SERVICES - CAT VACCINATIONS/VACCINES

Recommended / Required Cat Vaccinations

The Ashland Animal Hospital has recently changed its core Feline vaccine protocol to the following:

• FVRCP vaccine protects against Feline Distemper or Panleukopenia, a disease that can cause vomiting, diarrhea and very low red and white blood cell counts. This vaccine also protects against Rhinotracheitis and Calici virus, which can cause chronic upper respiratory disease and is very contagious especially in young cats

» These vaccines are first administered at 8, 12, and sometimes at 16 weeks of age
» Cats then receive a booster vaccine 1 year later and then every three years after that

• Rabies vaccines are first administered at 12 weeks of age or older

» The next Rabies vaccine is given 9-12 months later. The duration of this vaccine depends on the type of rabies vaccine given. They vary in duration from one to three years. Your Veterinarian will discuss with you which type of vaccine is appropriate for your cat

• Feline Leukemia Vaccine (FeLV) protects against the Feline Leukemia Virus and is only given to outdoor cats

» It is administered only after a negative FeLV test
» Initially there are 2 vaccines separated by 3-4 weeks, then the vaccine is give annually

Recommended Tests

Feline Leukemia Test (FeLV)

• This is a blood test for the Feline Leukemia Virus in cats
• All kittens should be tested as well as all cats that will be receiving the FeLV vaccine
• New cats being introduced to the house should also be tested

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

• This is a blood test for the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus in cats
• This test is recommended for kittens older that 6 months of age
• New cats being introduced to the house should also be tested

Fecal Exam

• Microscopic exam of stool for intestinal parasites
• Recommended annually.

* We also recommend a fecal test if a patient is being admitted to the Hospital for a procedure and:

1) never had a fecal test, or
2) has a history of intestinal parasites