Cat Vaccines

Cat vaccines can prevent illness before it takes hold, sparing your beloved pet from uncomfortable symptoms and stressful treatments. To ensure your cat is fully protected, however, it is imperative that you keep up with the recommended schedule for all necessary vaccines. A missed or lapsed vaccine may leave your pet vulnerable to disease.

At Westwood Regional Veterinary Hospital and Pompton Lakes Animal Hospital, we recommend the following for cats:

Calicivirus

Feline calicivirus is a highly contagious virus that is frequently found in shelters and breeding colonies. It most often infects young cats, causing mild to severe respiratory and oral disease. While most cats will recover completely, some rare strains may be deadly. The FVRCP combined vaccination, which also covers FHV-1 and FPV, can prevent all calicivirus strains.

Feline Leukemia

Feline leukemia is among the most common diseases in cats. It is a type of retrovirus, meaning cats may not fully recover after infection. Instead, the virus may incorporate into your pet’s genome and become a chronic concern. This is why prevention through vaccination is essential, especially in cats who go outside or are otherwise at risk of exposure.

FIP

FIP, which is properly known as feline infectious peritonitis, is a mutation of the feline coronavirus. While the original infection is often harmless, FIP causes a rapid decline in health. Cases are nearly always fatal, although experimental medications are currently in development. Preventative measures like vaccines remain the best solution to FIP.

FIV

FIV, or feline immunovirus, is a retrovirus like feline leukemia. It attacks a cat’s immune system. Ongoing damage gradually weakens the cat’s internal defenses, making it vulnerable to secondary infection. Because it may also become chronic and cannot be cured, vaccination is the best way to keep your cat healthy throughout their life.

Panleukopenia

Feline panleukopenia is also called feline distemper, feline parvovirus, or FPV. This highly contagious disease is hard to detect and can be fatal. With no direct treatment available, prevention is the best option for pet owners. The FPV vaccine is included in the FVRCP combination vaccine, which also protects against FHV-1 and feline calicivirus.

Rabies

Rabies is an extremely contagious and dangerous disease that affects all mammals. Cats may contract it after exposure to an infected animal such as another cat or wild animal. There is no effective treatment for rabies, meaning cases are universally fatal. Fortunately, if delivered before the disease sets in, a rabies vaccine provides proven protection.

Rhinotracheitis

Feline rhinotracheitis (FVR) is a mutation of feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) and a major cause of upper respiratory infections. Though cats with FVR may exhibit zero symptoms for months or even years, a sudden stressful event may reactivate the virus. Regular vaccination prevents the virus from setting in, avoiding a health concern that may impact a cat’s well-being for life.