Feline Vaccines

About Vaccinations

Vaccines have long been considered one of the easiest ways to help pets live long and healthy lives, because they are so effective at preventing many different serious illnesses. When a dog or cat is exposed to the antigens in vaccines, their immune system becomes mildly stimulated and forms an immune response (antibodies). Should that dog or cat ever become exposed to the actual disease-causing organism, their immune system will be prepared to recognize and fend off the virus, thus preventing disease. Most vaccines require two doses, approximately 3 weeks apart, to develop good immunity. After this initial series, vaccines are boosted every 1 to 3 years.

Vaccine Risks

Vaccines contain killed or weakened versions of the organism that they protect against, so vaccination does not cause disease. Occasionally, the mild immune stimulation associated with vaccines can cause minor side effects, such as temporary soreness at the injection site or fatigue. Rarely do vaccines cause more serious side effects such as allergic response or fever - though it is always recommended to monitor for these symptoms for several hours after a pet’s first dose of a vaccine.

In cats, there has been research suggesting a correlation between injections and the development of serious tumors called fibrosarcomas at the injection site. While the rate of occurrence for these tumors is very low, discussion with a veterinarian about which vaccines are recommended for your cat based on his or her lifestyle is imperative.

Feline Vaccines

  • Rabies

    Rabies is a viral disease that is transmitted via the saliva of infected mammals, most commonly through bite wounds.

    Rabies is preventable, but not curable. If contracted, Rabies is fatal in pets, and can be fatal in humans without prompt administration of a post-exposure vaccination series.

    The U.S. and other developed countries have seen a drastic reduction in the incidence of Rabies, which is singlehandedly attributable to the Rabies Vaccine.

    Because of the seriousness of the disease and the importance of maintaining public health, the State of Maryland mandates that all pets be vaccinated against Rabies.

    In adult dogs and cats with previous vaccination history, the Rabies Vaccine is effective for 3 years.

  • Distemper (FHPC)

    Distemper is a combination vaccine that protects against the following serious diseases in cats:

    Panleukopenia - Rhinotracheitis / Herpes - Calicivirus

    These combination vaccines are considered “core” immunizations by the AAHA because the organisms that they protect against are extremely contagious, and can cause severe gastrointestinal, hepatic and respiratory issues, as well as immune and nervous system disease.

    In adult dogs and cats with previous vaccination history, the Distemper vaccine can be given every 3 years.

  • Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)

    The Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) affects 2 - 3% of all cats in the U.S. FeLV is extremely infectious amongst cats, and is transmitted via multiple pathways including saliva, nasal discharge, urine, feces and milk.

    Cats can be carriers of the Leukemia Virus, even if they aren’t symptomatic. Due to the potential for virus latency, it is essential that all new cats be tested for viral infection, as cats carrying the virus are likely to infect other cats within the household.

    There is no definitive cure for the Leukemia Virus, which has the potential to trigger several fatal diseases, including Lymphoma, Leukemia, and non-regenerative anemia.

    Cats should be vaccinated against FeLV if:

    they have any access to the outdoors, or if they have any exposure to other cats who may be carrying this virus.