Feline Recommendations
So…you’re vaccinating my cat/kitten for what exactly?
FVRCP Combination Vaccine:
- Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis Virus: This virus causes upper respiratory disease in cats and kittens, and is caused by feline herpesvirus 1. Also known as feline influenza, this virus is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia.
- Feline Calicivirus: This virus also causes upper respiratory infections in cats and kittens.
- Feline Panleukopenia Virus: This virus suppresses the immune system, causing low white blood cell counts, which can lead to serious life-threatening infections.
FeLV Vaccine:
- Feline Leukemia Virus: This virus is transmitted mainly by saliva and nasal secretions. If a cat or kitten is exposed to this virus and unable to fight it off, leukemia/ lymphoma result. This causes immune system suppression, and increased risk of life-threatening disease even from mild infections.
Rabies Virus:
Most people are aware of the dangers of rabies. The virus causes progressive neurological damage which ends death. There is no cure for rabies, and it is transmissible to people. In Jefferson City, yearly rabies vaccination is required by law.
Kitten Wellness and Vaccine Series:
- 6-8 week visit:
- Kitten Exam
- FIV/FeLV test
- We recommend that kittens are tested for Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. These viruses can be passed from mother to kitten and have a severe impact on their immune system. They are also contagious via saliva. This blood test is run in house with results developing within 10 minutes.
- FVRCP vaccine
- Fecal
- Deworming
- 12 week visit:
- Kitten Exam
- FVRCP vaccine booster
- Deworming
- Fecal
- +/- FeLV vaccine (recommended for cats that go outside)
- 16 week visit
- Kitten Exam
- Rabies vaccine
- FVRCP vaccine booster
- +/- FeLV vaccine booster
- We recommend spaying or neutering your kitten at 5-6 months of age, at which time we can also place a microchip.
Cat Yearly Wellness Exam and Vaccines:
We understand that each cat has individual needs, and we do our best to accommodate them.
For our young to middle-aged cats:
- Wellness Exam
- FVRCP booster
- Rabies booster
- +/- FeLV booster (recommended for cats that go outside)
- +/- Fecal
- +/- Revolution application (preventative against fleas, ticks, heartworms, ear mites, and many intestinal parasites).
***If your cat is a stray or has unknown health history we recommend that they are tested for Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. These viruses can be passed from mother to kitten and have a severe impact on their immune system. They are also contagious via saliva. This blood test is run in house with results developing within 10 minutes.***
For our senior and geriatric cats:
- Wellness Exam
- Chemistry Panel
- This gives us an overview of organ function and electrolytes.
- Cats are prone to Kidney disease. We believe it is important to discover renal failure early so that we can slow its progression.
- Thyroid Panel
- Hyperthyroidism is prevalent in elderly feline patients. This can have a negative affect their heart, blood pressure, and metabolism. Its effects can be managed with medication.
- PCV/TP
- +/- Rabies booster
- If an elderly cat has health concerns revealed by bloodwork, we may stop vaccines if it is in the cats best interest.
To find out more about our recommendations for our feline friends please visit our Feline Philosophy page.
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