CAT VACCINATION

WHAT CORE VACCINES ARE RECOMMENDED FOR CATS?

1. FVRCP: This vaccine helps build immunity against feline viral rhinotracheitis ( herpes virus),  calicivirus, panleukopenia and Chlamydia psittaci.  These agents commonly cause upper respiratory disease in cats.  This is a modified live vaccine
2. Rabies:  This vaccine protects against rabies virus.  This is a killed virus vaccine.

CAT VACCINATION SCHEDULE:

*If less than 12 weeks at initial visit:

            6-8 weeks FVRCP       

            12 weeks: FVRCP and Rabies

            16 weeks: FVCRP

*If 12 weeks or older at initial visit:

            1^st visit: FVRCP and Rabies

            2^nd visit (3-4 weeks after 1^st visit): FVRCP

After cat has  kitten series and annual booster, both vaccinations are due EVERY 3 YEARS.

 Modified live vaccines should not be given to pregnant animals.

DOES YOUR INDOOR ONLY KITTY NEED VACCINES?

YES!  WHY??

The diseases in the FVRCP vaccine are spread through small particles that float in the air, and can also be carried into the house by people on clothing and footwear.  These diseases are highly contagious.  Once infected with FVR (herpes) virus, cats remain infected and clinical signs flare up when the cat is stressed.  Therefore becomes a recurrent problem. 

Many indoor cats somehow manage occasionally to get outside...hence unexpected exposure.

If your cat really never goes outside, risk of exposure to rabies is low. Discuss with your veterinarian rabies vaccination as recommendations vary depending on individual situations.

Prevention of disease through vaccination is much more effective than treating disease after infection.

ANNUAL PHYSICAL EXAMINATION BY VETERINARIAN IS RECOMMENDED.  ALL PETS SHOULD BE SEEN BY VET AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR TO ENSURE SYSTEMIC HEALTH, PREVENT DISEASE, AND IDENTIFY PROBLEMS EARLY IN COURSE OF DISEASE.   THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS DENTAL HEALTH, NUTRITION, EXERCISE, BEHAVIOUR, AND SCREENING LABWORK.