Cat Vaccination Info

“Distemper” (FVRCP) - This is a core vaccine.

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVRCP) – Transmitted through saliva and mucous from an infected animal. Due to the upper respiratory nature of this disease, it is easily transmitted between animals. Symptoms may include sneezing, coughing, eye and nose discharge, fever and loss of appetite. Animals who recover remain infected for life and may have symptoms re-emerge periodically.

Feline Calicivirus (FVRCP) – Transmitted through saliva and mucous from an infected animal. Due to the upper respiratory nature of this disease, it is easily transmitted between animals. Symptoms may include sneezing, coughing, fever, ulcers, and blisters on the tongue. Animals who recover remain infected for life and may have chronic sneezing, runny eyes, and severe gum disease.

Feline Panleukopenia (FVRCP) – transmitted through blood, saliva, feces, and urine. This is a very contagious and dangerous disease for cats. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, listlessness, weakness, and severe dehydration. Extremely dangerous for kittens, and those who survive may have permanent brain damage that affects walking and balance.

Rabies – This is a core vaccine and legally required.

Spread through contact of infected saliva and open skin or mucous membranes. Can be carried and transmitted by many mammals (skunks, raccoons, foxes, bats, etc.) and can infect humans. This disease attacks the brain and central nervous system and is fatal. All dogs, cats, and ferrets are required by law to be vaccinated due to the possibility of transmitting the disease to humans.

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)

Spread through saliva, blood, sexual contact, and bite wounds. This disease attacks and weakens the immune system, leading to many serious infections, including cancer. Signs of infection may not become apparent for years after transmission but it does cause a decreased life expectancy. A simple blood test can determine if a cat is infected. This is highly recommended for cats with any outdoor time as even minimal direct contact with another cat can cause infection.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) – NOT recommended

This disease is transmitted via similar routes to Feline Leukemia Virus. It is seen primarily in outdoor cats, or breeding cats in a cattery setting. It has not been proven to be an effective vaccine. Once a cat is vaccinated for FIV it will always test positive for FIV leading to false diagnosis or unnecessary euthanasia. Due to the incidence of vaccine linked sarcomas in cats we feel that the benefits of this vaccine do not outweigh the risks.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) – NOT recommended

This disease is transmitted via similar routes to Feline Leukemia Virus. While this disease is often fatal, this vaccine has not been proven to be effective. Due to the incidence of vaccine linked sarcomas in cats we feel that the benefits of this vaccine do not outweigh the risks.