Cat Vaccinations

FVRCP Combination
Given at 9 weeks and again at 12 weeks. Repeat annually.

The FVRCP is the basic combination shot. FVR stands for feline rhinotracheitis, an upper respiratory infection resulting in conjunctivitis, sneezing, nasal discharge, eye lesions and occasional coughing. The letter C stands for calicivirus, a virus that can cause similar respiratory signs. These diseases account for 95% of upper respiratory infections in cats. Many adult cats are carriers, even though they may have no signs themselves of the disease. The P is for panleukemia or known as "feline distemper virus." This disease causes vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, fever and sudden death in cats. A sign of distemper is a yellow fluid discharge from a cats eyes, particularly found in stray cats.

RABIES
3 months of age, repeat annually

For the prevention of rabies. This vaccination is usually required by state and local laws. A 3-year vaccine can be given anytime after the initial 1-year vaccine. This means that if a year is skipped, the next rabies vaccine given will still be a 3-year vaccine. If a 1-year rabies vaccine is skipped, the next vaccine is still a 1-year vaccine.

FELINE LEUKEMIA
Begin at 9 weeks, then again in 2-4 weeks and repeat annually.

Feline Leukemia is a virus and can cause infections, immunosuppresion, cancer and tumors in cats. Feline leukemia is the most common viral disease in cats. The virus is contracted either through the uterus in unborn kittens, through grooming, the bite of another cat, or contact from saliva and urine from an infected cat. The symptoms ofthis disease vary greatly from fever to forms of cancer. It is difficult to diagnose leukemia on the symptoms alone. Blood tests are valuable as an aid in diagnosing the disease but sometimes the virus can hide in the bone marrow of an infected cat for years with a negative leukemia test. Testing before vaccination is recommended. Cats with leukemia will have lowered immune systems and can remain carriers for life. Positive cats are susceptible to other infections due to a depressed immune system.

FELINE IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (FIV)
FIV attacks the cats body much like HIV (AIDS) does in humans. The symptoms vary depending on the cat but the immune system is always lowered. Positive cats never get rid of the virus and are susceptible to other conditions due to a depressed immune system. The virus is spread through the bite of another cat. Fortunately the incidence of FIV is not high for indoor cats.

FELINE INFECTIOUS PERITONIS (FIP)
Begin at 4 months old, repeat in 2-4 weeks, then annually

Feline infectious peritonis is another virus that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, eye infections, fluid in the abdomen and death to a cat. Feline Infectious Peritonitis FIP is a very serious disease that is almost always fatal. The virus that causes FIP is difficult to test for and the symptoms in cats are so varied the diagnoses is mostly an educated guess. Vaccinations to cats is controversial as many veterinarians feel there is not enough infection in the cat population to warrant the vaccination. This disease has a tendency to affect cats under 2 years of age and cats over 9 years of age.

IINTESTINAL WORM CHECKS
9 weeks old, 16 weeks, then twice yearly Herpes Virus.

Herpes virus is common in cats and kittens but a vaccine is not available. Sneezing and eye discharge are the most common symptom.

HEART WORMS
Given Monthly to Outdoor Cats. Do not miss a treatment. Heart Worm disease is spread by mosquito bites and is on the rise in cats. As long as the cat is taking the medication regularly, it will be protected. If a dose is missed, the cat can get Heart Worms.

TAPEWORMS
Tapeworms are a common intestinal parasite of dogs and cats. There are three common types of tapeworms in our area but the most common tapeworm is transmitted by fleas. Cats eat infected fleas and the tapeworm attaches to the intestine. Over time worms grow up to 12 inches in length and shed portions of its body called prolottids through the feces. The small pieces of tapeworm actually move and appear much like a grain of rice. These small portions of worms are actually egg packets that are later eaten by fleas which continues the life cycle. Research has shown that cats groom up to 75% of the fleas off their body in 24 hours. It is entirely possible that many cat owners are not aware their cat has any fleas and may not be fortunate to even see the tapeworm segments. Symptoms of tapeworms can be vomiting, diarrhea, unkept haircoat, and itching around the rectal area.

FECAL EXAM
Given Annually

The microscopic examination of the stool, to determine if your cat is harboring internal parasites. Symptoms are not always evident but they can include general poor condition, vomiting and diarrhea and can result in malnutrition and even death.

GENERAL CHECKUP
Given Annually

A general checkup insures your cat remains healthy and includes a dental exam. Often signs not visible to cat owners may be discovered by a well trained vet, leading to proper treatment in early stages. It's also a great time to ask those questions you may have. Annual exams also provide the vet with a chance to get to know your cat, its habits and character. You can stay informed with the latest in medical news through the exam.

NEUTERING OR HYSTERECTOMY
(5-6 months of age)