Tidbit: Cat Inoculations

Core:

• a single combined FVRCP vaccine shot which protects against FVR/FHV-1 (influenza), FCV (pandemic respiratory) and FPV (distemper)
• a separate rabies inoculation.

Note: current research demonstrates that 100% of FVRCP and rabies inoculated cats retain immunity for 3 or more years. State and local laws sometimes continue to require annual inoculation. In the United States, cats make up 4.6% of reported cases of rabies infected animals. (WHO)

Non-core: (administer if endemic)

• Chlamydophila (conjunctivitis, running nose, respiratory inflammation)
• Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) causes immunosupression. The term "leukemia" in this case is a well-established misnomer. FeLV is a virus not a cancer.
• Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) AIDS
• Bordetella pertussis - whooping cough in humans (kennel cough)

Not recommended: lack of effectiveness or high chance of adverse reaction.

• Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) Generally fatal. Incidence: 1 in 5000 households with 1 or 2 cats.
• Giardia lamblia protozoan. Very common. Immunization ineffective due to multiple strains.

Conclusion: adminster FVRCP and rabies inoculations every three years.

see also:
American Veterinarian Medical Association
American Association of Feline Practitioners
other cat diseases

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