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Dictionary of Terms
FVRCP | Rabies | Rhinotracheitis | Feline Leukemia | Dictionary of Terms | Printable Page
Core Vaccinations:
FVRCP: 
- Feline distemper, (panleukopenia):
- Feline distemper - actually called panleukopenia - is a virus that causes acute intestinal disease, depression, vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration and death in cats.
- This disease is extremely contagious and the virus is very stable in the environment. In fact it can last for years.
- Generally this disease affects small kittens up to six months of age, but it can also affect adults.
- Clinical signs are severe depression, dehydration, vomiting and diarrhea, and in rare cases neurologic disease. In most cases kittens die suddenly for no apparent reason.
- If you have a kitten that dies of feline panleukopenia, you should be aware that this virus will last in your environment for years. Any new kittens should be vaccinated prior to coming into the home.
- Kittens should receive vaccinations prior to twelve weeks of age and at twelve weeks of age. This will repeated at one year of age, and then every three years thereafter. This is part of the FVRCP vaccine.
- Calicivirus:
- This is a viral respiratory disease affecting the upper respiratory system. Occasionally, pneumonia can also develop.
- This is generally seen in young kittens more than six weeks of age, but can be seen in any age cat.
Signs are generally sudden in onset.
- Generally cats are exposed at places like the shelter, breeder or boarding areas. It is an airborne disease and consequently any kittens that are exposed to the outside air can be affected.
- Calicivirus is rarely fatal. It can be prevented with proper vaccination.
- We recommend vaccination prior to twelve weeks of age and at twelve weeks of age. This should be repeated at one year of age and then three every three years thereafter. This is part of the FVRCP vaccine.
- Rhinotracheitis:
- The rhinotracheitis is a common acute herpes virus infection of cats. Symptoms are sneezing, running nose, irritated eyes and sometimes severe eye disease.
- The incidence of this disease is very high, especially in multi-cat facilities and adoption shelters. Young kittens are most commonly affected, but it can attack cats of all ages.
- Though generally seen as a respiratory infection with runny eyes and sneezing, severe eye diseases can result, specifically ulcerative herpetic keratitis.
- As this is highly contagious, we recommend isolating the affected cats.
- Vaccination is available and is part of the FVRCP vaccine. This vaccine should be given prior to twelve weeks of age, at twelve weeks of age, at one year of age, and every three years thereafter.
- Rabies:
- This is virtually a 100% fatal disease. The virus enters the body through bite wounds and contact with the virus that is aerosolized and such as in caves with bats. All warm-blooded species are susceptible to rabies. This includes dogs, cats, humans, and wildlife such as fox, raccoons, opossums, skunks, and bats.
- The zoonotic risk of rabies is extreme. Humans that may potentially have been bitten by a rabid animal should seek medical attention immediately.
- Vaccinations in cats and dogs are required by law.
- If a vaccinated dog or cat scratches or bites a person, quarantining at home is required. If they are not vaccinated, they will have to be quarantined at a shelter or veterinary office. Quarantine periods are for a minimum of ten days.
- We currently recommend vaccination for rabies for all cats. They should receive this vaccine at 16 weeks, 1 year and every 3 years thereafter.
Additional Vaccines:
- Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV):
- Feline leukemia virus causes immunodeficiency and
 cancer in cats. The incidence of infection is highest in young cats less than a year of age. It is seen more commonly in male cats as they tend to stray farther and fight more. Transmission is passed on through saliva, bite wounds, and mating. The highest risk cats are outdoors or have been in shelters or catteries.
- Clinical signs of this disease include upper respiratory signs such as sneezing, runny nose, eye irritation and persistent diarrhea.
As this virus can cause cancer, such as lymphoma, symptoms of this can be seen and vary based on the organ affected.
This disease attacks the immune system, therefore, secondary infections are very common.
- There is a test for feline leukemia. This is a blood test and should be run prior to any vaccinations. We also recommend testing of all kittens and adults before they are added to the household.
- Because this disease is incurable, any infected cats should be kept separate from other cats. It is very common for this disease to be fatal within two to three years of infection.
- There is a vaccination for feline leukemia, and while not 100% effective it greatly reduces the risk of infection. As indoor cats are not exposed to unknown cats, or strays, indoor cats do not need vaccinations for this disease. Any new cat added to the household should be checked for feline leukemia before exposure to the resident cats.
- Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus (FIP):
- Feline infections peritonitis (FIP) is a systemic disease. FIP is insidious in onset and therefore it is difficult to tell that the cat is becoming sick. Signs include persistent fever, fluid in the abdomen, or other organ failures.
- This disease is multi-systemic, affecting abdominal organs, the respiratory system, the nervous system, and the eyes.
- The incidence of this disease is low in most populations. For indoor cats the risk of exposure is nearly zero. Cats of highest risk are cats that go outside or are in catteries or shelters. The most common form of transmission is for mother to kitten, but outdoor cats can also be exposed through other methods such as fighting.
- This disease can be difficult to diagnose. There is a wet form and a dry form with the wet form being easier to diagnose. There is no accurate specific blood test for FIP.
- There is no treatment for this disease. Symptomatic support is all that can be offered.
- There is a vaccination for this disease, however the efficacy is questioned. The vaccine is given intranasally and not as an injection. We generally recommend that it be used in very specific situations such as for catteries. It is not needed for indoor cats or for most outdoor cats either.
Feline Vaccination Chart.
If you have any questions regarding feline vaccinations, or any other disease, Please do not hesitate to contact us at 309-685-4707 We will be happy to answer any questions that you may have and ensure that your pet has the best of health.
References:
- Tilley, LP, Smith, FWK, The 5 Minute Veterinary Consult, Canine and Feline. 1997, Williams & Wilkins.
If you have any questions regarding the necessity of vaccinating your cat, Please do not hesitate to contact us at 309-685-4707 We will be happy to answer any questions that you
may have and want to ensure that your pet has the best of health.
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