Cat Vaccines

                            

               Cat Vaccines                     

What are we vaccinating for again???                                                                                                                                                                                                              

         Cats have been getting a bum rap for quite some time as far as vaccines are concerned.  There are quite a few diseases in the cat world that can be prevented by vaccination.  We figured we would take this opportunity to discuss in detail the viruses that are included in our routine “Cat Annual” vaccines. 

FVR stands for Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, C stands for Calicivirus

The first group of viruses that we would like to discuss are what I like to call the upper respiratory group, or “FVR” and “C.”  “FVR” stands for feline viral rhinotracheitis.  The actual virus is a herpes virus.  As with most herpes viruses, this virus can rarely be eliminated after initial infection.  FVR is very contagious and typically causes lethargy, upper respiratory, lower respiratory, and eye symptoms.  Kittens and older cats are more affected by the virus, but cats of all ages can be affected.  Just like FVR, “C,” or Calcivirus, causes upper respiratory problems, mouth ulcers, as well as eye discharge and in some cases, deadly pneumonia.  Both of these diseases can be prevented with vaccination. 

P stands for Panleukopenia

The second group of viruses isn’t much of a group, but is dangerous enough to be given its own paragraph.  Panleukopenia virus has been around for some time and is very similar to Parvovirus in dogs.  Highly deadly and easily transmitted from cat to cat, panleukopenia can be easily prevented with vaccination if given earlier enough and frequent enough to kittens. 

FELV stands for Feline Leukemia Virus

Feline Leukemia is a horrible disease swirling around in the cat population.  FELV is the leading killer in our cat population and is contagious as all get out.  We are truly lucky enough to have a vaccine available to prevent this disease.  This disease is spread from infected cats to non-infected cats by bite wounds and also mother cats can transmit their infection to her kittens.  The vaccine is protective and should be considered for each and every cat. 

Rabies stands for Rabies…    

Everybody has seen Ole Yeller.  Well, Rabies shouldn’t just worry dog owners.  Cats are just as susceptible, if not more so than Dogs.  Routinely, wild animals and pets alike are found to have rabies all over Arkansas.  Rabies is transmitted by bite wounds from infected wildlife and pets.  The rabies vaccine is extremely protective and should be given to all your pets, including cats. 

These are the diseases that we are the most concerned about vaccinating against in our cat patients.  If you have any questions about vaccines or the diseases we vaccinate against, please don’t hesitate to call or come by and talk with us about getting your cat vaccinated.                                                                               

Thanks for reading,                                                                                                                                                        Jonathan Bradshaw, D.V.M                                                                                                                                        

South Arkansas Veterinary Hospital                                                                                                                              2920 Pine St                                                                                                                                                         Arkadelphia, AR