I. 4 in 1 – FVRCPC

The 4 in 1 vaccination provides protection from Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR), Calicivirus, Panleukopenia, & Chlamydia. This vaccination may start as early as 8 weeks in healthy cats, booster every 2-4 weeks until at least 12 weeks, then administered annually. See Kitten Vaccination Schedule. Do not vaccinate pregnant cats. Below are descriptions of the diseases from which the 4 in1 (FVRCPC) vaccination protects kittens & cats.












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II. Feline Leukemia (FeLV)

Basics

This virus causes fatal infection in cats. There is no cure. It is similar to Leukemia in humans, and can also cause cancer. Cats can be born with this virus, or contract it from other cats. However, the virus can be prevented if the cat is not already infected. Therefore, we recommend vaccinating because there is no cure once a cat has it. We also recommend the FeLV test to all cat owners if their cat has never been tested.

Specifics

This virus was first discovered in 1964, and along with its associated diseases is a leading cause of death in cats. This virus has the ability to break down the cat's protective immune response such that the cat is unable to fight off infections that it would normally be able to resist.

Feline leukemia can be spread by lateral or vertical transmission. Lateral transmission is from cat to cat by close contact such as sharing food bowls, grooming, or fighting. Vertical transmission is from mother to kittens. Cats can receive the Leukemia vaccine at 10 weeks of age, boostered in 2-4 weeks. The vaccine can be given without a FeLV test first; if the cat is already positive, the vaccination will not hurt, but it will not help either.

We recommend Feline Leukemia Testing to the cat owner if his/her cat has never been tested in order to determine the FeLV status of the individual cat. If the cat is negative, vaccination is recommended especially where cats have a higher risk of exposure such as in catteries or multiple cat households.

Leukemia vaccination may cause depression, listlessness, and mild temperature elevations in some cats. However, these possible side-effects of vaccination are transient.

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III. Rabies

Basics

Rabies is a fatal virus that affects the central nervous system of almost all mammals. The virus is most common in cats, bats, dogs, and raccoons. Rabies vaccinations should be given at 12 or 16 weeks (according to state law), boostered in 1 year, then boostered every 1 or 3 years depending on the vaccine used, and the state law. Luv My Pet, Inc. carries a 3-year approved Rabies vaccine only; but it must be given annually in some cases and in some geographic locations. Our staff will inform you when this applies.

Specifics

Rabies is a viral disease. Transmission is through injection of saliva, commonly by biting. When an animal or human is bitten by a rabid animal, the virus particles are injected by the teeth through the skin. Once inside the new host, the virus travels toward the brain through the nerves and spinal cord. From the brain, the virus spreads to other parts of the body and gets into the saliva by entering the salivary glands.

The average period of time for the cycle of transmission to be completed is usually between two to six weeks. Occasionally this cycle takes much longer, a feature of rabies, which has an impact on control procedures. Once the virus particles enter the saliva, the animal is in the terminal stage of the disease and usually dies in a few days.

Not all exposures to the rabies virus are a result of a bite from an animal exhibiting savage behavior. Humans have been exposed by coming into contact with saliva while examining the mouth of an animal not suspected of being rabid. This can happen when the animal, instead of behaving in the classical furious manner, progresses rapidly to a paralyzed state.

It is important to remember that dogs are not the only hazard. Recently more cats have been diagnosed annually as "rabid" than dogs. Farm animals, wild animals, particularly skunks, raccoons, foxes, and bats, are routinely diagnosed as rabid and present a potential threat.

Please NOTE: We have to see proof of prior rabies vaccination to issue a tag longer than one year. Proof means written documentation that the pet presented is the same pet, and has had a rabies vaccine given by a vet in the past. Without such documentation we can only mark a rabies vaccination as good for one year.

IV. Feline Heartworm Disease

Basics

Heartworm disease can infect both cats and dogs. This disease is spread by mosquito bite. Heartworms are 12 inch worms that live in the heart and impede the heart’s functioning. Cats infected may suddenly go blind or, worse, die.

Specifics

Indoor cats are at greater risk that outdoor cats. Protection from heartworms can be provided by a monthly, chewable pill, such as Interceptor or Heartgard. Only Heartgard has a dose packaged for cats, but Interceptor may also be given to cats.

Cats do not require testing prior to beginning heartworm prevention. In addition, even "heartworm positive" cats may be given preventative. Kittens should start preventative before 6 months old, and 8 weeks at the earliest.

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