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Vaccinations in Cats

Vaccinations in General

Andover Animal Hospital has recently changed the frequency of FVRCP or "Feline Distemper" vaccinations from annually to every 3rd year. Please discuss this new protocol with your veterinarian. Giving vaccinations or "shots" is done routinely to help protect your pet from serious diseases, many of which are potentially fatal. The vaccine stimulates the lymphocytes (produced by the bone marrow within the body) to make antibodies. Once adequately stimulated to produce antibodies against the vaccine, the lymphocytes will "remember" this response for a (limited) time, and during this period will be able to produce antibodies quickly if exposed to the disease. Many factors affect whether or not the exposed animal will actually get the disease, but an otherwise healthy, well-vaccinated animal has a much better chance of fighting off the disease.

Your veterinarian is your best resource for working with you to establish the optimal vaccine schedule and protocol for your cat.

Common Vaccinations for Cats

• Feline Panleukopenia or "Distemper"
  A viral disease of cats, most seriously affecting unvaccinated kittens who can have a high mortality rate with this highly contagious virus of cats. The virus can also affect others in the Feline family such as raccoons and mink. The virus attacks the intestinal tract and the immune system. Signs include severe vomiting and diarrhea, depression, high fever, and dehydration. Also respiratory and other secondary infections may occur due to the depressed immune system. Panleukopenia virus can be contracted from an infected animal's secretions/excretions -- the virus is very hardy and can survive in the environment for more than a year. Also to note - a pregnant queen (female cat) that contracts the disease may abort her litter or give birth to dead kittens, and kittens infected at the end of pregnancy may end up with a cerebellar (brain) defect. In kittens, the vaccination series begins at 6-8 weeks of age and vaccinations are repeated every 3-4 weeks until the kitten is 12-14 weeks old. The minimal starting series for any older cat would be 2 vaccinations, 3-4 weeks apart. Vaccines are very effective, which may be why the disease is not common in older cats. Boosters are still recommended yearly by the manufacturers.
  
  
• Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Chlamydia
  Both viruses cause similar clinical symptoms in cats, and are generally grouped together into the Feline Respiratory Disease complex. Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, coughing and conjunctivitis. Kittens, unvaccinated cats, and cats in multicat households are at greatest risk. Infection occurs by contact with contaminated material as well as from other cats. The disease is occasionally fatal if severe and untreated, usually from secondary pneumonia. Cats that recover from the disease often may be carriers. Caution is advised when introducing a new cat to a household. Vaccination for these are included in the "Distemper" vaccine, and given at the same ages and frequency.

Feline Leukemia (FeLV)
FeLV is a major cause of illness and death in domestic cats. The virus spreads primarily through direct contact with infected cats and their saliva, but it is also possible to be acquired through contact with fresh urine, blood, and feces from an infected cat. Kittens can become infected in the womb. Not all cats that are exposed to FeLV develop an infection, and those that do vary greatly as to what problems they may develop and how long before they do. There are no symptoms that are specific for FeLV infection. The virus commonly affects the immune system making the body generally more susceptible to problems. Related problems include tumors, anemia (low red blood cell count), white blood cell and platelet disorders, immune-mediated diseases, respiratory, oral, and skin infections, chronic urinary tract and gastrointestinal problems, FIP (discussed below), Hemobartonellosis, and Toxoplasmosis.

Feline Leukemia Virus testing is used to help diagnose FeLV-related illnesses and detect subclinical infections. We recommend testing any cat or kitten before introducing him (or her) into a new home. Also, it should be considered before starting Feline Leukemia vaccinations, as it would be of questionable value to vaccinate a cat already having the disease. (Note: the Feline Leukemia Virus test is less reliable in young kittens -- be sure to discuss this with your veterinarian if there is a concern).

Vaccinations reduce the risk of a cat acquiring Feline Leukemia Virus. They are strongly recommended for outdoor cats, multi-cat households (especially when there is ‘turnover’ in the household), or if additional cats may be added to the household. The initial series of vaccines includes two vaccinations given 3-4 weeks apart then boosted yearly. Kittens can be started at 9 weeks of age.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis(FIP)
This disease affects cats of all ages, but especially the younger and older cats. Also exotic cats (i.e. lions) can be affected. It generally requires close contact with an infected animal for infection to occur (usually via body fluids and feces) -- unsanitary, multi-cat households are therefore the most at risk. This virus can also be passed via the placenta to unborn kittens. Clinical signs are variable and nonspecific. Fluctuating fever, weight loss, lethargy, lack of appetite, swollen abdomen, jaundice, kidney, liver and eye problems can occur. FIP is almost invariably fatal. Diagnosis can be difficult, but blood and body fluid tests, radiographs and ultrasonography can help.

A vaccine for FIP has been available since 1991, but the effectiveness of the vaccine is still being investigated. The incidence of the disease is generally quite low in our practice. We currently do not use the vaccine but might consider it for catteries or multi-cat households where there has been a problem.

Good animal husbandry practices are important for prevention in multi-cat households.

Rabies
A virus which has certainly been in the news with the current strain of rabies in raccoons. It can theoretically affect all warm-blooded mammals (however, some, like rodents, have shown to be much more resistant to it). Signs of Rabies in cats can be quite variable -- unlike dogs, the classic "furious" (i.e. Mad Dog) form is not typical. A cat with Rabies is more likely to be reclusive and ‘sickly’. Rabies is acquired by contact with secretions from an affected animal through a break in the skin -- usually via a bite, but can be from the affected animal's saliva getting into any wound. The virus travels via the nerves from the wound area, eventually arriving in the brain and affecting the nervous system. The vaccine is highly effective, but State laws regulate how it is to be given, and how long it will legally be considered protective. In Massachusetts, to be legal, the vaccine must be given by a veterinarian to cats 3 months of age and older and the vaccine is legally accepted as protective for 1 year. If the cat receives 2 vaccinations within 9 to 12 months of each other (no more and no less) at some time during it's life, the second and subsequent vaccines are then good for 3 years.

Vaccine Reactions in Cats

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