Feline Vaccinations from Pet Street Station Animal Hospital

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Feline Vaccines

You have taken an important step by bringing your feline friend to the veterinarian for vaccination. You are laying a solid foundation for life-long good health in your pet. Most vaccines are started at kittenhood and require that 2 vaccines be given 3-4 weeks apart starting near 8 weeks. Most require annual revaccination to keep the immune system strong and ready to fight disease. We use the purest vaccine products available to insure minimal, if any, post vaccine reactions. Following is a list of feline vaccines offered at Pet Street Station Animal Hospital and our recommendation on when they are appropriate.

Rabies
Currently the cases of feline rabies in the U.S. far exceed those in all other domestic animals. Because rabies can be transmitted to humans and is always fatal, New York State law requires that all cats be current on rabies vaccination. First vaccination should occur at 12 weeks of age, with a booster one year later and then every three years for the life of your cat.
Feline Viral Rhinotrachetis (herpes), Calici and Panleukopenia (FVCRP)
These three viruses cause widespread disease in the cat population. Rhinotrachetis and Calici virus account for 80-90% of infectious upper respiratory tract diseases. In kittens, signs are usually severe and sometimes fatal. Once infected, may cats become chronically sick and a source of infection for others. Panleukopenia, also known as feline distemper, and similar to parvo virus in dogs, killed thousands per year prior to the vaccine. We highly recommend that all cats be vaccinated for these three viruses at 8 and 12 weeks and annually thereafter.
Feline Leukemia (FeLV)
This is currently the leading viral killer of cats. Infection is transmitted by saliva, bite wounds, urine and from an infected mother to her kittens. 80% of infected cats die within 3 years. All cats who go outdoors or come in regular contact with cats that go outdoors are at risk of exposure. Cats living indoors with other cats whose infection status is unknown or positive are also at risk. Kittens younger than 4 months are at greatest risk if exposed. We recommend that all cats be tested for feline leukemia. All cats who go outside or are exposed to cats that go outside should be vaccinated. Indoor cats who test negative and socialize only with other indoor cats may not need to be vaccinated. Remember, however, do not bring any other cats into your household unless they test negative for the virus and will not be allowed back outdoors again. Kittens can start the vaccine at 9 weeks with a booster 3 weeks later and an annual booster thereafter. If your cat is in the risk group, we highly recommend this vaccine.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP):
Caused by a corona virus, only 1-5% of all corona virus infected cats will develop FIP. Felines in catteries or households with many cats are more likely to be exposed to and infected by corona viruses. Most cats that develop FIP are younger than 2 years. The disease is uniformly fatal. There is a vaccine to prevent FIP, but there are limitations in it's ability to offer full protection. Talk to your chosen veterinarian for advice on this vaccine.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
FIV stands for "Feline Immunodeficiency Virus," just as HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. In fact, these two viruses are closely related and much of the general information that has become common knowledge for HIV also holds true for FIV. FIV is a virus that causes AIDS in cats; however, there is a long asymptomatic period before AIDS occurs and our job is to prolong this asymptomatic period. The average life expectancy from the time of diagnosis for FIV is 5 years. Humans cannot be infected with FIV; FIV is a cats-only infection. All cats that go outdoors or come in contact with cats that go outdoors are at risk for exposure. We recommend that all cats be tested for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. There is an FIV vaccine available but there are limitations to its ability to offer full protection but may be useful in certain circumstances. Once vaccinated for FIV, that cat will test positive on current FIV tests making monitoring for the disease in that cat impossible. Talk to your chosen veterinarian for advice on this vaccine.