Cats Online


Well, I decided to put this page up because one of my good friend's cats just died of FeLV. This way, if you are a bit clueless about vaccinations, I hope you find this page helpful.
  • Feline Leukemia: The feline leukemia virus (FeLV) suppresses the cat's immune system, leaving it unable to fight off other infections, such as pneumonia. FeLV can also cause cancer is a small portion of cats.
    Feline leukemia is now a common part of cat preventive health programs. Two initial doses are given three weeks apart, followed by a yearly booster.
    For more information on FeLV, please click here.

  • Feline Infectious Peritonitis: Feline infectious peritontis (FIP) is caused by a virus. Though the risk of getting this disease is relatively low, cats that get it always die, usually within six months. A cat with FIP may have an enlarged abdomen, caused by fluid buildup. Others have a more general infection that results in fever, weight loss, and possibly eye sores.
    The vaccination is given in the nose to build up antibodies in the nasal passages, where the FIP virus initially reproduces. Two doses are given three to four weeks apart, followed by a yearly booster dose.
    For more information on FIP, please click here.

  • Rabies: It is especially important to vaccinate cats against rabies, because most rabies in domestic (non-wild) animals occur in cats. For example, in the US since 1981, more cats than dogs have been reported with rabies.
    Rabies is caused by a virus that attacks nerve tissue. The disease developes slowly over 10 days to several months. Infected animals may withdraw and avoid contact with people and other animals. Others become unnaturally aggressive and may attack. Death always occurs one a rabies-infected animal shows signs of disease.
    Cats should be vaccinated for rabies at 12 weeks or older and again each year or every three years, depending on the vaccine used. Some states require vaccination every year, as Georgia does.

  • Feline Panleukopenia: Feline Panleukopenia (FPL), sometimes called feline distemper, is common and can affect cats of any age. It's almost impossible to prevent exposure, so all cats should be vaccinated.
    FPL vaccinations should be given at 6 to 12 weeks of age and again every year. Kittens less that 12 weeks old are given two to three doses several weeks apart.

  • Feline Respiratory Disease: Respiratory disease is easily passed from one cat to another by droplets in the air from coughing or sneezing. Kittens can die from the disease, especially if they get pneumonia. Cats with respiratory disease have watery or sticky discharge from the nose and eyes, nose and mouth sores, inflamed eyes, and fever.
    Vacciation against these this disease is usually given in a single does. Veterinarians can use either an injectible vaccine or one given as droplets in the cat's nose like in FIP.

  • Which Vaccinations Are Required?
    Your vet will have a list of recommended vaccines, which may be changed to meet your pet's needs. Some factors your vet will consider before beginning a vaccination program are:
    *AGE. Most vaccines have limited effectiveness until a kitten is weaned, because the maternal antibodies neutralize vaccines.
    *OVERALL HEALTH. Poorly nourished or sick animals or those on some medications may not respond well to vaccination. That's why a physical exam is required.
    *NEED FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTS. An animal with parasites (like worms or fleas) or one infected with a disease may not respond to vaccinations.
    *RISK OF EXPOSURE. Vaccination against some diseases may not be necessary if the risk of getting them is low.

    This page was last updated on June 2, 1997
    Copyright © 1997 David Kotowski
    All Rights Reserved