FVRCP (“Distemper”) vaccine

• Rhinotracheitis virus (“Herpes”, FHV-1)  
• This virus primarily infects the respiratory system and the eyes and is highly contagious to all cats.  Infected cats should be isolated from non-infected cats and kept in a low stress environment to shorten the duration of clinical signs.  Infected cats maintain the virus for life and clinical signs may recur during times of stress.  
• Clinical signs may include: sneezing, coughing, fever, runny nose, watery eyes, abortion, poor appetite, and depression.

• Calici virus (FCV)  
• This virus primarily infects the respiratory system, eyes, and mouth.  This virus can be transmitted directly from cat to cat or indirectly via food/water bowls, shoes, toys, etc.  
• Clinical signs may include: poor appetite, lameness, sneezing, coughing, runny nose, watery eyes, ulcers of tongue/mouth/nose, and fever.

• Panleukopenia virus (FPV)  
• This virus infects rapidly dividing cells (i.e., digestive system, blood cells).  This virus can survive for years on contaminated surfaces, but is susceptible to disinfection with a 1:32 dilution of bleach.  
• Clinical signs may include: vomiting, diarrhea, depression, poor appetite, dehydration, abnormal body temperature, abortion, and incoordination.

• Chlamydophila felis  
• This virus primarily infects the respiratory system and eyes.  
• Clinical signs may include: sneezing, coughing, poor appetite, watery eyes, depression, and wheezing.  Infection may last for several weeks or months. 
• This virus can infect humans.

• Vaccination schedule  
• Kittens (≤ 16 weeks): start at 6 weeks and revaccinate every 3 weeks up to 16 weeks of age.  
• All cats > 16 weeks: initially receive 2 doses 3 weeks apart and then booster yearly.

Rabies vaccine

• This virus is shed in the saliva of wild and domestic mammals and is often transmitted through a bite wound from an infected animal.   
• Clinical signs may include: changes in behavior, aggression, seizures, incoordination, paralysis, and death.   
• This virus is a human health hazard.   
• Vaccination schedule  
• Initial vaccination given at ≥ 12 weeks of age and then second dose in 1 year.  Booster every 3 years thereafter.

Feline leukemia (FeLV) vaccine

• This virus is transmitted through the saliva of infected cats via bite wounds, grooming, or sharing of food/water bowls and litter pans.  Cats that go outdoors or are in a multicat environment are at greatest risk of this disease.  
• The main action of this virus is to suppress the immune system leading to secondary infections that are difficult to manage.  May also induce formation of cancer.  > 50% of infected cats die within 2-3 years following infection.   
• Vaccination schedule  
• Initial vaccination given at ≥ 8 weeks of age and then second dose given 3 weeks later.  Booster yearly.  FeLV testing is required before vaccination.

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)/FeLV vaccine

• FIV is transmitted primarily through the bite wound from an infected cat.  Male cats are more susceptible to infection due to their more aggressive natures.  Cats that go outdoors or are in a multicat environment are at greatest risk of this disease.   
• The main action of this virus is to suppress the immune system leading to secondary infections that are difficult to manage.  FIV-positive cats may remain healthy for many years.   
• Vaccination schedule  
• Initial vaccination given at ≥ 8 weeks of age and then second dose given 3 weeks later.  Booster yearly.  FeLV/FIV testing is required before vaccination.

Vaccine facts:

• FVRCP and Rabies vaccinations are recommended for all cats regardless of lifestyle.        
• FeLV and FIV/FeLV vaccinations may be recommended for your cat based on lifestyle and risk of exposure.         
• Following vaccination, it is not uncommon for a cat to have a poor appetite or a decrease in activity for approximately 24 hours.         
• There may be a slight swelling at the injection site(s) and tenderness for a few days following vaccination.  If swelling progresses, is warm to the touch, and painful this may be an indication of a vaccine-induced infection (rare).  Please call us at the number above if this occurs.        
• Rarely a hypersensitivity reaction to a vaccine may occur resulting in any number of the following: redness of the skin (particularly the ears), “hives” (numerous raised bumps on the skin), vomiting, and diarrhea.  Hypersensitivity reactions will typically occur shortly following vaccination so it is recommended that you observe your cat for a few hours following vaccination.  Please call us at the number above if this occurs and be prepared to bring the cat in for a recheck and treatment.