Basic Feline Vaccinations - Inoculations

The following three vaccinations are considered the core vaccinations given to a cat/kitten.  There are several other vaccinations that can be given to a cat/kitten, however the following three are the three basic.  You will also hear these three vaccinations referred to as a three-way.

Feline panleukopenia (feline distemper) This is among the most widespread of all cat diseases, and is extremely contagious.  Characterized by fever, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea, feline panleukopenia causes high death loss, particularly among kittens.

Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR) This is a highly contagious respiratory disease characterized by sneezing, appetite loss, fever, and eye inflammation.  As the disease progresses, a discharge is noticeable from both nose and eye.

Feline calicivirus (FCV) This is another serious feline respiratory infection.  Often occurring simultaneously with feline viral rhinotracheitis.  Signs of infection are similar to FVR (fever, loss of appetite, nasal discharge), but calicivirus-infected cats may also have ulcers on the tongue.

A four-way vaccination consists of the three vaccinations listed above but includes the Chlamydia vaccination as well.  The Chlamydia vaccination is controversial among veterinarians and breeders.  Chlamydia is a bacteria-like organism, Chlamydophila felis, which is implicated as a cause of respiratory and ocular infections in cats. Often called "Cat Pink-Eye," it can be difficult to differentiate from other feline respiratory infections.  Chlamydia causes sneezing, congestion, fever, lack of appetite and discharge from the eyes and nose. It is recommended that cattery and show cats are vaccinated against chlamydia to prevent upper respiratory infections.

Rabies -  Rabies is one of the worlds most publicized and feared diseases, it is almost always fatal.  Rabies virus attacks the brain and central nervous system, and is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected animal.  In 1981-1982, for the first time, more cats than dogs were reported to have rabies.  This led many authorities to recommend and require rabies vaccinations for all cats.

Feline leukemia - is a viral disease which can take several forms. Some cats have transient infections with few ill effects. Others have persistent infections varying in severity, some of which may be fatal over time. Extensive scientific research has shown no relationship between feline leukemia and human leukemia.

FIP, Feline Infectious Peritonitis - is a complex disease of cats caused by feline infectious peritonitis virus, a corona virus. The most commonly diagnosed clinical manifestation is accumulation of fluid within the peritoneal cavity.

Bordatella - or "kennel cough" is caused by the bacterium Bordetella Bronchiseptica. Cats may be exposed to this bacteria from dogs and other animals although this transmission has not been well documented.  Bordetella bacterium are transmitted through particles from sneezing or coughing. Bordetella was originally believed to be secondary to upper respiratory viruses, although studies have shown that Bordetella may be the primary cause of infection. Transmission of bordatella appears higher in multiple cat environments where there are many cats such as shelters, catteries, cat shows, and multi-cat households. Vaccinating these cats is common as they are at a higher risk of exposure because they are exposed to more cats.

When adopting a cat or kitten, request the vaccination records.  Reputable breeders and catteries will happily provide medical records, vaccination records and de-worming schedule.  When you take your new cat or kitten to your veterinarian, be sure to provide this information to your vet. If a cat breeder is licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal Industry Division, they are required by State Law to provide documentation of vaccinations, de-worming and any medications and medical treatment an animal has received within 30 days prior to transfer of ownership.  These records typically include the lot number of the vaccination.