FELINE VACCINATIONS
CORE FELINE VACCINES
We recommend all cats receive the following “core” vaccinations.
Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia
This combo vaccine vaccinates against a combination of viruses which cause fatal neurological and respiratory diseases.
Panluekopenia (feline distemper) is a highly contagious and potentially lethal virus which causes fever, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia and in some cases, sudden death.
Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (feline herpesvirus) causes upper respiratory infection, conjunctivitis, inflammation of the cornea (surface of the eye) and lethargy.
Calicivirus is a common highly contagious virus that is one of the major causes of upper respiratory infection in cats. Symptoms can range from sneezing, eye and nasal discharge and mild lethargy to sores on the gums and soft tissues of the oral cavity and lameness. This virus can cause pneumonia in kittens. The severe form of Calicivirus is rare but can cause widespread organ inflammation and sometimes death.
Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the nervous system that can affect humans but also your cat. In Canada, the animals that most often transmit rabies are bats, skunks and foxes. There have been over 100 confirmed cases in Ontario. Up to date Rabies vaccination in pet cats is also a legal requirement.
NON-CORE FELINE VACCINES
FeLV (Feline Leukaemia Virus) is a highly contagious viral disease that impairs the immune system and can cause cancer. FeLV is primarily a disease spread by bite wounds or contact with infected cats. It is currently considered a non-core vaccine as most cats in Oakville live indoors. If you plan on letting your cat outside we strongly advise vaccination for FeLV. Kittens are susceptible to FeLV so vaccination is advised for all kittens. Vaccination is also advised for cats in areas where the disease is prevalent, cats that live in shelters and any cat that goes outside or lives with a cat that goes outside.
