FELINE VACCINATION PROTOCOL
There is considerable concern, almost controversy surrounding the vaccination of your cat. Some vaccines that are safe for dogs may be harmful to some cats. At Paris Hill, we are members of the AAFP, the American Association of Feline Practitioners and therefore endorse our association’s vaccination protocol. The essential vaccines for your cat are:
FVRCP or "Distemper" Vaccine (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis)
Rhinotracheitis is a severe upper respiratory infection caused by a feline type 1, herpes-virus. It is most severe in young kittens and older cats, and is one of the most serious upper respiratory diseases seen in the feline species. The virus is airborne and very contagious in susceptible animals. C Stands For Calicivirus. There are several strains of caliciviruses that affect the cat. They can cause a range of diseases, from a mild almost asymptomatic infection, to life-threatening pneumonia. P Stands For Panleukopenia, (also known as feline distemper and infectious feline enteritis), a highly contagious disease characterized by a short course and high mortality rate. The disease is caused by a parvovirus similar to the parvovirus seen in dogs. FVRCP vaccine is first given to kittens as early as 6 weeks of age and should be repeated every 3-4 weeks of age until the kitten is 16 weeks old. After an annual booster, this vaccine should be given every 3 years.
Rabies Vaccines
Rabies Vaccines is required for all cats in all counties of New York State. At Paris Hill, our preferred rabies vaccine is the non-adjuvant, feline-only Purevax Rabies vaccine from the Merial company. This vaccine is first given at 12 weeks of age and repeated annually.
Leukemia Vaccines
Leukemia Vaccines protects your cat from the Leukemia virus (FeLV). This vaccine is given to kittens as early as 8 weeks of age, repeated 3-4 weeks later and boostered annually. At Paris Hill, our preferred Leukemia vaccine is the non-adjuvant Purevax Leukemia vaccine from the Merial company.