There are generally 2 categories of vaccinations in feline medicine: Core and Non-Core Vaccines. Core vaccines are those that are required by law for public health or are necessary because of the severity of the consequences to the animals and the ease of infection. In cats Rabies and Distemper Vaccines cover these. Non-core vaccines are those that should be considered based on the health, life-style and potential for exposure of each individual animal.

For more information on vaccine safety, concerns and protocols.

For more information on canine vaccines.

Rabies- A fatal viral infection of the central nervous system that can affect all mammals including humans. The virus is transmitted from animal to animal and animal to man primarily through the bite of an infected animal. We strongly recommend all cats (even indoor only cats) have this very important vaccine. The rabies vaccine we use is a non-adjuvent vaccine specifically made for cats, and is given once a year. An adjuvent is the part of the vaccine that allows prolonged protection of the vaccination. It is also believed to be a cause of vaccine related sarcomas in cats. By using a non-adjuvent vaccine we dramatically decrease the incidences of vaccine related sarcomas in our patient population. It is required that cats be vaccinated against rabies in the State of Maine, either every year or every 3 years depending on the type of vaccine used.

Feline Distemper (FVRCP)- Our feline distemper vaccine actually includes 3 different viruses in one injection. This vaccine is given in a series as a kitten, at one year of age then once every three years.

• Panleukopenia- This is perhaps the most wide spread of the feline diseases, it is one of those commonly referred to as "distemper". This virus causes fever, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea and can lead to death. Panleukopenia is very contagious.
• Rhinotracheitis- This is a very contagious upper respiratory virus. Symptoms of this disease include sneezing, nasal and eye discharge, loss of appetite, fever, and eye inflammation.
• Calicivirus- This is another serious upper respiratory disease; its symptoms are similar to Rhinotracheitis, but cats with this disease may also have ulcers on their tongues.

Feline Leukemia- This is a viral disease that is spread between cats by oral and nasal secretions such as when 2 cast "hiss" at each other. It attacks the immune system causing a variety of symptoms and is often fatal. It is not related to human leukemia. We recommend that any cats that may go out or potentially have exposure to positive cats receive this vaccine. The vaccine we use here is a new form that is "sprayed" through the skin and is a much safer and more effective vaccine than its injectable counterparts. It is given as a series of two as a kitten and then repeated yearly.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)-This is a viral disease that in domestic cats is similar to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV infection). It attacks and weakens the body's immune system, making the animal susceptible to infections and diseases that don't affect healthy cats. There is no cure. It is spread through blood, usually during a fight between cats. Currently only 2% of cats at risk for FIV are stricken. Though eventually fatal, a FIV-positive cat can live for many years without any signs of illness. We currently do not recommend or carry this vaccine due to its questionable effectiveness.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)- This is caused by the mutation of the feline coronavirus. The virus attacks the body's organs. Symptoms can include fever, depression, neurological signs, abdominal swelling, difficulty breathing and is mostly fatal. There is currently no vaccine that is safe and effective on the market.

We recommend doing a series of vaccinations for kittens to make sure they are fully vaccinated. Kittens acquire some temporary immunity through antibodies from their mother. As the animal ages this immunity begins to drop off. This is where vaccinations come in to create the lasting immunity necessary for protection. All animals are different so we do not know when mom's antibodies wear off. Also, mom's antibodies interfere with the ability of the vaccines to stimulate the immune system. It is not the number of vaccines that is important so much as the timing. We know some animals' acquired immunity begins to wear off as early as 6 weeks while some will last to 16 weeks. Because of this we must give a young cat multiple vaccines over its first 2-4 months of life to make sure it is adequately protected. Rabies vaccines are made of a killed virus so the mother's antibodies do not block their effectiveness so only one initial vaccine is required.

See the recommended kitten series protocol.