Feline Immunizations

Immunizations Recommended for Cats                  

FVRCPC Vaccine (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia, Chlamydia)

Rhinotracheitis: This herpes virus infection of cats is a highly contagious respiratory disease and is characterized by sneezing, loss of appetite and eye inflammation. It is the most serious of the upper respiratory diseases in cats and, in advanced stages, produces a discharge from both the eyes and nose. Rhinotracheitis can be fatal to kittens and can become chronic. As in most herpes virus infections stress can cause the infection to reoccur.
Calicivirus: This serious upper respiratory disease often occurs simultaneously with rhinotracheitis. Signs of infection are similar, but cats with calicivirus may also have ulcers on the tongue. Death is uncommon.
Panleukopenia: This viral infection of cats is also known as feline distemper. Panleukopenia is among the most widespread of all cat diseases and is extremely contagious. Clinical signs include fever, loss of appetite or coordination, tremors, vomiting and diarrhea. Death occurs in three-fourths of kittens and about half of adult cats that get the disease.
Chlamydia psittaci: This disease causes signs similar to those of rhinotracheitis and calicivirus including sneezing, fever, loss of appetite, nasal discharge and inflamed eyes.

Vaccination Frequency: Vaccinations are given starting at 6-8 weeks then boostered at 10-12 weeks, and 14-16 weeks (every 4 weeks to 14-16 weeks)
Adult (>16 weeks) two doses at 3-4 weeks apart
Repeat 1 year after primary series then every 3 years

Leukemia Vaccine

This virus suppresses the cat’s immune system, leaving it unable to resist other infections, including pneumonia. Infection can be transient and recoverable or permanent and fatal, depending on the situation. Signs of possible infection are continuing poor health or frequent illness or fever. Feline leukemia virus, as its name suggests, can also cause leukemia and other cancers of white blood cells. We recommend testing for this disease in kittens prior to the first vaccination being given.
Vaccination Frequency: Vaccinations are given starting at 9-12 weeks,
repeat dose 3-4 weeks later
Repeat 1 year after primary series then every 3 years
May consider discontinuing leukemia vaccine as an adult if single cat, indoor only

Rabies

Rabies is the most frequently requested vaccine for pets because most people have heard of this highly fatal viral infection of the nervous system which affects all warm-blooded animal species. Rabies is one of the few 100% fatal diseases that are transferable to humans from pets. It is a State Law that dogs and cats be vaccinated for rabies beginning at 12 weeks of age. We recommend a rabies vaccination for all pets at risk, e.g. outdoor pets and pets that will come in contact with other animals.
Vaccination Frequency: Begin at 12 weeks of age. The first vaccination provides immunity for 1 year. If regular immunizations are provided the subsequent vaccines are due every three years.