)

FIV or feline immunodeficiency virus is another viral disease of cats that can affect their immune system. This disease is thought to be spread primarily bite wounds and saliva and therefore older (six years and up) male outdoor cats are most commonly affected. FIV and FeLV can occur together. There is currently no vaccination available for FIV.

Rabies

Rabies is an incurable viral infection of the central nervous system. It can affect all warm-blooded animals, including humans. It is a public health hazard and a risk to all pet owners. Vaccination is a must where this disease is known to occur.

Due to the large wildlife populations in the Northstate, we feel that the risk of contact and exposure is high and we strongly advise having all of your pets Rabies vaccinated, even if they do not go outside.