Vaccinations and Parasite Prevention
As the saying goes, prevention is the best medicine. There are many forms of prevention that can be used to keep your cat happy and healthy.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are one of the most important ways you can protect you cat from illness and disease. Vaccinations introduce a small amount of the virus into the body, allowing a cat’s immune system to become familiar with it, creating a better defense for combating that virus in the future. There are many different types of vaccinations for cats that may vary depending on which part of the country you are in, but there are three core vaccinations that are the same. These three core vaccines are the FVRCP, Rabies and FeLV vaccines.
FVRCP
The FVRCP vaccine is a combination vaccine. This means that it protects against more than one disease, similarly to how DHPP works in dogs.
The "FVR" represents Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, also known as feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1). This condition can lead to severe upper respiratory tract disease, including rhinitis, sneezing, and conjunctivitis. In addition, cats with FHV-1 may experience oral ulceration and primary pneumonia. It is noteworthy that the virus can remain dormant in cats until they are stressed, which can trigger a flare-up of symptoms. It is crucial to be aware of the potential risks of FHV-1, as it can impair a cat's pulmonary defense mechanisms, leaving them vulnerable to secondary bacterial pneumonia or coinfection with feline calicivirus.
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The "C" represents calicivirus, specifically feline calicivirus (FCV). Like FHV-1, it often leads to upper respiratory tract disease and oral ulcers. Additionally, it may cause chronic stomatitis, pneumonia, systemic disease, or lameness.
Sometimes, a virulent systemic strain of feline calicivirus (VS-FCV) may spread through a population, leading to more severe symptoms and internal organ infection. This virulent strain often proves to be fatal.
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​Lastly the "F" represents Feline panleukopenia, also known as feline distemper or FPV, is a highly contagious virus that can be fatal for cats. It causes symptoms such as anorexia, vomiting, fever, and severe diarrhea. The virus attacks the bone marrow and lymph nodes, leading to a low white blood cell count and preventing cats from activating their immune system normally. It's important to vaccinate your cat against FPV to protect them from this serious disease.​
Rabies
The rabies virus is often found in wild animals such as bats, skunks, and foxes, but it can be transmitted to any type of mammal. It is incredibly important to keep your cats up to date on their rabies vaccinations as it is one of the few viruses that can be transmitted to humans and once the symptoms begin there is no treatment.​ In Jefferson County it is required by law to keep your pets up to date on their rabies vaccination or you risk a fine. We offer both a 1-year vaccine or a 3-year vaccine with proof of previous rabies vaccination. ​
FeLV
The FeLV vaccine protects against Feline Leukemia, a retrovirus that effects a cat’s immune system and can lead to the development of cancer when it progresses. It is primarily spread through a cat’s saliva but can also be spread through their feces, tears, blood, and urine. Most commonly cats get this virus from their mothers, but it can also spread easily through bites and sometimes by sharing food and water dishes. It is frequently seen in feral cat colonies and can be combated with spaying/neutering, as this limits the biting behavior, and vaccinations. If you have a cat that goes outside unsupervised it is important to keep them up to date with this vaccine on a regular basis.
Parasite Prevention
Having to deal with parasites is never a pleasant experience, and it can quickly get out of control. Due to longer summer temperatures and milder winters, fleas and ticks have become a significant problem. To avoid an infestation in your home, it's crucial to keep your cats up to date on flea prevention. Flea eggs can survive in carpets and furniture for over eight months, making it better to prevent an infestation than to deal with the consequences later.
Revolution PLUS
Revolution Plus is a topical flea and tick prevention that lasts for one month. It is one of the safest flea preventions on the market, so it gets used frequently at our clinic. If you are interested in flea prevention for a young kitten, we always recommend Revolution Plus. Revolutions Plus covers for flea, ticks, ear mites, roundworms, hookworms, and heart worms.
Bravecto PLUS
Bravecto is a long-lasting flea and tick medication applied topically, which remains effective for two months. It is commonly recomended for cats that have severe allergies to fleas or for owners who prefer not to apply medication every month. Bravecto is effective against fleas, ticks, roundworms hookworms, and heartworms.
Nexgaurd
Nexgaurd is a monthly topical medication that effectively treats fleas, ticks, roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and heartworms. It's a great option for those struggling with flea infestations, as fleas often carry tapeworms and pose a risk to your cat's health if ingested.