Clearwater vet, veterinarian in Clearwater,

Vaccinations - Cats

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 appears to be very successful. Kittens require a series of vaccinations every 3 to 4 weeks from the time vaccinations start until they are approximately 16 weeks old. Since this virus does not always require direct contact for transmission, it is generally included in the series of recommended vaccinations for all cats.

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 usually recommended for most cats. It appears that the protection against this disease from vaccination is of relatively short duration and yearly boosters seem to be a necessity.

Calicivirus
This virus also causes respiratory disease in its acute phase. It also can become chronic. Affected cats may have persistant gum disease or chronically recurring upper respiratory disease. This virus is also recommended for most cats.

Feline Leukemia
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) requires direct contact with an infected cat in order to spread. For this reason, it may not be necessary for cats confined to the home. Some veterinarians feel that the risk of a cat getting loose from the house justifies using this vaccine, anyway. We think this might be true if vaccines were risk free. We don't think they are, though. This vaccine should be administered to cats who live full-time or part-time outdoors. We recommend that cats who live indoors exclusively not be vaccinated.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis
We think that there are very few instances in which the use of this vaccine is warranted. If you have a large number of cats, it might be worthwhile. Otherwise, skip it. There is a great deal of question about how well this vaccine works.

Chlamydiosis
This is a bacterial respiratory disease of cats. It is generally believed that vaccine combination injections which include this bacterin are the most likely to cause reactions. Still, there are times when this disease is so prevalent in a group of cats or in a neighborhood that its use is warranted. Discuss this one with your vet.

Feline Vaccine/Test Protocols
We have created a new Vaccine/Test Protocol that we believe is the safest and most effective. Our staff will help you in deciding which vaccinations and tests are needed at each visit. By accessing past vaccination history and current lifestyle we can develop an effective vaccination schedule for each pet.

Kittens: 1st FVRCP at 6-8 weeks old
2nd FVRCP at 9-11 weeks old
3rd FVRCP at 12-14 weeks old
4th FVRCP at 15-17 weeks old
Rabies at 12 weeks of age or older (1st shot is good for 1 year then 3 years after that)
1ST FELV at 12 weeks or older
2nd FELV at 3 weeks after 1st, then yearly

If kitten starts later than9-11 weeks f age than they will get a series of 2 FVRCP shots 3 weeks apart and Rabies at 12 weeks of age or older.

Cats of unknown vaccination history will receive the following:

These cats will get a series of 2 FVRCP vaccinations 3 weeks apart.
Rabies vaccine (1 year shot the first time, then 3 year shot thereafter.)
Felv/FIV test (all cats never tested before, of unknown status, or if cat has been in any fights a month ago or later)
FVRCP vaccinations every year or every 3 years?

Indoor cat  every 3 years after initial kitten or cat series
Indoor/outdoor cat (supervised 100%)  every 3 years
Indoor/outdoor cat (not supervised)  every year
Outdoor cat  every year
Cats in a household with several other cats, if owner plans on adopting another cat, if owner takes care of strays outside, if some cats in house go outside  every year
If owner has a cat on a 3-year FVRCP schedule and any of the situations above occur then their cat should come in for a FVRCP booster and then go on a yearly schedule for FVRCP. Also if any of the above situations occur the cat should also be vaccinated for FELV.

FIP vaccine recommended only in multiple cat households.

Feline Leukemia and FIV blood testing: Who to test and When?

Any new cat introduced to a household of Felv and/or FIV negative cats
Any cat with unknown Felv and FIV status
Sick cats
Prior to starting Felv vaccinations
At risk cats should be tested yearly (outdoor cats that fight)
All cats that go outside should be tested for fecals yearly. If a cat has been in a catfight then they should be tested for FELV/FIV in 1 month and again in 3 months after exposure.