Feline Core Vaccines
These are vaccines that are recommended for all cats regardless of their living circumstance. The recommendations are based on a combination of factors: the incidence of the disease, the ease of transmission to unprotected individuals, the virulence of the disease, the existence of effective treatment, and zoonotic potential (transmission to humans).
Rabies
This disease is Zoonotic. It is Found and feared around the world. Research has indicated that one out of 5 raccoons in Florida carry this disease. There have been numerous cases of rabies in dogs and cats in this area over the last 20 years. It is easily transmitted to humans through bites from infected animals or exposure to the saliva of infected animals. The disease causes severe physical and neurologic symptoms that cause much suffering in individuals who are stricken with it. There is no effective treatment in pets or in humans once clinical signs develop, all cases result in death.
Feline Distemper
This disease is caused by the Panleukopenia virus. It is a fatal disease caused by a virus that is persistently viable in the environment for months. It is commonly shed in the feces of infected cats. It is also found on contaminated surfaces. These could be outdoor food bowls, deck surfaces, and “litter areas” shared with neighborhood cats. It requires a series of vaccinations in young cats, the last of which should be after 12 weeks of age.
Upper Respiratory Disease
This disease is caused by Feline Herpesvirus-1, and Feline Calicivirus. It causes inflammation of, and secretions from the eyes, the sinuses, and the throat. It is transmitted from cat to cat by sneezing. It also may be transmitted by feeding bowls, owner’s hands, etc. It causes death or blindness in newborn kittens. They can get it from the mother during the birthing process. Some cats will become “carriers” and will suffer from chronic sinusitis or gingivitis. Exposure risk is high because these organisms are found everywhere.
Feline Non Core Vaccines
These vaccines may be appropriate for your cat based on immediate environment and lifestyle.
Feline Leukemia
This is a viral disease that causes suppression of the immune system, malignant tumors, or both. It is found world wide; the incidence is greater in areas with large populations of wild and stray cats. It is transmitted via fight wounds, prolonged contact in a shared environment, and from mothers to kittens in utero, or through milk. Most cats, once infected, remain carriers for life. The vaccine is recommended for all cats that go outdoors or live in households where some of the cats go outdoors.