There are several serious and often fatal diseases of cats that can now be prevented with vaccinations. The most common diseases that we see in this area are:

 

Distemper - A viral disease causing vomiting, diarrhea, high fever and birth defects. It is fatal in 75% of the cases.

Upper Respiratory Infection -  This is a group of viruses which cause cold-like signs in cats, including high fevers, sneezing, coughing, runny eyes, drooling and difficulty eating. These viruses can affect cats of any age, however, young kittens usually have more severe signs and will often die even with treatment. The two most common upper respiratory viruses are Rhinotracheitis Virus and the Calici Virus. Protection against these is included with the Distemper Vaccination.

Leukemia - A viral disease that produces tumors which attack many areas of the body. Signs include weight loss, weakness, enlargement of lymph nodes and anemia. The virus can remain dormant in the body for months or years before causing signs, however if a cat is identified as a carrier, it its always fatal.

Rabies - A very serious, fatal disease that affects many species of wild and domestic animals and man. It causes severe brain abnormalities. Rabies is spread by bite or when the infected saliva contacts an open wound or eyes. Rabies has been and increasing problem in this area as it has spread from the south in the raccoon.

FIP - (Infectious Peritonitis) A viral disease which causes high fever, weight loss, fluid accumulation in the abdomen and death. This disease is spread by contact with cats that, when signs of the disease are noticed, there is no effective treatment.

Toxoplasmosis - A protozoal disease of animals which usually cause mild intestinal signs. Cats can shed the organism in the stool. If a pregnant woman should come in contact with this organism, it can cause birth defects in the baby. For this reason, we recommend that women do not clean the litter box during their pregnancy.

 

    We recommend that all cats be vaccinated for Distemper, Rhinotracheitis, Calici Virus (RCP) and Rabies. This protection is established with a series of two or three vaccines as a kitten, followed by RCP revaccinations and three-year Rabies revaccinations. Because Leukemia requires direct contact with a cat carrying the disease, we recommend Leukemia vaccines only for cats that go outside or if you will be bringing cats of unknown Leukemia status into your home. Vaccinations for Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) are necessary only if you are breeding your cats or some of them have been diagnosed with this disease. 

 

· Changes in Vaccine Protocols (Emerging Issues Topic)