Feline Vaccines
 
 
Core Vaccines   (these vaccines can be administered every three years in adult cats with previous vaccination history)
  •  Rabies – This virus is transmitted from a bite wound from infected animals. Skunk, raccoon and bat are reservoir species, however any animal can contract and transmit rabies. This virus is 100% fatal once contracted. The vaccine is given initially as a one year vaccine at 12-16 weeks old or if prior vaccine history is unknown. Booster vaccination is good for three years.
  •  Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis – Caused by a feline specific herpesvirus, it causes severe respiratory disease which can prevent cats from eating. In some cases the eyes can become affected and the cat can lose vision or even the affected eye. It is rapidly spread amongst cats. Cats that recover from the infection become chronic carriers and may redevelop symptoms periodically throughout their lives.
  •  Feline Calicivirus-This virus also causes an upper respiratory infection in cats.  It causes oral ulcers that can interfere with a cat’s ability to eat. Cats that recover from this virus can become re-infected later if exposed.
  •  Panleukopenia- Caused by a parvovirus, this highly contagious infection is very stable in the environment and can be transmitted to your cat from exposure to the virus present on your outdoor clothing. This virus causes sudden death in kittens, vomiting, poor appetite, diarrhea and lethargy. Some cats will have seizures, mental dullness and a strange walk or head tremors. 
  • Non-Core Vaccines (all non-core vaccines are given once yearly )
Bordetella bronchispeptica: This bacterial infection causes upper respiratory symptoms in cats. It can infect dogs (kennel cough), cats and rabbits and is highly contagious. This vaccine is not intended for all cats.
Chlamydia felis:  Cats infected with this organism will get a runny nose and severe conjunctivitis. 
Feline Leukemia Virus- (FeLV) This viral infection of cats leads to immunosuppression and malignant cancer. It is spread through the saliva of cats during grooming and playing. It can be passed from mother to kittens through the placenta. Many cats with Feline Leukemia will appear normal until the cat develops nonspecific symptoms of poor health or cancer. The incidence of Feline Leukemia infection has dramatically dropped due to aggressive testing, client education and vaccination. All cats that are outdoors or in multi-cat households should be tested periodically and vaccinated annually. 
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus- (FIV) A cat only virus, it causes devastating immunodeficiency in cats. Outdoor cats are at high risk for this disease. It is spread through saliva and bite or scratch wounds from infected cats. Although an FIV vaccine exists, it is controversial. It will result in an antibody production that will cross-react with tests for the disease. If a vaccinated cat is lost and subsequently tested, it may be euthanized due to a false positive test result. Kittens born to vaccinated cats can test positive for the virus for the first 8 weeks of their lives.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis- (FIP) A serious and often fatal disease that mainly occurs in young cats from a multi-cat household, FIP can spread rapidly before symptoms develop. Symptoms of FIP can include swollen abdomen, difficulty breathing, and neurologic changes. Pure breed cats as well as shelter cats can harbor FIP. Unfortunately there are no good screening tests for this disease. Vaccination is controversial for routine use. 
 
 The Distemper vaccine is traditionally a combination vaccine of Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (H), Feline Calicivirus (C) , Panleukopenia (P), and sometimes Chlamydia.
Recent evidence indicates that adult cats retain immunity for H, C, P  for up to three years post-vaccination. To provide flexibility for our vaccination program the Jockey Hollow Veterinary Practice will have the following core vaccines
o   HCP
o   Rabies

Cat Vaccination Schedule:
 
Core Vaccines
Non-core Vaccines Outdoor cats
Non-core Vaccines
Multi-cat homes (occ. Outside)
Non-core Vaccines indoor cat- solitary
 
 
 
 
 
8 weeks
HCP
 
 
 
12 weeks
HCP
FeLV
FeLV
 
 
16 weeks
HCP Rabies(1year)
FeLV
FeLV
 
 
1 year
Rabies(3year)
FeLV
FeLV
 
2 years
 
FeLV
FeLV
 
 
3 years
HCP
FeLV
FeLV
 
 
4 years
Rabies
FeLV
FeLV
 
 
5 years
 
 
FeLV
FeLV
 
 
6 years
HCP
FeLV
FeLV