CAT VACCINATIONS

Many dangerous infectious diseases can be prevented or lessened in severity with a proper vaccination program. No vaccine is 100% effective, but regular vaccinations are the most effective way to prevent such diseases. Approved vaccines are available for the following diseases:

DISTEMPER COMBO

A "distemper shot" is actually a combination vaccine (FVRCP) which protects against a group of diseases: feline rhinotracheitis, calici, Chlamydia psittaci and panleukopenia.

Feline viral rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus, and Chlamydia are responsible for feline upper respiratory infections (URI). Although most respiratory infections in cats are no worse than a bad cold in people, these diseases can be serious and even fatal.

Rhinotracheitis and calici cause 80-90% of upper respiratory infection cases and are spread from cat to cat by contaminated litter boxes and water bowls or contact with infected fluids such as saliva, nasal secretions, and eye discharge. Rhinotracheitis is characterized by inflammation of the cat's eyes, nose, or windpipe; discharge from the eyes or nose; lethargy; fever; loss of appetite; and constant sneezing. The symptoms of calici include runny nose and moderate sneezing; more serious symptoms are tongue ulcers, excess salivation, weight loss, poor physical appearance, and a refusal to eat.

Feline Chlamydia, also known as feline pneumonitis, is a relatively mild, chronic upper respiratory disease. The main symptom is conjunctivitis, an abnormal eye discharge due to inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane lining the inside of the eyelid. The infection can also cause nasal discharge, sneezing, and pneumonia. Left untreated, the infection tends to become chronic, lasting weeks or months. Chlamydiosis accounts for about 10% to 15% of all feline URI cases and often occurs with another URI.

Feline panleukopenia, usually called feline distemper, is a very contagious, dangerous disease that happens suddenly, causing fever, loss of appetite, dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, hypothermia, and, all too often, death. The virus attacks the intestinal tract and bone marrow causing a breakdown of the body’s defense mechanisms. Implicated in fewer cases of “cat flu”, panleukopenia provides opportunities for more serious bacterial complications to develop.

FELINE LEUKEMIA VIRUS (FeLV) 

FeLV can be transmitted from cat-to-cat via saliva, urine, feces, and milk. Younger cats are more susceptible to the virus, which weakens the immune system and can cause malignant and nonmalignant diseases. Some cats may carry and transmit FeLV without showing signs of illness. In general, it is recommended that cats who go outdoors, to shows, are boarded, or otherwise have contact with cats other than those in their household should be vaccinated against FeLV. In addition, it is recommended that kittens be vaccinated against FeLV. All cats should be FeLV-tested before they are vaccinated. Adult cats that are entirely indoors may not need to be vaccinated against FeLV.

FELINE INFECTIOUS PERITONITIS (FIP)

FIP is a slowly fatal disease that can attack almost any part of the body. It most often affects the peritoneum, a membrane lining the abdominal cavity. Symptoms are subtle and variable – depression, lack of appetite, high fever which does not respond to antibiotic treatment. Laboratory tests can be suggestive of the disease, however, a positive diagnosis is almost impossible. Unfortunately, FIP vaccine offers only low levels of protection.

RABIES

Spread by animal bites or through the saliva of an infected animal, rabies is always fatal. Because infected pets can give the disease to people, rabies immunization is something you don't want to ignore. Rabies shots are started at 12 weeks of age, boostered a year later, and every three years after that. In most communities, cats are required to be up to date on their rabies vaccinations. Rabies is spread by bites or scratches (blood or saliva) of affected animals, and attacks the nervous system tissue (brain and spinal cord). Any animal suspected to have rabies must be euthanized for testing.

VACCINATING YOUR CAT

All pets are different – thus vaccine decisions should be made by you and your veterinarian based on your cat’s age, breed, health status, vaccination history, and potential exposure to infectious diseases. Vaccine reactions are always possible though infrequent. As with any medical procedure, the benefits must be balanced against the risks.

What possible risks are associated with vaccination?

Local soreness at the injection site may noticed for a day or two, particularly in kittens, where the amount of vaccine is proportionately larger than for adult cats,

Mild fever, decreased appetite and listlessness may be observed for 1-3 days following vaccination. Generally no treatment is needed.

Sarcoma, a cancerous tumor at the injection site, occurs in about one in ten thousand immunizations. Any feline vaccine given by injection can do this. The more vaccinations patients receive, the more likely the cancer. However, the risk of completely withholding vaccinations is greater than the cancer risk.

Anaphylaxis is a rare, life-threatening, immediate allergic reaction which occurs within minutes to hours (less than 24) of the vaccination. If untreated, it results in shock, respiratory and cardiac failure and death. Dr. Ronald Schultz of the University of Wisconsin College of Veterinary Medicine estimates that about one case of anaphylaxis occurs for every 15,000 doses of vaccine administered.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis are the sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, shock, seizures, coma and death. The animals' gums will be very pale, and the limbs will feel cold. Anaphylaxis is an extreme emergency. If you think your pet is having an anaphylactic reaction, seek emergency veterinary assistance immediately. Epinephrine should be given as soon as possible - we are talking within a few minutes. IV fluids, oxygen, and other medications are given as needed.

Alert your veterinarian before each revaccination if your pet has ever had a reaction to a vaccine. In some cases, certain vaccines may be excluded from your pet's vaccination regimen, a different type of vaccine will be used, or certain drugs, including antihistamines may be given prior to vaccination. Depending on the situation, your pet may need to remain in the veterinarian's office for a period of 30 minutes to several hours. Once home, the pet should be kept under observation for several additional hours. Even with these precautions, life-threatening reactions could still occur.

 

CAT VACCINATION SCHEDULE
Distemper combo	Begin as early as 6 weeks of age and repeat every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. Booster 1 year after completion of initial series; Repeat annually.
Feline leukemia	Begin as early as 8 weeks of age and repeat in 3-4 weeks. Booster at 1 year after completion of initial series.  Repeat annually for those cats at risk of exposure.
Rabies	May be given as early as 12 weeks of age.  Revaccinate one year later, and then every 3 years.
*Distemper combination vaccine includes panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and Chlamydia.