Feline Vaccination Recommendations

FVRCP
This is a combination vaccine against feline viral rhinotracheitis (herpes virus), calicivirus and panleukopenia.  These are all viruses that cause significant disease and even death in cats. The herpes virus and calicivirus cause upper respiratory infections, whereas panleukopenia causes vomiting and diarrhea.  This vaccine is considered a "core" vaccine for both indoor and outdoor cats and is given every three years to cats above the age of one.

FELV
Feline leukemia virus is a retrovirus that causes leukemia, lymphoma and immunosuppression in cats.  The virus is spread through saliva, blood or across the placenta from mother to kitten during pregnancy.  After testing negative for the virus, we recommend vaccinating outdoor cats for this virus every three years after the age of one.

RABIES
This is an untreatable, lethal virus that can infect any mammal and cause neurological signs or a change in personality, prior to death.  Rabies is most often spread through bite wounds.  The most typical wild animals that carry rabies are skunks, bats, raccoons, foxes and coyotes.  We recommend vaccinating outdoor cats for rabies using either the 1-year or 3-year vaccine, after the age of one. To understand the differences between the 1- and 3-year vaccine please talk to one of our veterinarians.