Herpes virus, calicivirus, panleukopenia, and rabies are common, deadly diseases in cats. It is essential to protect all cats, and particularly kittens, against these diseases because all cats are at risk. Chlamydophila felis, Bordetella, and feline leukemia pose additional threats to some cats based on their lifestyle and living environments. This is why it’s important to make sure your cat is protected by a customized vaccination program.
| Essential for All Cats | For Cats At Risk |
Herpes virus and calicivirus (respiratory disease)
Estimates indicate that herpesvirus-1 (sometimes referred to as rhinotracheitis because it inflames the nose and windpipe) and calicivirus cause up to 90% of upper respiratory tract infections in cats. Transmission occurs through contact with infected saliva, eye or nasal discharge, or via contact with infected objects. Disease signs include sneezing, runny eyes and nose, and high fever. In addition, calicivirus can cause painful mouth or tongue ulcers. Disease can be severe—even fatal—in kittens. Vaccination is therefore recommended for all cats as an effective means of providing protection against these diseases.
Sometimes referred to as feline distemper, this disease is caused by feline parvovirus. The disease agent is highly contagious, resists disinfectants, and can remain infectious−capable of causing disease−for years. Signs of infection include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and a severe drop in white blood cell count (panleukopenia). This disease kills thousands of kittens and cats per year, so vaccination is highly recommended. Vaccines are very effective at preventing disease and can be given every 3 years rather than annually.
This fatal viral disease affects the brain and can be transmitted to humans. The first sign of rabies infection may be aggression, fearfulness, or other unusual behavior in your normally friendly cat. Other disease signs include excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, staggering, and seizures. Once outward disease signs appear, rabies is usually fatal. The best step is prevention. Fortunately, convenient, safe vaccines are readily available. In more recent years, cats have become the most commonly infected domestic animal because many cat owners do not vaccinate their cats before they are exposed to rabid wild animals.
Infection with C. felis (previously referred to as Chlamydia psittaci) causes upper respiratory infection in cats and is easily transmitted among cats via direct contact. Conjunctivitis is the most common sign seen by pet owners, but you may also notice sneezing and nasal discharge. As is the case with other viral infections, vaccination is effective at protecting against severe disease and may be recommended for cats living in multi-cat environments.
B. bronchiseptica invades the nasal passages and causes respiratory infection in cats. Young kittens are most susceptible, and typical signs include sneezing, coughing, eye or nasal discharge, and in severe cases, bronchopneumonia. Your veterinarian may recommend vaccination against B. bronchiseptica if your cat is going to be boarded or lives in close contact with other cats or dogs.
Feline leukemia is a serious viral infection that causes cancer, blood disorders, and a weak immune system in cats. Common signs include loss of appetite, weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, fever, diarrhea, and discharge from the nose and eyes. Vaccination together with other measures to avoid exposure to the virus reduces the risk of contracting this disease.