FelineVaccinations

Virus (family Lyssaviridae). Zoonotic disease (can be passed to humans). Affects nerve cells, causing neurological signs and death. Transmitted by bite wounds through the saliva of infected animals. All mammals are susceptible to rabies (including humans). The most commonly infected mammals in NYC are raccoons, bats, and skunks. The rabies vaccine is required by law in NYC for all cats and dogs.

Schedule: First vaccine is given between 12-16 weeks of age and every 1-3 years thereafter.

Also referred to simply as the “distemper vaccine.” This combination vaccine protects
from some of the most serious feline viruses.

Schedule: First vaccine is given between 6-8 weeks; then every 2-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. Boostered at 6 months and then every 1-3 years thereafter.

The components of this vaccine include:

• Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis: Virus (family Herpesvirus-1); Species specific. Causes upper respiratory infections and is the most common cause of conjunctivitis is cats. Infection occurs through direct contact with saliva, or the ocular and nasal discharges from infected cats. The virus remains active for as long as discharges remain moist. Cats of any age are susceptible.
• Feline Calicivirus: Virus (family Caliciviridae). Species specific. Another important cause of upper respiratory infection of cats. Symptoms also include oral, ocular, and nasal ulcers; may also cause joint pain/limping, most commonly in kittens. A virulent form: Virulent Systemic Feline Calicivirus or VS-FCV can cause serious disease with high fever, severe depression, limb swelling, and multiple organ disease, but this is rare.
• Panleukopenia: Virus (family Parvoviradae). Species specific. Also known as feline parvovirus or feline distemper (though it is distinct from both canine parvovirus and canine distemper). Panleukopenia literally means a decrease in all the white blood cell counts in the body. This virus is highly contagious, and is transmitted through bodily fluids, most commonly feces, and can persist in the environment for a year or longer. This virus attacks rapidly dividing cells including bone marrow and the GI lining and may cause vomiting and diarrhea and a severe drop in white blood cell counts often resulting in death. Kittens exposed in utero develop cerebellar hypoplasia with accompanying neurological signs.

Virus (Retroviridae, also known as Feline AIDS). Species specific. Causes suppression of the immune system and is a leading cause of cancer in cats. This virus is transmitted through bodily fluids, most significantly from saliva through bite wounds. Recommended primarily for outdoor cats, though kittens should also be vaccinated since they are at highest risk. Blood testing for FeLV is recommended prior to vaccination.

Schedule: First vaccine