Vaccination is the single most important investment that you can make in your adult cat's future good health.  The following are diseases for which we routinely vaccinate:

ยง               Feline Panleukopenia Virus: Also known as feline distemper, Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV) is a severe and very contagious multisystemic disease which most commonly strikes young kittens. FPV is spread in a fashion similar to feline viral rhinotracheitis.  FPV causes anorexia, depression, high fever, persistent vomiting and diarrhea and progressive dehydration.  Additionally, FPV lowers the cat's white blood cell count which leaves the cat defenseless against secondary bacterial infection.  Treatment for FPV is supportive and includes IV fluid therapy, and antibiotics.  Treatment is often not effective.

ยง               Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis:  Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) is a highly contagious upper respiratory disease caused by feline herpesvirus-1.  FVR is spread by direct contact between cats and by contact with contaminated cages, grooming tables, human hands and clothing and contaminated food and water dishes.  FVR causes depression, anorexia, fever and nasal and ocular discharge.  Eye lesions are common. Treatment is  usually supportive and includes antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infection.

ยง               Feline Calicivirus:  Feline Calicivirus (FCV) is a highly contagious upper respiratory disease that is  similar to feline viral rhinotracheitis.  It causes many of the same symptoms without eye lesions and with the addition of oral ulceration.  Treatment with antibiotics helps prevent secondary bacterial infections. Supportive care is also often necessary.

ยง               Chlamydia psittaci:  Chlamydia is a bacteria that causes a milder upper respiratory infection. It also causes eye infections.

ยง               Feline Leukemia Virus: Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is a severe and often fatal disease which affects the cat's immune system and can lead to lymphosarcoma and lymphoid leukemia.  FeLV is spread from cat to cat by grooming, sharing feed and water dishes and sharing litter boxes.  Symptoms of FeLV are variable and may include repeated infection, loss of appetite, weight loss, coughing, anemia and many others.  There is no effective treatment for FeLV at this time.  Cats should be blood tested for FeLV before their first FeLV vaccine.

ยง               Rabies Virus:  Rabies virus also infects humans and is fatal to humans.  Rabies is 100% fatal to cats and there is no treatment. Tucson has a relatively high incidence of rabies virus in its wildlife, especially bats. Rabid bats are often sick and outside during daylight. They are attractive and easy prey for cats.  Your kitten should have its first rabies shot at four months of age. Your kitten's first rabies shot is good for one year and each subsequent shot is good for three years.

All cats should have a panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calici and chlamydia vaccination (ENTRCC) as well as a FeLV vaccination every year. All adult cats should have a rabies vaccination every three years.