PONCA CITY HUMANE SOCIETY

Vaccinations for your Cat

To insure a health cat or kitten, the following vaccinations are available from your veterinarian:

FVRCP or 4-in-1

Cats and kittens should receive a combined vaccine, three times to begin with, along with annual boosters to provide continued protection. This assists in protecting your cat against the viral diseases panleukopenia (feline distemper), rhinotracheitis, and calici, and the bacterial disease chlamydia (pneumonitis). Three of these organisms (rhinotracheitis, calici virus and pneumonitis) cause upper respiratory disease in cats. These diseases are highly contagious and can be fatal. Panleukopenia (feline distemper) is a potentially fatal disease which causes fever, vomiting, diarrhea and severe abdominal pain.

Rabies

This vaccination has been effective in preventing the contracting of rabies. Cats and kititens 16 weeks of age or older should receive an initial single vaccination, with an annual booster every year thereafter. Rabies is a fatal disease that attacks the cat’s central nervous system. It is spread through the saliva of infected animals through biting. It can be transmitted to humans through a bite from an infected cat. There is no treatment for rabies. This disease has been effectively controlled through vaccination programs and licensing laws.

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)

Although no vaccine offers 100% protection there are several vaccines available and have been successful in reducing the spread of the feline leukemia virus. Cats and kittens over 14 weeks of age should receive an initial series of 2 vaccinations, given three weeks apart, with an annual booster every year thereafter. This deadly disease has become one of the main killers of cats throughout the world. As with humans, it causes an acquired immune deficiency, resulting in the destruction of the animal’s immune system. It is not transmittable to humans. Transmission comes through the saliva and possibly urine or feces of an infected cat. It can also be passed from a mother cat to her kittens in utero (while pregnant). All cats and kittens should be tested for FeLV and vaccinated against it.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

This vaccine is given to the cat intranasally (dropped into the nose), using a dropper. Cats and kittens 16 weeks of age or older should receive two intranasal doses of the vaccine, given 3 to 4 weeks apart, with an annual single dose every year thereafter. Although research to date shows only a 40% coverage, this vaccine can be a very important part of your vaccination schedule. Please talk to your veterinarian for their recommendation. FIP is a highly contagious and usually deadly disease. There is no specific treatment for this ultimately fatal disease. However, there is a vaccine for it. Contact your veterinarian to obtain more information. FIP is transmitted by contact with urine, feces, and the saliva from an infected cat through grooming or eating or drinking out of the same dish.

Feline Infectious Anemia

Your cat may be exposed to the hemobartonella parasite during an insect bite. A simple blood smear can be done to determine if your cat has become infected. Symptoms might include severe anemia and pale gums, depression, weakness and fever. Infected cats must be treated.

Vaccinations for Your Cat

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Feline AIDS (FIV)

Feline AIDS is extremely contagious to other cats and no other species. Like the human HIV, FIV causes a deficiency in the immune system, making the cat susceptible to a wide range of life-threatening medical problems. Feline AIDS can result in poor appetite, diarrhea, weight loss, a poor hair coat and a generally unhealthy appearance. Bite wounds seem to be the major means in infection and mother cats can transmit the virus to their young after birth.

Hairballs

Occasional gagging or vomiting is most commonly caused by hair that accumulates in the stomach as a result of licking and grooming, forming a hairball. There are home remedies your veterinarian can prescribe, as well as store-bought remedies.

Ringworm

Ringworm is a common fungus – it is not a "worm" at all. It is easily transmitted from pets to people, especially children. If you see small dry and scaly areas with hair loss, contact your veterinarian immediately. Depending on the extent of the infection, treatment generally consists of a series of anti-fungal baths, appropriate creams and ointments. It usually takes 4-6 weeks to clear up ringworms.

Ear Mites

Ear mites cause the majority of ear infections in cats. These tiny white parasites live in the ear canal, causing irritation and infection. They are highly contagious to other dogs and cats. Please talk to your veterinarian about necessary treatment. Symptons are a brown, waxy discharge in the ear canal, scratching, and shaking of the head repeatedly.

Intestinal Parasites

Intestinal parasites include roundworms, hookworms, coccidia, and tapeworms. Signs of infection include diarrhea, depressed appetites, and dull, dry coats. Infected cats may not show symptoms. Your veterinarian can determine if your cat has intestinal worms by examining a fecal sample.

Upper Respiratory Infection

Cats are extremely prone to developing respiratory infections, which can be caused by several infectious agents, including rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and chlamydia. Symptoms can include fever, lethargy, sneezing and coughing, ocular and nasal discharge. See your veterinarian for a vaccination schedule to help prevent the onset of upper respiratory infections.