YOUR PET'S HEALTH - FELINES
 

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CATS

Our feline companion animals are a very nice addition to any household (though some caution must be advised in households with immunosuppressed individuals), and informed owners can positively influence the health and longevity of their pet kitty.  Without a doubt, indoor only cats have a greater chance at healthful longevity than indoor/outdoor or outdoor only cats because they are better protected from environmental hazards such as infectious disease, trauma, and toxins.  Felines have unique metabolisms, diseases, and immunologic susceptibilities, and therefore wellness recommendations vary somewhat from dogs, though many principles do apply.

 

PARASITES

The same principles apply to feline parasite control and detection as to canine, with some exceptions.  Please refer to the appropriate sections above for more information. 


FECAL ANALYSIS

Stool samples should be examined microscopically twice yearly, or once yearly for indoor only cats, to analyze for evidence of gastrointestinal parasites. 

 

FELINE VACCINATIONS


FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calici Virus, Panleukopenia- Distemper)

Kittens: Series of at least three vaccines administered 3-4 weeks apart ending no earlier than 15 weeks of age, with an adult booster vaccine one year later, and then every 3 years thereafter.
Adults: All non-vaccinated adult cats need 2 boosters 3 weeks apart to be fully protected after which triennial boosters are given.

PANLEUKOPENIA (parvovirus type 2) is caused by a parvovirus closely related to canine parvovirus type 2. Clinical signs consisting of a febrile illness manifesting with vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes cerebellar ataxia, often leading to death if not treated supportively.  It persists for a lengthy time in the environment (>1 year) if left untreated by a sodium hypochlorite solution, and is often found in feral, unvaccinated cat populations. 

RHINOTRACHEITIS (feline herpes virus 1)   & CALICI VIRUSES are the primary stimulants of upper respiratory infection in the feline species, capable of causing clinical signs localized to the upper respiratory system such as sneezing, ocular discharge, and oral ulcerations as well systemic infections in more virulent strains of calici viruses.

 

FELV (Feline Leukemia Virus)

Kittens & Adults: Series of two vaccines starting at 9 weeks of age. The second vaccine must be given no later than 3 weeks after the first vaccine or your pet may not acquire adequate immunity. Booster vaccines are then administered yearly.

LEUKEMIA is a highly contagious viral disease that cats transmit between themselves through oral secretions. The virus breaks down the immune system leaving the cat susceptible to secondary infections. Introduction of this disease often leads to chronic illness and very often fatality.  We recommend leukemia vaccine for all outdoor cats, as the opportunity for horizontal transmission of the disease is much higher than the likelihood of problems from the vaccine.  


We employ the recombinant, non-adjuvant vaccine shown not to promote tumor formation.  Additionally, we use Merial's newly introduced trans-dermal application system for greater effectiveness! Testing all cats & kittens for FELV virus is recommended before vaccination series begins. 
 

RABIES  

Kittens: Given at 3-4 months of age with duration of immunity lasting one year. Thereafter, boosters are given yearly.
Adults: The first rabies vaccine has a one year duration of immunity with yearly booster vaccines thereafter.  
RABIES infects all warm-blooded animals, including humans, with fatality at nearly 100% of the infected, untreated victims.  A current rabies vaccination status is required by law for dogs and cats in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware among most other states. 

We employ the recombinant, non-adjuvant vaccine shown not to promote tumor formation!