Kitten Packet

Vaccines

There are a number of vaccines out there that can get confusing. The following explains what they are and why they are important for protecting your kitten.

FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis-Calicivirus-Panleukopenia)

Feline Calicivirus/Herpesvirus:

What is it?
Feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus type I (feline rhinotracheitis virus) are 80-90% of infectious feline upper respiratory tract diseases. The calicivirus can rarely result in a deadly pneumonia. The herpesvirus can result in frustrating chronic infections.

How is it spread?
Through direct contact with other cats or objects with which they come in contact (just like the common cold is spread in humans).

Feline Panleukopenia

What is it?
Also called feline distemper, feline panleukopenia is a highly contagious and deadly viral disease in cats. This virus is extremely hardy and able to survive extreme temperatures and humidity for many months. This virus affects cells that divide rapidly, such as those found in the bone marrow or intestines, and can ultimately lead to death.

How is it spread?
Through direct contact with other cats’ secretions, such as urine and feces, or from an infected mother through the placenta.

Rabies

At the present time in the United States, feline rabies far exceeds that of all other domestic animals. This has become a major public health concern. Because of the routinely fatal outcome of the infection in cats and the potential for human exposure, rabies vaccination is required by law.

What is it?
A progressive fatal neurological disease in mammals.

How is it spread?
Mostly through wild animals such as skunks, raccoons, bats, and foxes as well as unvaccinated pets. The virus is spread through the saliva.

FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus)

What is it?
Feline leukemia virus is the leading viral killer of cats. FeLV attacks and weakens the cat’s immune system, leaving it unable to fight off other infections. FeLV can have one of two types. With the first type, the virus attacks the immune system, predisposing cats to a wide variety of diseases. With the second type, cats can develop cancer in the form of tumors or leukemia.

How is it spread?
This virus is spread from cat to cat through saliva (grooming, sharing common water sources, bite wounds). It can also be transmitted from an infected mother cat to her kittens through her milk. Cats that are at most risk are those that are outdoor or outdoor/indoor cats and cats that are exposed to such individuals. Cats living in households with FeLV infected cats, cats of unknown infectious status, or indoor cats who live with indoor/outdoor cats are also at risk.

How do I know if my cat is infected?
Your veterinarian can do a simple blood test to determine if your cat is infected.

What do I do if the test is negative?
If your cat is indoors in a single cat household, it is recommended to have a two vaccine series as a kitten. This is to protect the cat in case of escape or future protection from contact with other cats (i.e., another addition to your family in the future). If your cat remains indoor only and no other infected cats are introduced to your household, then no future FeLV vaccines are needed.

If your cat is an outdoor cat, he/she will need annual vaccines. Annual testing is also recommended to make sure that no infection has occurred, as no vaccine is 100% protective.

What do I do if the test is positive?
There is no need to vaccinate against the disease since the cat is already infected. However, you should keep the cat indoors and not allow any contact with other cats. This will help to decrease the incidence of spread to other cats, as well as your cat’s exposure to other infections that he/she will not be able to combat.

FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus)

What is it?
A virus that attacks a cat’s immune system, impairing the ability to fight infections (similar to HIV in people but not transmissible to humans or other species).

How is it spread?
Through saliva, mostly by fight and bite wounds. Outdoor intact male cats are most likely to be infected.

How do I know if my cat is infected?
Your veterinarian can do a simple blood test to determine if your cat is infected.

Can I vaccinate my cat against FIV?
Currently, there is a vaccine available, but it is not recommended. If your cat escapes and is picked up by someone and tested for FIV, with the test currently available there is no way to distinguish if your FIV vaccinated cat is infected or vaccinated. Both the vaccinated and naturally infected cats will test positive. The reality is that most “stray” cats with a positive FIV test will be euthanized. This is not true for the FeLV test.

FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis)

What is it?
The second deadliest virus in cats. Unfortunately, not a lot is known about the disease, and it can be very difficult to diagnose. Once signs appear, FIP is almost always fatal, usually within 6 months. The incidence of FIP in a cat household is 1 out of 5000. It is much more common in households with many cats or cats from catteries.

Is there any vaccine available against FIP?
There is a vaccine for FIP, but it is not recommended since there is dispute whether the vaccine can actually cause the disease.

What are the signs that my cat might be infected?
Nonspecific illness, poor appetite, big fluid-filled belly (abdominal distension), difficulty breathing, fever, inflammation of the eyes, and/or lethargy.

Is my cat at risk?
Cats that were raised housed in large facilities together or shelter animals under stress are most likely to be affected, although any cat is at risk.

Vaccine Protocol

Age in Weeks and Vaccination Schedule

6-7 weeks: FVRCP

9-10 weeks: FVRCP

12-13 weeks: FVRCP, FeLV
Testing: Felv/FIV test and fecal at first visit

15-16 weeks: FVRCP, FeLV, Rabies

This chart is also an estimate based on the vaccines your puppy received prior to coming to our hospital. Kittens need vaccines every 2-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age, as their mother’s immunity can wear off anywhere from 8-16 weeks. Every cat is different, and of course, we can’t tell when that immunity will wear off.

Vaccine Reactions

With any vaccine, there is a small percentage of animals that have a reaction. These reactions can happen immediately after vaccination or up to 24 hours later.

Signs to Watch For

Signs to look for are:

• Facial swelling
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing

If you should see any of these signs, please contact your veterinarian immediately. Some lethargy following vaccines is normal.

Localized Reactions

The development of a small, firm, non-painful swelling under the skin where the vaccine was given is not uncommon. The swelling usually goes away after several weeks. If this lump does not go away within 3 weeks, let your veterinarian know.

Heartworm Disease in Cats

There is a misconception that indoor cats cannot get heartworm infection and therefore do not need to be on a preventative treatment. Heartworms are one of the most dangerous parasites for cats.

How Heartworms Spread

They are carried by mosquitoes, which can easily get into houses through windows and open doors. A recent survey showed that 55% of the cats testing positive for heartworm were kept exclusively or mostly indoors.

Signs of Heartworm Disease

Signs of heartworm disease include:

• Coughing
• Vomiting
• Breathing difficulties
• Sluggishness
• Sudden death

Prevention

Prevention in cats is easy. There are a number of possible treatments, including chewable tablets and topical medications that can be given or applied once a month. Most of the heartworm preventions also serve as preventatives for intestinal parasites, and some work on fleas and ear mites. Talk to your vet to select the best product for your cat.

Pets, Parasites, and People

Introduction

Dogs and cats are not just pets; they are treated like members of the family. Keeping your companion animal healthy and free of parasites is crucial.

Understanding Parasites

It is fairly common for a dog or cat to become infected with an internal or external parasite at some point in its lifetime. Parasites can affect your pet in various ways, ranging from simple irritation to life-threatening conditions if left untreated. Some parasites can even infect and transmit diseases to you and your family.

Role of Your Veterinarian

Your veterinarian can help prevent, accurately diagnose, and safely treat parasites and other health problems that affect not only your dog or cat but also the safety of you and your family. For more information on how parasites affect your pet, the health risks to people, and prevention tips, please visit www.petsandparasites.org.

What is a Zoonotic Disease?

Zoonoses, or zoonotic diseases, are those that can be transmitted directly or indirectly from animals to humans. For example, some worms can be transmitted in the environment.

What is a Vector-Borne Disease?

Vector-borne diseases are those transmitted by fleas, ticks, and other parasites that infest dogs and cats. They can affect both pets and people. Ticks can transmit various vector-borne diseases in North America, including:

• Ehrlichiosis
• Lyme disease
• Relapsing fever
• Rocky Mountain spotted fever
• Tularemia

Parasites That May Affect Your Pet

• Coccidia
• Giardia
• Mange Mites
• Ticks
• Ear Mites
• Heartworms
• Roundworms
• Toxoplasmosis
• Fleas
• Hookworms
• Tapeworms
• Whipworms

Common Questions About Pets and Parasites

Do fleas and ticks on my pet present a health risk to my family?
Yes. Fleas and ticks can carry and either directly or indirectly transmit several potential illnesses to humans. For example, rickettsiosis can be transmitted directly by ticks. Bartonellosis is transmitted between cats by fleas and may then spread to people. Fleas also serve as an intermediate host for tapeworms, which can infect both pets and humans.

What kind of internal parasites or worms can infect my cat or dog?
There are several intestinal worms that can infect dogs and cats, including:

• Roundworms
• Hookworms
• Whipworms
• Tapeworms

These parasites are prolific, with one worm capable of producing over 100,000 eggs per day, which are passed in the pet’s feces. Some of these eggs can remain infective and present a health risk for years.

Are heartworms a concern for my pet?
Yes. Heartworms can be very serious for both dogs and cats, particularly in mosquito-infested areas. Heartworms can kill or seriously debilitate infected pets because they live in the bloodstream, lungs, and heart. Your veterinarian can perform a blood test to determine if your pet has heartworm disease. A year-round preventive program is most effective for keeping pets free of heartworms.

If my dog or cat has intestinal worms, how can these parasites infect humans?
Roundworms are the most common intestinal parasite of pets and the most likely to be transmitted to humans. Humans can accidentally ingest infective worm eggs passed through the pet’s feces. The eggs can hatch in the human’s intestinal tract, and the immature worms can travel to various tissues in the body, including the eyes and brain, potentially causing serious infections.

For more frequently asked questions and answers, please visit www.petsandparasites.org or consult your veterinarian.

Reducing Risks for Your Family

You can reduce the risk of parasitic infection to your family by:

• Eliminating parasites from pets
• Restricting access to contaminated areas, such as sandboxes and pet “walk areas”
• Practicing good personal hygiene

Regularly disposing of pet feces can help remove potentially infective worm eggs before they become distributed in the environment.

Year-Round Prevention

Parasites can infect your pet any time of year. External parasites, like fleas and ticks, may be less prevalent outside during certain times of the year; however, they often survive indoors during winter months. Internal parasites, such as worms, may affect your pet all year long. Consult with your veterinarian to implement a year-round parasite control program.

What Can I Do?

Responsible pet parasite control can reduce the risks associated with the transmission of parasitic diseases from pets to people. By following these guidelines, pet owners can better protect their pets and families:

• Practice good personal hygiene
• Use preventative flea and/or tick treatment year-round
• Only feed pets cooked or prepared food (not raw meat)
• Minimize exposure to high-traffic pet areas
• Clean up pet feces regularly
• Visit your veterinarian for annual testing and physical examinations
• Administer worming medications as recommended by your veterinarian
• Ask your veterinarian about parasite infection risks and effective year-round preventative control measures

For more important information about parasite control guidelines, ask your veterinarian or visit www.petsandparasites.org.

About the Companion Animal Parasite Council

The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) is an independent council of veterinarians and other animal healthcare professionals established to create guidelines for optimal control of internal and external parasites that threaten the health of pets and people. CAPC brings together expertise in parasitology, internal medicine, public health, veterinary law, private practice, and association leadership.

Founded in 2002, CAPC aims to change how veterinary professionals and pet owners approach parasite management. The council advocates best practices for protecting pets from parasitic infections and reducing the risk of zoonotic parasite transmission. For more information about how parasites may affect your pet, please visit www.petsandparasites.org.