Vaccine Guide for Cat Owners

What Are Vaccines and How Do They Work in Cats?

Vaccines have the important job of helping to teach your cat’s immune system how to recognize and fight off disease-causing pathogens. They stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies that identify and destroy these pathogens and can minimize the severity of illness or even help prevent the disease altogether. 

Vaccine schedules and recommendations are made by groups of experts such as the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and the Feline Veterinary Medical Association (FelineVMA) based on extensive review of the scientific literature and years of research and experience. 

Feline Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)

Feline URIs are extremely common. Most cats are exposed during their lifetime, and even with vaccination and proper treatment, they can reoccur. 

Brachycephalic (short-nosed or flat-faced) breeds such as Burmese and British shorthair cats are more susceptible to chronic disease. 

Prevention 

Vaccines for feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1)/feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR) and feline calicivirus (FCV) are considered core vaccines and are recommended for cats regardless of age or lifestyle. Vaccines for FHV-1 and FCV are part of a combination core vaccine with feline panleukopenia. 

This is because all cats will be exposed during their lifetime, and the disease can be severe and even life-threatening in some cases. Vaccines for Chlamydia are considered non-core. 

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR)/Feline Herpes Virus (FHV-1)

Feline viral rhinotracheitis, also known as herpesvirus infection, is a highly contagious and infectious disease caused by feline herpesvirus type-1. FVR is a major cause of upper respiratory infections in cats. FVR primarily targets the respiratory system, causing symptoms such as sneezing, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, and coughing. It can also cause ulcers on the tongue, lips, and cornea, leading to discomfort and difficulty eating. FVR can be transmitted through direct contact with infected cats or through contaminated food bowls or bedding. 

Prevention 

Vaccination against FVR is included in the standard core vaccines. As with any infectious disease, practicing good handwashing techniques after petting other cats and minimizing your cat’s contact with known infected cats will help minimize transmission. 

Feline Calicivirus (FCV)

Feline calicivirus (FCV) is another virus that causes upper respiratory infections and oral disease in cats. Signs of FCV infection can include sneezing, nasal discharge, joint inflammation, and fever. In addition to these, cats with an FCV infection often develop ulcers on the tongue, hard palate, gums, lips, or nose. These cats will usually salivate or drool excessively as the ulcers can be very painful. FCV can be transmitted through direct contact with saliva or secretions from the nose or eyes from an infected cat or through contaminated objects.  

Prevention 

Standard core vaccines that are given to cats include immunization against calicivirus. Following good hygiene practices, such as washing your hands thoroughly before and after petting another cat, will help reduce the likelihood of spread. 

Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV)

Feline panleukopenia virus, otherwise known as feline parvovirus, is a highly contagious, life-threatening infectious disease in cats. It mostly affects kittens and unvaccinated cats, and it can be fatal if not appropriately diagnosed and treated. FPV infects and kills white blood cells, including cells in the bone marrow and intestines. Without these cells, the body is unable to fight off infection. Signs of FPV include vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, weight loss, and fever. Even with extensive treatment, FPV can be fatal. 

Prevention 

Vaccination against FPV is an essential part of the core vaccine regimen for cats and is typically included in the standard kitten vaccination series. Keep your cat separated from cats with an unknown vaccine history, and practice good handwashing techniques after petting other cats. 

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)

Feline leukemia virus is a common disease that is spread from cat to cat and can lead to the destruction of the cat’s white blood cells and immune system. This leaves the cat more susceptible to infection, cancer, and death. Kittens and outdoor cats are especially vulnerable to FeLV. Transmission usually occurs through social behaviors such as grooming, licking, fighting, or other close contact such as sharing water and food bowls. When a cat is infected with feline leukemia virus, numerous types of infections, cancers, and blood-related illness such as anemia (low red blood cell count) can occur. The affected cat is unable to fight off infections, which could lead to a shorter life span. Signs of FeLV include weight loss, lethargy, poor coat condition, enlarged lymph nodes, recurrent infections, and gastrointestinal problems. 

Prevention 

You can reduce your cat’s risk of contracting feline leukemia with regular vaccination. AAHA and the FelineVMA recommend FeLV vaccine as core for all cats and kittens less than 1 year of age and then non-core for cats 1 year of age or older. Any adult cats with outdoor access or cats exposed to other cats with an unknown vaccination history should be annually vaccinated against FeLV. 

Key Takeaways

The Importance of Vaccinations 

Vaccinations are critical for the health and well-being of cats, as they help protect against potentially life-threatening diseases. 

 

Many Infections Are Preventable 

Many viral infections that can be prevented through vaccination, such as FVR, FCV, and FPV, can cause severe illness, chronic conditions, or even death. 

 

Follow a Vaccination Schedule 

Keeping a cat’s vaccinations up to date is a responsible way to help ensure their long-term health and reduce the risk of disease transmission to other animals. Talk to your veterinary team about how to protect your cat from preventable infectious disease. 

Author: DR. TINA BEARDEN

Dr. Tina Bearden is a technical veterinarian with expertise in pet vaccines with Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health. Prior to joining Boehringer Ingelheim U.S.A. as an Associate Director of Technical Marketing in 2015, she was an emergency veterinarian at several emergency hospitals in Florida, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Dr. Bearden’s interests include infectious disease and emergency medicine. During her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and traveling.