Cats

Recommended Vaccines for Cats 

  Rabies

• Acute viral brain disease that can infect any mammal
• Cats are the most commonly reported domestic animal with rabies
• Transmission: Almost always transmitted via the bite of a rabid animal (often a skunk, raccoon or bat)
• Signs: Sudden, significant change in behavior (irritability, aggression, fear), unexplained paralysis
• Treatment: None; any unvaccinated animal exposed to rabies should be euthanized or strictly isolated immediately (follow state and local laws)
• Prognosis: Always fatal once clinical signs appear
• Vaccination: Recommended for all cats, often mandated by law

FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Feline Calicivirus, Feline Panleukopenia)

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (Feline Herpesvirus)

• Causes nearly half of all upper respiratory disease infections in cats
• Transmission: Transmitted by coughing and sneezing from an infected cat, or by a handler
• Signs: Sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes and fever
• Treatment: Supportive treatment with antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections
• Prognosis: Good, except for young kittens and aged cats
• Vaccination: Recommended for all cats

Feline Calicivirus

• Major cause of upper respiratory infections, often in tandem with feline viral rhinotracheitis
• Transmission: Transmitted by droplets coughed and sneezed from an infected cat, or by a handler
• Signs: Oral ulcers, limping, drooling, sneezing, fever, pneumonia
• Treatment: Supportive treatment with antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections
• Prognosis: Good, except for young kittens and aged cats
• Vaccination: Recommended for all cats

Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Parvovirus or Distemper)

• Highly contagious virus that destroys certain cells in bone marrow, lymph tissue, intestines and brain
• Transmission: Transmitted by saliva, mucus and other secretions of acutely ill cats
• Signs: High fever, vomiting, dehydration
• Treatment: Aggressive fluid therapy and supportive nursing care
• Prognosis: Can kill kittens quite suddenly
• Vaccination: Recommended for all cats

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)

• Causes malignant tumors and anemia
• Suppresses immune system, leaving cats vulnerable to disease
• Cats can appear healthy while infected
• Transmission: Virus transmitted in saliva; young kittens are especially susceptible
• Signs: Acute early stage is rarely detected
• Treatment: Almost always ineffective
• Prognosis: Can survive for years if no secondary diseases or lymphoma
• Vaccination: Recommended for all kittens and for older cats in breeding facilities, multi-cat households and shelters