Here is a list of the commonly administered vaccinations given to our feline friends.
- Rabies
- Because of the problem with the aluminum in feline vaccines, a special feline rabies vaccine has been manufactured without aluminum. This specially made vaccine is safe for cats and needs to be given on an annual basis. It is called PurVax by Merial.
- Indoor-only felines are also required to receive a rabies vaccine annually.
- FVRCP- Feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and parvovirus
- These are the most common upper respiratory and gastrointestinal viruses in felines.
- Symptoms include sneezing, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis (swollen, pink, watery eyes) and raspy breathing.
- This vaccine is given with every set of kitten vaccines, and then on an annual or tri-annual basis depending on the risk for your pet.
- Feline Leukemia
- This retrovirus causes a disease that leads to cancer of the lymphocytes (leukemia).
- It is commonly passed from cat to cat through bite wounds, and it can also be passed to the fetus during pregnancy or kittens while nursing.
- Vaccinations can be given on an annual or tri-annual basis.
- Calicivirus
- This new virus causes upper respiratory infections in cats.
- The older variation of this virus has been in standard vaccine protocols for years. Recently there has been a change into a new form where the standard vaccine is no longer effective against this particular strain.
- Felines most at risk are those in multi-cat or those with access to the outdoors (even for a minute!).
- Infected felines can succumb to the disease in as few as 24-48 hours.
- We encourage vaccination for this new strain in all cats because it is extremely contagious.
A few parting words: Just like us, our feline friends can have a slow day and not be interested in food for about 24 hours following vaccinations. When this happens, we can feel confident that their immune system is learning to fight off any exposure to these diseases in the future. That is a good thing! If your kitty is not feeling well within 24 hours, we can help them feel better soon. Just give us a call and we will be happy to help.