Vaccinations

Along with regular health check-ups, vaccines are a very important part of an overall preventative health strategy for your furry friend. Your veterinarian will formulate a protocol based upon your cat’s lifestyle, age, travel habits, and other factors.

The following list highlights an in-depth review of vaccine recommendations and protocol based on the CVMA (Canadian Veterinary Medical Association) guidelines.

1. HCP – Core (recommended for all cats)

• Kittens are vaccinated at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age. The vaccine is boosted 1 year after the initial kitten series is complete, then re-vaccinated every 3 years thereafter.
• Panleukopenia (Parvovirus, “Distemper”) – a frequently fatal gastrointestinal disease that causes fever, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and loss of appetite.
• Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (Herpes Virus) – most common upper respiratory infection in a cat. Causing fever, sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, discharge from eyes, and loss of appetite. Lifelong infection (causing waxing and waning symptoms) is possible.
• Calicivirus – an upper respiratory infection causing fever, ulcers on the gums and tongue, sneezing, and runny eyes

2. Rabies – Core (recommended for all cats)

• A fatal disease carried in our province by bats. Because of the human health risk, vaccination of all cats and dogs is recommended.
• Kittens are vaccinated at 16 weeks of age. The vaccine is boosted 1 year later and then revaccinated every 3 years.

3. Feline Leukemia – (recommended for all kittens and some adults)

• A viral disease that causes suppression of the immune system, anemia, cancers, and death. Young cats are most frequently infected. Outdoor cats and cats that are members of multi-cat households are most at risk. Transmission is through bites, shared dishes, shared litter, and close casual contact. The course of the disease usually causes death within 2-3 years.