Fvrcp Vaccine Side Effects
As with any vaccine, there are always some rarely seen side effects. Some mild reactions after a FVRCP booster include:
- Mild swelling around the site of vaccination that can develop within a few hours and then resolves in a few days.
If these signs persist after a few days, please call your veterinarian.
In rare cases, cats can have allergic reactions to vaccines. Mild cases of allergic reactions can cause the following signs:
- Hives
- Redness around the eyes and lips
- Swelling around the eyes and lips
In even more rare instances, cats can have severe allergic reactions to the FVRCP vaccine that cause:
- Pale gums
- Collapse
If you notice either mild or severe signs of possible allergic reaction after vaccination, you should contact and/or see a veterinarian immediately.
When Your Cat Should Recieve The Fvrcp Vaccination
To provide your feline friend with the best possible protection against FHV, FCV and FPL your pet cat should receive their first FVRCP vaccination at around 6-8 weeks old then have a booster shot every three or four weeks until they are about 16-20 weeks old. After that your kitten will need another booster when they are just over a year old, then every 3 years throughout their lifetime.
For more information about when your cat should receive vaccines visit our vaccination schedule.
Can My Indoor Only Cat Skip All Shots
I have many owners whose cats never set foot outside. They are not flight risks and have no interest in going outside. Ever. These owners often prefer not to continue vaccinating their adult cats. Some vets insist on it, every year. What to do?
There are two main vaccines that are generally recommended for all cats by the AAFP , a national organization of veterinarians with a particular interest in feline medicine. These shots are the FVRCP and rabies. I strongly recommend the kitten series and young adult for all cats, to establish immunity when were still deciding if they will be door dashers or not. The AAFP also recommends giving kittens the Leukemia vaccine, because at that young age, we still dont know if they will be the type to charge out the door or not. The AAFP does not recommend the Leukemia vaccine for indoor only cats beyond the kitten shots, so thats an easy decision. But what about the FVRCP and Rabies vaccines for your middle-aged couch potato?
Heres our podcast where we discuss vaccinating indoor cats, and the importance of fecal exams!
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Where Should Vaccinations For Cats Be Administered
In lieu of Sarcomas, there are certain areas that cats are now administered their vaccines.
Below is a breakdown:
- Rabies vaccines: administer in the right rear leg, below the knee
- FeLV vaccination: administer in the left rear leg, below the knee
- Vaccines for respiratory viruses: below the right elbow
Let it be known
The panel says that vaccinations shouldnt be given on the upper legs or hips AND between the shoulders.
Please dont let your vet administer ANY vaccine to the scruff of your cat.
They need to be given at the lowest part of the limb as possible.
So, in case, VAS occurs.
Vaccines And Kidney Disease:
A separate issue relating to the vaccination of cats is the possibility that frequent vaccination may increase the incidence of chronic kidney disease. It has been shown that transient inflammation occurs in the kidneys of cats following vaccination. Given the extremely common occurrence of kidney disease in older cats, questions have been raised as to whether the two are related. This has not yet been proven, however, a recent study of factors associated with chronic kidney disease indicated an increased risk of developing kidney disease in cats that were vaccinated frequently as compared to cats not vaccinated frequently.
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Additional Vaccines For Outdoor Cats
While those two vaccinations are the most recommended for indoor cats, if your cat spends any time outdoors, they may need additional vaccinations. These vaccinations can help to protect your cat against other harmful diseases like chlamydia, bordetella, and feline leukemia.
Argyle Veterinary Hospital explains that though your kitten might receive their first round of vaccines at eight weeks of age, they wont be fully vaccinated until they receive subsequent vaccinations at 12 or 16 weeks old. Its important to keep in mind that your cat isnt fully protected from these diseases during this time, so its important to keep your cat indoors and minimize their exposure to any potential risks, like other unvaccinated animals.
If youre undecided about whether to vaccinate your indoor cat, its best to discuss your concerns with your vet. Your vet can provide you with detailed information about the level of risk for certain diseases in your area, as well as about how your cats health might be affected by your decision to vaccinate or not to vaccinate. Diseases like panleukopenia are sometimes deadly, but theyre also easily preventable, and your indoor-only cat might not be as well-protected from these diseases as you might think. Vaccinating your cat is an easy way to protect them against serious health risks, and depending on your cats lifestyle, they might only need vaccinations once every few years.
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I Would Prefer My Cat To Have Boosters Only When Necessary Is This Okay
It is possible, but in order to determine when boosters might be necessary for an individual cat, it is necessary to test the cat’s blood to determine the antibody titers, or actual level of immunity against each specific disease. If a specific antibody titer is found to be low, your cat will require a booster vaccine. Currently, few monovalent vaccines, or vaccines that protect only against one disease, are available when they are available they are likely to cost as much, if not more, than a multivalent vaccine that protects against multiple diseases.
From your cats point of view, it is preferable to receive one injection against the common diseases rather than a series of single disease vaccinations.
In the past, veterinarians recommended booster vaccinations for cats on a yearly basis. However, as research into vaccines progresses, recommendations for booster frequency continue to evolve. The appropriate interval for boosters will vary with individual circumstances and vaccine type. Recent studies have demonstrated that some viral vaccines may convey at least three years of immunity. This is not the case with bacterial vaccines, which usually still require annual boosters.
“Most adult cats should be revaccinated every one to three years based on lifestyle risk assessment.”
“Ultimately, how frequently your cat should be vaccinated is determined by your cats lifestyle and relative risk.”
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How Often Do Cats Need Shots And Other Preventative Treatments First The Basics
In fact, there are answers to the question, How often do cats need shots? but theyre not very satisfying. Some plausible answers to the question, How often do cats need shots? are It depends. Nobody knows.
The correct answer to, How often do cats need shots? is it varies depending upon life stage, lifestyle, geographic location and immune system function.
People who seek a simple answer no doubt will be put off at this point. Although there is no straightforward, simple answer to, How often do cats need shots? there are some guidelines that can help to make sense of cats and vaccines, as well as cats and preventative measures.
When Should My Kitten Receive Their First Shots
You should bring your kitten to see your vet for their first round of vaccinations when they are about six to eight weeks old. Following this, your kitten should get a series of vaccines at three-to-four week intervals until they reach approximately 16 weeks old.
Kitten Vaccination Schedule
First visit
- Review nutrition and grooming
- Blood test for feline leukemia
- Fecal exam for parasites
- Vaccinations for chlamydia, calicivirus, rhinotracheitis and panleukopenia
Second visit
- Examination and external check for parasites
- First feline leukemia vaccine
- Second vaccinations for calicivirus rhinotracheitis, and panleukopenia
- First feline leukemia vaccine
Third visit
- Rabies vaccine
- Second feline leukemia vaccine
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How Often Do Cats Need Shots To Protect Against Rabies
The final common vaccine in cats protects against rabies. I have written many times that rabies is the most deadly infectious disease of both cats and humans. Truly, there is no disease that should be more dreaded. Rabies is spread through direct contact with infected mammals. Could an indoor cat be exposed to rabies? It is not likely but it is theoretically possible I have heard of rabid bats flying down chimneys or through open windows.
Should the owner of an indoor cat vaccinate his pet against rabies? That depends upon a number of factors, including your tolerance for risk, local laws , and a cats likelihood of biting people .
Why Do Indoor Cats Need To Go To The Vet
Indoor cats can develop many illnesses and conditions that have nothing to do with the outside world, such as issues with weight, hormone problems, genetic conditions, and tumors, among other maladies, so its important for them to see the vet for regular check-ups.
Plus, even if they never leave the house, indoor cats can be affected by the outside world, particularly if theyre exposed to any other pets that go outside, such as your dog someone elses pet who comes to visit the occasional stray who wanders into the backyard or a foster pet. Rodents can also become part of the household without your knowledge. Finally, even you and your family members may inadvertently bring in dangers from outside.
Also, as you know, pets cant talk to us, and cats in particular are very good at hiding pain and illness. They have a natural instinct to hide any signs of weakness, a skill that would keep them from being easy targets for predators and competitors in the wild.
However, the fact that theyre so good at keeping problems hidden means that by the time they show any symptoms, the problem has likely already become advanced.
Prevention is often far easier, less expensive, and more effective than treatment when it comes to health issues, which is why its vital to keep abreast of any changes in your indoor cats health through annual vet visits.
Even subtle changes could signal diseases that could be developingdiseases you should catch and handle before its too late.
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Getting Your Kitten Vaccinated
We recommended bringing your kitten in for their first round of vaccinations when they are between six and eight weeks old. Below is a series of vaccinations your kitten should given in three to four week intervals .
First visit
- Fecal exam for parasites
- Blood test for feline leukemia
- Review nutrition and grooming
- Vaccinations for chlamydia, calicivirus, rhinotracheitis and panleukopenia
Second visit
- Examination and external check for parasites
- Second vaccinations for calicivirus rhinotracheitis, and panleukopenia
Third visit
- Second feline leukemia vaccine
- Rabies vaccine
Are Cat Vaccinations Required By Law
Rabies is the only cat vaccination required by law in the state of NY. This is due primarily to the threat rabies poses to human beings, and the speed at which rabies can spread. Although other cat and kitten vaccinations are not legally required by law, they are important because they protect your cat from serious disease.
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Vaccines Truths And Myths
As with many medical interventions, there is often a misunderstanding of the benefits and risks of vaccination. This misunderstanding can sometimes lead well intentioned cat owners to make misinformed decisions about this vital aspect of feline health maintenance. Here are some examples of truths and myths regarding feline vaccination.
Truths:
- Vaccination protects all cats by making disease transmission less likely
- No vaccine is 100 percent effective, and the effectiveness of different vaccines varies
- Although uncommon, all feline vaccines carry the risk of feline injection site sarcoma
Myths:
- Vaccinating a cat against a disease can treat that disease
- Vaccinating a cat against a disease causes that disease
- All cats should receive every vaccine available for cats
What Vaccines Do Vets Recommend For Cats
Vaccines are divvied up into two categories: core vaccines and non-core vaccines. Core vaccines are the bare minimum cats should have for daily living. These include:
- panleukopenia
- feline herpesvirus type I
- rabies
Non-core vaccines may be recommended for cats at risk of developing certain diseases. Non-core vaccines recommended for cats include:
- Feline immunodeficiency virus
- Chlamydophila felis
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Why Your Indoor Cat May Need Vaccinations
Your cat stays indoors only. Do you really need to vaccinate her?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. You want your cat to be protected from disease, but you dont want to give her a shot that she doesnt need. How do you make a good decision for your cat?
The American Association of Feline Practitioners prepares guidelines based on published data, as well as consensus of a multidisciplinary panel of experts in immunology, infectious disease, internal medicine, and clinical practice. Its my job, and your veterinarians job, to put the guidelines into practice for each individual patient.
Vaccines or no vaccines, your cat should visit the veterinarian at least once a year for a full physical exam. Together, you and your veterinarian can determine if your cat needs vaccines and, if so, an appropriate vaccination regimen that will provide the safest and best protection for her.
When To Have Your Cat Vaccinated
Kittens should receive their first vaccines when they are 6 to 8 weeks old. We administer these first vaccinations in a series, so youll need to bring your kitten in every three weeks until they are roughly 16 weeks old. Then, they need boosters throughout their life. Some boosters are needed annually, while others only need to be administered every three years. If you adopt an older cat with an unknown vaccination history, your veterinarian will decide on the best vaccination protocol. When starting your kitten or adult on vaccinations, we will provide you with an easy-to-understand vaccination schedule and send you reminders to let you know when your feline friend is due for a shot.
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Why Do Some People Say Vaccines Are Dangerous
The reason vaccines are used so often in people and animals is because they are considered safe. They are much more likely to be safe than getting a disease.
Side effects from the FVRCP vaccine are possible, but not common.
- A small lump in the skin where the vaccine has been given
- Feeling a bit quiet
- A small rise in body temperature
- Runny nose
How Effective Are The Different Feline Vaccines
It is important to note that, whereas the rabies and distemper vaccines produce excellent protection against these diseases, the vaccines against the two respiratory viruses are not 100% effective. Cats still become infected, but the vaccine decreases the severity of the associated clinical signs. Both viruses are harbored for varying periods of time by infected cats.
Calicivirus is usually carried for a few years at most, but feline herpes virus remains in the cats nervous system for life. Periods of stress can reactivate this virus many years after the initial infection.
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Explaining The Fvrcp In Feline Vaccines
Vaccines for cats are categorized as core and non-core. Core means veterinary infectious disease and public health experts recommend all cats receive vaccines considered core. Rabies vaccine is considered a core vaccine for both dogs and cats. The other core vaccine for cats is FVRCP or feline viral rhinotracheitis, calici virus, and panleukopenia. The rhinotracheitis virus and calicivirus are the top two causes of feline upper respiratory infections. The panleukopenia virus causes a severe viral diarrhea.
Basis for the Core Vaccine Designation
One of the reasons FVRCP is considered a core vaccine for cats is there are no specific treatments for feline viral rhinotracheitis, calcivirus or panleukopenia virus. The diseases must run their course and veterinarians can only treat symptoms: fluids for dehydration, antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections, eye ointments for corneal ulcers. Its better to prevent these diseases with vaccination than to have your cat suffer from one of these debilitating viral infections. Should you fall in love with a shelter cat suffering from an upper respiratory infection due to rhinotracheitis virus and calicivirus, the cat is likely to make a full recovery and become a lovable member of the family.
The FVR
The C
The P
As part of your familys celebration of Junes Adopt a Cat Month, check with your cats veterinarian about the need for FVRCP vaccination for your cat, the best type of vaccine and the schedule of administration.
Does My Cat Need The Fvrcp Vaccine
The FVRCP vaccine is the only one of its kind. The recommendation is made by veterinarians, so cats of all ages can take advantage of it. This vaccine is very common, extremely contagious, and can cause serious or even fatal diseases in cats, particularly in young kittens and immunocompromised cats.
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How To Prepare An Indoor Cat For A Vet Visit
When preparing for a vet visit, its best to acclimatize your indoor cat to the cat carrier at least a few days in advance of your vet visit. Line it with blankets or a bed to make it comfortable and place treats or toys inside to make it more appealing to your cat. Give them treats, pets and praise when they explore the carrier, to help them associate it with positive experiences. Pheromone sprays may also help to keep your cat calm.
It is important to keep your cat in the carrier at all times during transportation and while sitting in the waiting room. This will help prevent your cat from escaping or getting injured during the vet visit.
You should also get your cat used to handling by touching, stroking and gently manipulating areas of their body such as their paws, ears, and mouth on a regular basis, so that they are not alarmed when the veterinarian examines them.