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Vaccinations - Cats
- Vaccinations for Feline Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia (Distemper) (FVRCP) are given to all kittens beginning as early as 6-8 weeks of age. Boosters are done every 3 weeks until 16 weeks of age. After the initial kitten booster series, these vaccines are boostered annually until 5 years of age. After 5 years of age this vaccine is repeated every 3 years.
- Feline Leukemia (FeLV) vaccination is given to all kittens 3-4 weeks apart beginning as early as 9 weeks of age. It is boostered annually in all cats that are going to spend any time outdoors or are in contact with a cat that spends any time outdoors. Although you may read about the Feline Leukemia vaccine causing tumors at the injection site, at HBAH we use the PureVax brand of Leukemia which does NOT contain this tumor causing agent.
- Rabies is given at 16 weeks of age per NC law and is repeated annually. Although you may read about the Rabies vaccine causing tumors at the injection site, at HBAH we use the PureVax brand which does NOT contain this tumor causing agent.
Panleukopenia (Distemper)
Panleukopenia is the cat disease most often referred to as "Distemper" in this species. It is a deadly disease. Fortunately, it is not a very common disease as vaccination against it is very successful. This virus does not require direct contact for transmission and is included in the series of recommended vaccinations for all cats whether they are indoors or outdoors.
Rhinotracheitis
Rhinotracheitis is caused by a herpes virus. It causes respiratory disease in its acute phase. Chronically, it can be the cause of persistant eye irritation and corneal disease (cloudiness or blood vessel infiltration in the clear part of the eye). Due to the potentially chronic nature of this disease it is also recommended for all cats.
Calicivirus
This virus also causes respiratory disease in its acute phase. It can become chronic. Affected cats may have persistant gum disease or chronically recurring upper respiratory disease. This vaccination is recommended for all cats. It is highly contagious.
Feline Leukemia
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a fatal disease that can be spread easily from mother cat to kitten and also through contact with other cats harboring the disease. FeLV can cause a wide variety of problems ranging from weight loss, respiratory infections, diarrhea, vomiting, neurologic deficits and severe eye disease. Testing for the disease is recommended prior to vaccination.
Chlamydiosis
This is a bacterial respiratory disease of cats. Vaccination is recommended in most instances as the respiratory component can cause severe disease.
Rabies
Rabies is a fatal neurologic disease that is zoonotic (capable of spread to humans). HBAH follows NC law recommendations of annual vaccination for cats.
Vaccinations For Adult Cats
Adult cats who have never been vaccinated should receive all of the vaccines listed above at their initial visit. The FVRCP and Leukemia vaccines are boostered 3 weeks later.
* Please consult with our doctors and staff to determine the most appropriate immunization schedule for your kitten or adult cat.
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