Feline Preventative and Wellness Healthcare
Cats and kittens need to be vaccinated for rabies, panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and leukemia, but the type of vaccines given will be dependent on your cat’s lifestyle. Our veterinarians at AWVH will consult with you about your cat and make vaccine decisions based on their lifestyle. Because your cat ages 7 years for every year, it is important to bring your cat in at least once a year for a wellness exam to detect any early onset of disease. Below is a list and description of the various feline diseases that your cat may be vaccinated against.
Rabies – (Canine and Feline)
Rabies is a viral disease that can affect all warm-blooded mammals, including dogs, cats, wildlife and humans. The virus infects cells of the nervous system, producing loss of muscle function and behavioral abnormalities such as unusual aggression or withdrawal. Once signs of rabies appear, the disease is always fatal. Rabies is usually transmitted by bite wounds, often from infected wildlife, which represent the largest reservoir of the disease in the United States. Vaccines are very effective in preventing rabies. Most states in the U.S. require rabies vaccination of dogs at one to three year intervals.
Feline Panleukopenia – (Feline Distemper)
Also known as feline distemper, feline panleukopenia is a highly contagious, often fatal disease of cats. The disease is caused by a parvovirus transmitted by contact with infected cats, their feces or environmental contamination. The virus is highly resistant and capable of surviving in the environment for months. Kittens without prior vaccination or exposure are most susceptible. Signs of acute infection include fever, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and abdominal pain.
Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis – (Given in Feline Distemper Combo Vaccine)
Viral rhinotracheitis is a highly contagious respiratory disease characterized by sneezing, loss of appetite, fever and eye inflammation. As the disease progresses, a discharge is noticeable from both eyes and nose.
Feline Calicivirus- (Given in Feline Distemper Combo Vaccine)
Calicivirus is another serious feline respiratory infection. It often occurs simultaneously with feline viral rhinotracheitis. Signs of infection are similar to the rhinotracheitis, but calicivirus–infected cats may also have ulcers located on their tongue.
Feline Leukemia-
Leukemia is a viral disease, which can take several forms. Some cats have transient infections with very few symptoms or ill effects. Others have persistent infections varying in severity, some of which may be fatal over time. Extensive scientific research has shown no relationship between feline leukemia and human leukemia. Leukemia is transmitted by bodily fluid such as saliva, semen and even potentially, urine.
Testing is available for feline leukemia (FeLV) and feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). We recommend having your cat or kitten tested before introducing them to your family of furry friends because they are contagious to other cats in the household.
*Information taken from Pfizer Animal Health: http://www.animalhealth.pfizer.com/sites/PAHWeb/US/EN/Pages/US.aspx
