Vaccinations are an important part of keeping cats healthy. Cats are recommended to get 2 or 3 vaccines, and the first set is usually recommended at 8 weeks of age. These include rabies, distemper, and leukemia. The distemper vaccine is a combination vaccine that actually includes several diseases. Vaccines in cats are focused on preventing diseases that are highly infectious and have long-term or severe effects. Some of these diseases are no longer seen frequently in owned cats because these vaccines are very effective in preventing them. How many vaccines are recommended for your cat will depend on your pet’s age and whether they go outdoors. Kittens will require booster vaccines a few weeks apart. Once they are adults, vaccines will be administered every 1-3 years. Speak with your veterinarian to determine which vaccines are recommended for your pet.
request an appointmentRabies is a virus that affects the neurologic system including the brain, that can also affect people. It is transmitted by infected animals via saliva, often through a bite wound. Bats, raccoons, and skunks are the most common carriers of rabies in Virginia. In 2021, there were 297 cases of rabies confirmed in Virginia, with 20 of those cases being in cats. Rabies is a 100% fatal disease that is not treatable once an animal is showing symptoms. Because rabies has no successful treatment in people either, this is the one vaccine that is required by law for cats in the United States.
Rhinotracheitis is caused by feline herpesvirus. It is transmitted by direct contact with nasal and oral secretions of infected cats. Herpesvirus most commonly causes upper respiratory infections and conjunctivitis. While many cats clear the initial infection, some may have chronic respiratory problems, and some may have scarring from the conjunctivitis. Many remain life-long carriers of the virus, and symptoms may flare up during times of stress.
Calicivirus is a very common cause of upper respiratory infections in cats. Once infected, many cats are unable to fully clear the virus, and will show symptoms again during times of stress. Calicivirus may also be the cause of chronic gingivitis in many cats with oral inflammation.
Panleukopenia is also known as feline distemper. This virus is highly contagious and is shed in the feces. It is transmitted by direct contact with an infected cat, or by exposure in the environment. Symptoms progress rapidly and include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration. It can also affect the bone marrow, reducing the cat’s ability to fight off other diseases. Less than 50% of infected cats survive this infection.
Feline Leukemia is a viral disease that affects the immune system of cats. It is transmitted by direct contact with cats carrying the disease, most often via saliva. This can occur while sharing food and water, mutual grooming, biting, and other behaviors. Young kittens can get leukemia from their mother while nursing, or even before birth through the placenta. Leukemia infects the bone marrow and weakens the cat’s ability to fight off other diseases. Most cats infected by leukemia die within 3 years.
