KITTEN/FELINE VACCINATIONS
 = Vaccines included in our standard vaccination protocol.
Rabies
Of all the animal diseases, rabies is probably the most feared. The rabies virus attacks the brain and is always fatal.
Most pets are exposed to rabies by the bites from wild animals particularly skunks, raccoons, bats, and foxes. The
disease can be transmitted to humans through the bite or scratch of an infected pet. Vaccination of all dogs and cats
is the most effective means of control. In Texas, all dogs and cats must be vaccinated after 12 weeks of age and given
a booster within 12 months of the initial vaccine. All subsequent vaccines are due every 36 months.
Feline Panleukopenia
This disease, sometimes called feline distemper, causes severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. It is the most
widespread disease of cats and causes high death loss especially among kittens. The disease is caused by a virus and
is highly contagious. . Primary vaccination should begin at 8 weeks of age and boosters given every 3 weeks until 16
weeks of age. Adult cats are vaccinated every 12 months after the kitten series.
Feline Rhinotracheitis
This infection is a widespread respiratory disease caused by a virus. It is most severe in small kittens and can cause
profuse discharge form the eyes and nose. Primary vaccination should begin at 8 weeks of age and boosters given every 3
weeks until 16 weeks of age. Adult cats are vaccinated every 12 months after the kitten series.
Feline Pneumonitis
This is a respiratory infection with symptoms resembling the feline viral Rhinotracheitis. The disease is caused by
the organism Chlamydia Psittaci and can be complicated by associated bacterial infections. Primary vaccination should
begin at 8 weeks of age and boosters given every 3 weeks until 16 weeks of age. Adult cats are vaccinated every 12 months
after the kitten series.
Feline Calicivirus
This infection causes a variety of symptoms including fever, excess salivation and mouth or tongue ulcers. It is
usually less fatal than Rhinotracheitis or Panleukopenia. However a new strain of highly virulent Calicivirus has
emerged and can cause death in little as 48 hours. Primary vaccination should begin at 8 weeks of age and boosters
given every 3 weeks until 16 weeks of age. Adult cats are vaccinated every 12 months after the kitten series. Adults
receiving the initial new virulent Calicivirus vaccine will require a booster in 3 weeks.
Feline Leukemia
This is a form of cancer in cats that is usually fatal. The disease, caused by a virus, can lead to tumors, as well
as a variety of other symptoms. Infected cats often developed a compromised immune system making them susceptible to
other diseases and die from associated infections. Primary vaccination should begin at 8 weeks of age and boosters given
every 3 weeks until 16 weeks of age. Adult cats are vaccinated every 12 months after the kitten series.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
This is a fatal viral infection that interferes with the immune system of cats and is a lifelong infection. Infected
cats are unable to resist other diseases and often die from associated infections. Primary vaccination should begin at
8 weeks of age and 3 boosters given every 3 weeks. Adult cats are vaccinated 12 months after the kitten series. Adults
receiving the initial FIV vaccine will require 2 boosters at 3-week intervals. A note of caution about this vaccine:
When cats have been given this vaccine, they will always test positive for FIV infection on our current technology
in-house blood tests. Therefore, every FIV vaccinated cat needs to have an identification microchip implanted to
identify them should they ever be found by an animal control facility and subsequently test positive by the current
FIV tests.
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