Our veterinarians in Hohenwald strongly advocate for preventive measures to ensure your cat lives a long and healthy life. Therefore, we highly recommend administering the FVRCP vaccine to all cats. This vaccine offers comprehensive protection to safeguard your cat's health.
Core Vaccines to Protect Your Cat
Cats are recommended to receive two core vaccines, one of which is the FVRCP vaccine. These vaccines are strongly suggested for all cats, whether they are indoor or outdoor pets. The other essential vaccine for cats is the Rabies vaccine, which is legally required in most states.
Even if you have an indoor cat, it's crucial to understand that they are still at risk of contracting infectious diseases. The viruses that cause these illnesses can survive on surfaces for up to a year, so even a brief escape outside can put your feline at risk of serious illness.
Conditions That The FVRCP Vaccine Protects Against
Protecting your feline companion against highly contagious and life-threatening diseases is crucial. The FVRCP vaccine is an effective solution to achieve this. It safeguards your kitty from Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR), Feline Calicivirus (represented by C), and Feline Panleukopenia (indicated by P) which are the three major threats.
Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FHV-1)
Did you know that Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), also known as feline herpesvirus type 1 or FHV-1, is responsible for around 80-90% of upper respiratory diseases in cats? This virus can cause inflammation in your cat's nose and windpipe, and may even affect pregnancy. Symptoms of FVR include fever, sneezing, inflamed eyes and nose, and discharge from nose and eyes. In healthy cats, these symptoms generally clear up within 5-10 days, but in more severe cases, they can last up to 6 weeks or longer.
Kittens, senior cats, and immune-compromised cats are at a higher risk of more severe symptoms, which can include depression, loss of appetite, severe weight loss, and sores in the mouth. Bacterial infections can also occur in cats who are already sick with FVR. The virus remains dormant in your cat's body even after symptoms clear up and can flare up again later in life.
Feline Calicivirus (FCV)
Cats can be affected by feline calicivirus (FCV), which is known to cause upper respiratory infections and oral diseases. FCV symptoms may include nasal congestion, sneezing, eye inflammation, and clear or yellow discharge from the infected cat's nose or eyes. Some cats may also develop painful ulcers on their tongue, palate, lips or nose due to FCV.
Cats infected with FCV often experience loss of appetite, weight loss, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, squinting, and lethargy. It's essential to be aware that there are various strains of FCV, some of which may cause fluid buildup in the lungs (pneumonia), while others may lead to fever, joint pain, and lameness.
Feline Panleukopenia (FPL)
Feline Panleukopenia (FPL) is a severe virus that commonly affects cats by damaging their bone marrow, lymph nodes, and intestinal cells. Its symptoms include loss of appetite, depression, high fever, vomiting, severe diarrhea, lethargy, nasal discharge, and dehydration.
Cats infected with FPL often develop secondary infections due to their weakened immune system. Although this disease can affect cats of any age, it can be particularly fatal in kittens. Unfortunately, there are currently no medications available to kill the virus that causes FPL.
Therefore, treating cats with feline panleukopenia involves addressing symptoms like dehydration and shock through intravenous fluid therapy and intensive nursing care.
When Your Cat Should Recieve The FVRCP Vaccination
In order to safeguard your beloved cat against FHV, FCV, and FPL, it is recommended to administer their first FVRCP vaccination at approximately 6-8 weeks of age, followed by a booster shot every three to four weeks until 16-20 weeks old. Subsequently, a booster should be given when your kitten turns one year old, and every three years thereafter throughout their life. For further details on vaccination schedules, please refer to our website.
Risk of Side Effects from The FVRCP Vaccine
It is highly uncommon for cats to experience any side effects from vaccines. However, if they do, it is usually mild and short-lived, causing a slight fever and feeling off for a day or two. In some cases, there may be a small amount of swelling at the injection site.
In rare cases, more severe reactions can occur, with symptoms appearing before or up to 48 hours after vaccination. These symptoms may include hives, swelling around the lips and eyes, itchiness, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and breathing difficulties.
If any of these severe symptoms occur, it is important to contact your vet or visit an emergency animal hospital as soon as possible.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.