Many feline diseases
can now be prevented through vaccination. A vaccination schedule prepared by your veterinarian can thus greatly contribute
to good health and a longer life span for your cat. Below are the most important diseases for which vaccines are currently
available.
Core Vaccines
(Recommended for Every Cat):
Rabies - Minnesota state law requires vaccination for Rabies. Rabies virus attacks the nervous system
and can cause clinical signs that include erratic behavior such as episodic aggression, irritability, restlessness and unexplained
roaming. Other signs may include uncoordinated movement and seizures. Rabies is transmitted by a bite wound through the saliva.
Wild animals that can spread this virus include bats, skunks, foxes, and raccoons. In humans, this disease is highly fatal
if not treated.
Feline Upper
Respiratory Combo
Feline panleukopenia - This virus attacks rapidly dividing
cells and, most commonly, causes suppression of white blood cell production. Most cats infected with this virus show no signs
of disease but young kittens can have anorexia, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and progressive diarrhea. Adult cats, although
they may not show signs of the disease, can spread the virus in the environment where it can survive for more than a year.
FVP can be transmitted in all body excretions, including feces.
Feline viral rhinotracheitis (Feline Herpes Virus) - This
virus also causes upper respiratory signs but it can also cause corneal (eye) ulcers. Cats infected with this virus carry
the virus for the rest of their lives and can have recurrences of clinical signs during times of stress. It is spread
when an infected cat coughs or sneezes or by casual contact.
Feline
Calicivirus - This virus causes upper respiratory
signs such as runny eyes, runny nose and sneezing. It can also cause oral ulcers, pneumonia and, rarely, arthritis. It is
spread by aerosolization when an infected cat coughs or sneezes. It can also be spread by contact between cats. For example,
it can be spread by nose-to-nose contact, sharing food/water bowls or when grooming.
