Cat Vaccinations

There are a number of vaccinations available for cats. The need for them depends on the risk of exposure for your cat. An indoor cat, kept alone or with only one other cat, is pretty unlikely to be exposed to diseases which require contact with other cats. An outdoor cat who roams the yard freely is probably interacting with other cats whether you see them or not. This cat needs to be protected against more diseases, since the risk is much higher. Please consult your local veterinarian for more information about cat vaccinations.

Table Of Cat Vaccinations

Vaccinations >>>>>>>>When to administer (age)

First feline panleukopenia (FPL),
Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), >>> 8-9 weeks

Feline calicivirus (FCV)

(all three components given in one shot) >>> 12 weeks

· Booster shot of above

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV)
(to be administrated after the booster, >>>> 12 weeks
only if needed)

Rabies shot ( if needed) >>>>>>>>16 weeks

· Booster shot >>>>>>>>>1 year

· Rabies

Rabies vaccinations are required by law. The first rabies vaccination is good for one year. In many states subsequent vaccinations are good for three years. In other states, they are only valid for one year by law. Please check with your vet to determine the legal requirements in your state. Vaccinating your pet for rabies may literally save its life for two reasons. Rabies is a threat in many areas and it is a horrible disease. In addition, an unvaccinated pet who bites a human being, even by accident, is subject to long quarantine periods or even death for the purpose of testing for rabies infection.

· Panleukopenia

Panleukopenia is the cat disease most often referred to as "distemper". It is a deadly disease. Fortunately, it is not a very common disease as vaccination against it appears to be very successful. Kittens require a series of vaccinations every 3 to 4 weeks from the time vaccinations start until they are approximately 16 weeks old. Since this virus does not always require direct contact for transmission, it is generally included in the series of recommended vaccinations for all cats.

· Rhinotracheitis

Rhinotracheitis is caused by a herpes virus. It causes respiratory disease in its acute phase. Chronically, it can be the cause of persistant eye irritation and corneal disease. Due to the potentially chronic nature of this disease it is also usually recommended for most cats. It appears that the protection against this disease from vaccination is of relatively short duration and yearly boosters seem to be a necessity.

· Calicivirus

This virus also causes respiratory disease in its acute phase. It also can become chronic. Affected cats may have persistant gum disease or chronically recurring upper respiratory disease. This vaccine is recommended for most cats.

· Feline Leukemia

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) requires direct contact with an infected cat in order to spread. For this reason, it may not be necessary for cats confined to the home. This vaccine should be administered to cats who live full-time or part-time outdoors.

· Feline Infectious Peritonitis

There are very few instances in which the use of this vaccine is warranted. There is a great deal of question about how well this vaccine works.

Source : http://www.geocities.com/feliscatus_my/index.html