Vaccinations are the foundation to preventive healthcare for your cat. In our practice, cat vaccinations are administered at a scheduled wellness exam with a veterinarian. When appropriate, a technician may administer booster vaccines. Have questions about a kitten vaccine schedule? See our Kitten Page for more information.
1. Rabies Vaccine:
The rabies vaccine we offer at our practice is the PUREVAX Feline Rabies vaccine which is valid for 1 year. It is a much safer option for cats than traditional vaccines because it does not contain an adjuvant, something that has been associated with injection site sarcomas in cats. Rabies vaccinations for cats are given by a veterinarian starting at 12 weeks of age and are required by Portage County Law. Rabies vaccines can only be administered right after your pet has been examined by a licensed veterinarian per the Ohio Department of Health. Upon vaccination, you will receive a rabies vaccine certificate attached with your receipt.
- Did you know:
- Although rabies vaccines can be purchased by non-veterinary staff in Ohio, the Ohio Department of Health considers such animals as unvaccinated when assessing a public health risk. This is why all animals who seek treatments at our practice MUST be up to date on a rabies vaccine. Legally, we can only accept proof of rabies vaccination when given by a licensed veterinarian.
- Did you know:
- According to WHO, blood feeding bats are now the PRIMARY source of human rabies exposure in the United States. If you get a bat in your home you must contact your local health department. This is why even indoor only cats have to be vaccinated against rabies.
Rabies is a zoonotic virus. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Human rabies deaths are preventable with prompt post exposure prophylaxis (PEP). The goal of this treatment is to stop the virus from reaching the central nervous system. Once the virus reaches the central nervous system and clinical symptoms appear, rabies is fatal in nearly 100% of cases for humans and pets.
2. FVRCP
This vaccine contains feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV1), feline calicivirus (FCV), and feline parvovirus (FPV) which is caused by feline panleukopenia. It is a modified live virus vaccine that is good for 1 year after the initial series. Subsequent vaccines are then given every 3 years.
- Did you know:
- Cat vaccines are a crucial part of preventive healthcare. They offer protection against fatal diseases helping your cat live longer.
3. FRCN
This vaccine contains feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV1) and feline calicivirus (FCV). It is a modified live virus vaccine administered intranasally. This vaccine is administered in the years between the FVRCP vaccine for appropriate protection.
- Did you know:
- Intranasal vaccines will stimulate a different part of your cat's immune system giving your pet better protection when exposed to these pathogens.
4. Feline Leukemia
This vaccine contains feline leukemia virus. It is a killed virus vaccine that is good for 1 year after the initial series. Subsequent vaccinations are determined based on your cat's lifestyle. A conversation with one of our veterinarians at your cat's yearly well-health visit will help determine this.
- Did you know:
- Feline leukemia is called the "friendly cat" disease. It is very contagious. Your cat can become infected from mutual grooming or sharing feeding dishes and litter boxes with an infected cat.