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Vaccinations - Cats
Rabies
Rabies is caused by a virus, and can affect any warm blooded animals, humans included! It is transmitted through the saliva via bite wounds. All kittens over 12 weeks of age should receive a rabies vaccination. We recommend yearly PureVax rabies vaccinations after that--PureVax vaccinations have been proven to cause less vaccine reactions in cats, and have a much lower incidence of vaccine-associated sarcomas.
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. Boosters for this vaccination are given a year later, then, at that point, we talk with you to determine what is the best vaccination protocol for your kitty.
Rhinotracheitis
Rhinotracheitis is caused by a Herpes virus. It causes respiratory disease in its acute phase. Chronically, it can be the cause of persistent eye irritation and corneal disease (cloudiness or blood vessel infiltration in the clear part of the eye). Kittens are given a series of vaccinations every 3 to 4 weeks from around 7-8 weeks of age, until they are ~16 weeks old. Boosters for this vaccination are given a year later, then, at that point, we talk with you to determine what is the best vaccination protocol for your kitty.
Calicivirus
This virus also causes respiratory disease in its acute phase. It also can become chronic. Affected cats may have persistent gum disease or chronically recurring upper respiratory disease. This is included in the combination vaccine known as FVRCP. Kittens receive a series of vaccinations, then are given a booster a year later. From that point, we talk with you to determine what is the best vaccination protocol for your cat.
Feline Leukemia
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) usually requires direct contact with an infected cat in order to spread. We recommend performing a simple in-house blood test on all kittens or unvaccinated adult cats, to ensure your kitty is not positive for Feline Leukemia. If your kitten tests negative, we recommend that kittens receive a series of two vaccinations, 3-4 weeks apart. After that, we help you assess your cat's lifestyle, to determine if this is a vaccination that is needed yearly or not. For cats staying exclusively indoors, with no exposure to other cats that have access to the outdoors, this vaccine may not need to be continued.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis
There are very few instances in which the use of this vaccine is warranted. If you have a large number of cats, or have a known FIP positive cat in your home, it may be appropriate. There is a great deal of question regarding how well this vaccine actually works. Ask your veterinarian for more information.
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. If you have cats with feline Chlamydiosis in your home, the vaccination may be warranted. Ask your veterinarian for more information.
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