Congratulations on the new edition to your family! Certain diseases may be prevented by vaccination. A protected response is what the veterinarian is aiming for when vaccinating your kitten, by boosting the immune system to produce antibodies and neutralize infectious organisms before they have a chance to induce disease. This is achieved through a schedule involving vaccines. Ideally the standard schedule is at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age .Variations to a schedule becomes necessary when, for instance, a kitten is vaccinated at 8 weeks of age, then does not visit the veterinarian again until 16 weeks of age. A minimum of two injections approximately 3-4 weeks apart with the last injection occurring at greater than 12 weeks of age is necessary.
Schedule
6-8 weeks of age
- 1st physical examination (evaluate general health, heart and lung status as well as confirm sex of your kitten as it can be hard to tell at a young age)
- 1st FVRCP Booster (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Chlamydia psittici, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper)
- Fecal analysis for parasites
- Deworming
10-12 weeks of age
- 2nd physical examination (evaluate general health as well as growth and development)
- 2nd FVRCP Booster (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Chlamydia psittici, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia Feline Distemper)
- Fecal analysis for parasites
- Deworming (if required)
14-16 weeks of age
- 3rd physical examination (evaluate general health as well as growth and development)
- 3rd FVRCP Booster (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Chlamydia psittici Calicivirus, Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper)
- Rabies vaccination
- Fecal analysis for parasites
- Deworming (if required)
5-6 months of age
- Ovariohysterectomy (females)
- Orchidectomy (males)
- Possible microchip
- Deworming
Annual Adult Vaccination
After the third booster your pet will not be due for another vaccination until a year later. It is recommended to have your cat vaccinated on an annual basis as well as a fecal analysis for intestinal parasites.
Feline Respiratory Disease (Feline rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus, chlamydia psittici and bordetella)
Feline rhinotracheitis (FVR) and feline calicivirus (FCV) are the two main causes of upper respiratory tract infections in cats. Although cats of any age can be infected, the young appear to be at greater risk. Clinical signs of infection include sneezing, nasal discharge and discharge from the eyes. Some cats with FVR cough could develop a severe eye condition called ulcerative keratitis. Cats with FCV can develop ulcers in the mouth, pneumonia, diarrhea and joint disease. Although most cats recover within 2 to 4 weeks, it is quite common for cats to become chronic carriers of these viruses, putting other cats at risk. Because these viruses are common in many areas, vaccination is highly recommended.
Chlamydia psittici is a parasite that is thought to be responsible for some upper respiratory tract infections in cats. It can lead to a severe form of lung disease if left untreated. Chlamydia psittici can commonly cause chronic conjunctivitis in cats. Outbreaks of Chlamydia psittici are common when cats are housed together.
Feline Panleukopenia
Feline panleukopenia is a hardy virus as it is able to survive up to a year in the environment. Clinical signs include fever, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. It most often occurs in unvaccinated kittens most commonly between 3 to 5 months of age. If the virus attacks an unborn fetus, it may cause early death or cerebellar hypoplasia (“spastic kitten”). Most older cats exposed to this virus do not show clinical signs. An infected cat may be infertile. A cat may also abort her litter if infected during pregnancy.
This virus is spread via contact with an infected kitten or by contaminated premises, food or water bowls. Most veterinarians consider vaccination for panleukopenia mandatory. Thanks to vaccination, this disease is now uncommon.
Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system of all warm blooded animals, including humans. Rabies is transmitted by saliva, which is usually transferred by a bite from an infected animal. The virus can also be transmitted via air (bat caves) and tissue (corneal transplants). The disease is frequently found in wild animals such as skunks, foxes, raccoons and bats.
Once infected, the disease is fatal. Prior to death, clinical signs may include a change in behaviour (e.g. increased aggressiveness or increased shyness), dilation of the pupils, excess salivation, snapping at the air, a shifting gait, and facial twitching.
As the virus is zoonotic it means it can be transmitted to humans. Your family pet should be kept on its own property or be leashed when off its property. To help prevent raccoon rabies, it is recommended that you cap chimneys, close up any holes in attics or outbuildings, and make sure that stored garbage does not act as a food source.
Vaccination is important in safeguarding your cat from infection with this virus. Some veterinarians recommend vaccinating every year, while others recommend a three-year vaccine. Talk to our veterinarian about the degree of risk for Rabies in your area, and about which vaccination protocol will provide your pet with the protection it requires.
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is capable of causing a number of diseases in cats. Lymphoma (lymphosarcoma) is the most common form of cancer caused by this virus. Although a number of forms of this cancer are possible, the most common ones involves the intestines or the chest. Clinical signs may include vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss (if the intestines are involved) or breathing difficulties (if the chest is involved). Any organ in the body can be affected.
Feline leukemia virus can also cause anemia, and can make a cat more susceptible to other viral and bacterial diseases. Any cat with a history of fever of undetermined origin, or an illness that comes and goes, should be tested for this virus.
The incidence of FeLV is highest in multi-cat households (lots of contact between cats) as the virus is spread via saliva and other body secretions (tears, blood, urine). Cats that mutually groom, share food and water bowls, litter pans, etc. are at higher risk. “Social” outdoor cats that meet and greet other cats, mutually groom or fight are also at risk.
A blood test is available to test for infection with this virus. Not all “positive” cats will become sick with the disease. Some cats are able to produce a good immune response and overcome the virus. Others are not and will develop FeLV associated disease or cancer, usually within 3 years.
If your cat tests positive for FeLV, it is important that your cat not roam free, as the virus is highly contagious. Such a cat is prone to developing serious complications from other viral or bacterial diseases, so any time the cat does not appear well (has a fever, doesn’t eat), you should contact your veterinarian.
If a cat in your household dies of Feline Leukemia, the household should be thoroughly disinfected (especially the litter boxes, food and water bowls, bedding, toys). It is best to wait at least one month before introducing another cat to the household.
If you own more than one cat, if you have a cat that roams outdoors or is very sociable and likely to come into contact with other cats, or if the background of your cat is unknown (adopted from the shelter, etc.) Your cats may be at a high risk for exposure to this virus. Speak to your veterinarian about testing your cat’s blood for this virus.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
Feline Infectious Peritonitis is a Coronavirus. The disease is not common and it occurs most often in cats that are:
- 6 months to 2 years of age and in those that are older than 11 years of age
- in multi-cat households (especially catteries)
- in cats that are infected with Feline Leukemia or Feline Immunodeficiency Viruses
- in cats whose immune system is compromised
The virus is spread by contact with an infected cat (feces, saliva, blood, urine). Prolonged exposure to an infected cat is usually necessary for transmittal of the disease.
Clinical signs of FIP take time to develop. There are two forms of the disease, a wet and dry form. The wet form, results in fluid build-up in the abdomen or chest. The dry form, results in granulomas (lumps of inflammatory tissue) in multiple organs of the body. Infected cats will often exhibit weight loss, fever and loss of appetite.
Although treatment is available to make infected cats more comfortable, the disease is inevitably fatal.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is capable of causing a number of diseases in cats in a similar manner to FeLV virus. It is most common in male and free-roaming cats. Transmission is usually by a bite wound.
