Cat Vaccinations

All cats should be vaccinated to help prevent harmful and potentially life-threatening diseases. The types of vaccines your cat should be given will vary based on the life style of your cat. If your cat lives in the house and does not come into contact with other cats, only the basic vaccines are necessary. If your cat spends time outside and around other cats, the proper precautions should be taken with the necessary vaccinations.

Rabies
Rabies is a disease that nearly everyone has heard of. It is contracted when an animal is bitten  by another animal that has been infected. The Rabies virus is carried in the saliva. Rabies vaccinations are required in most states for cats. Even if you have an indoor cat, they should be vaccinated in case they get out or happen to bite or scratch a person or another animal. We currently use a non-adjuvanted Feline Rabies vaccine that needs to be administered every year.

Panleukopenia/Feline Parvovirus
Feline Panleukopenia/Feline Parvovirus is a contagious disease which is why vaccination is recommended. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and sometimes death. Vaccinations should start at around 6-8 weeks of age and there are a series of vaccinations that are given every 3-4 weeks until your kitten is 16-18 weeks old. Adult cats typically receive a vaccination every year.

Rhinotracheitis
Commonly referred to as rhinotracheitis, this disease is caused by the Feline Herpesvirus. Typical signs include conjunctivitis and upper respiratory tract disease. Infection is acquired by oronasal exposure to infectious secretions from affected cats. Vaccination should begin at 6-8 weeks of age in kittens and is routinely administered yearly in adult cats.

Calicivirus
Feline Calicivirus affects the upper respiratory tract and sometimes causes lameness and joint pain. Symptoms include fever, gum disease, mouth ulcers, conjunctivitis and sneezing. Cats do not need to exhibit symptoms in order to transmit the disease to other cats. The contagious nature of this disease makes it important for your pet to receive a series of vaccinations as a kitten and yearly as an adult cat.

Feline Leukemia Virus
Feline Leukemia Virus is commonly spread via the oronasal route and by bite wounds from infected cats. The Feline Leukemia vaccine is highly recommended for outdoor cats and cats that are frequently in contact with other cats. At risk kittens typically receive the first vaccine at 9 weeks of age and receive a booster 3 weeks later. Yearly vaccination is recommended for at risk cats. We currently use Purevax, a non-adjuvanted Feline Leukemia vaccine.