The Importance of Vaccinating Your Cat
by
Mark T. Van Horn, DVM
Roxanne I. Knibb, DVM, ABVP
Tri-City Animal & Bird Clinic
(314)-227-4041
Vaccination is economical protection against a number of costly and sometimes
fatal diseases. Vaccines work by producing antibodies in cats, protecting them
from infection by various viruses and bacteria. Re-vaccination is essential in
maintaining this immunity and giving cats lifelong protection. Kittens receive
some immunity from their mothers, but this protection is unpredictable. For this
reason kittens receive a series of vaccinations during the early, most
susceptible months of their lives. Listed below are the most routine
vaccinations available for cats.
Feline Respiratory Disease (Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Chlamydia)
Rhinotracheitis is a very common, highly contagious herpesvirus which
causes fever, sneezing and nasal discharge. Kittens are routinely vaccinated
against this in a series of shots with a combination injectable vaccine called
FVRCP. Cats should be boosted annually for the rest of their lives. Although
vaccination greatly minimizes the severity of the disease, it does not
completely protect against eye problems. In cattery and multicat household
situations, intranasal vaccination should also be considered.
Calicivirus also causes respiratory problems in cats and is included
in the FVRCP vaccine. Signs of infection include fever, runny nose, loss of
appetite and ulcers on the tongue and in the mouth.
Chlamydia is a cause of mild respiratory and eye problems and can
occasionally be transmitted to people. This is included in a vaccine called
FVRCPC. It is rarely fatal but may reoccur when a cat is ill or stressed.
Feline Panleukopenia
Sometimes referred to as distemper, this is an often fatal disease of kittens
and cats that causes fever and severe vomiting. The virus is very stable in the
environment, hence even indoor cats can be exposed by the owner tracking the
virus in on shoes and clothing. Vaccination is very important and is included in
the FVRCP series for kittens and cats.
Rabies
Rabies is a fatal disease which cats primarily contract through bite wounds.
Cats are vaccinated at 16 weeks and every 1-3 years thereafter depending on the
type of vaccine given. Because rabies is a public hazard, vaccinating is
required by law in St. Louis County and is strongly recommended elsewhere.
Feline Leukemia (FeLV)
This is a virus which can cause cancer, blood cell abnormalities, reproductive
disorders and decreases the ability of the immune system to respond to
infections. The virus is transmitted through intimate contact with other cats. A
blood test is available to screen for the disease. Because some cats are able to
eliminate the virus from their bodies, cats who test positive should be retested
to confirm the presence of infection. Most persistently infected cats die within
2-3 years of original exposure. Feline leukemia vaccination is recommended for
cats who may be exposed to other cats of unknown feline leukemia status. An
initial series of two vaccinations is given 3-4 weeks apart, followed by annual
boosters.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
FIP is a fatal disease caused by a coronavirus. Signs of FIP vary and may
include a swollen abdomen, persistent fever and eye problems. A vaccine is
available but is controversial. Please discuss FIP vaccination with your
veterinarian.
Vaccine Reactions
Most cats display no ill effects or are somewhat less active for up to two days
following vaccinations. More severe reactions include fever and vomiting, and
should receive IMMEDIATE veterinarian attention. Cats that repeatedly
react to vaccinations should receive their annual boosters on separate days, or
in some cases, the cats may be pretreated with injectable medication to minimize
the threat of reaction.
In conclusion, vaccination is an important preventative measure but will not
cure existing disease. Consult your veterinarian about the appropriate
vaccinations needed for your cat. Do not be afraid to ask questions, as your
veterinarian is the most reliable source of information about your cat’s health.
