We offer the following vaccinations for cats:
RABIES
Rabies is highly recommended for all cats and legally required in most cities. It is also required by most apartment complexes, trailer parks, etc. We require that all cats 4 months old and older have an up-to-date rabies vaccine to receive any treatment for the safety of our staff. Rabies is a fatal disease that is transmitted through the saliva and affects the nervous system. Both pets and humans can be infected by rabies through bite wounds from infected animals. Your cat's first rabies vaccination will always be a 1-year vaccination. A 3-year vaccination is available if it is boostered BEFORE your cat's 1-year vaccine expires.
FVRCP (Feline distemper combo, or 3-way vaccine)
This vaccination is highly recommended for all cats due to the severity, contagiousness, and environmental longevity of these diseases. These diseases can also travel into our homes on us and on our clothing, so even indoor cats are at risk. The FVRCP vaccine protects your cat against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calcivirus, and Panleukopenia. FVR is a type of herpes virus, Calcivirus is a type of upper respiratory infection, and Panleukopenia causes a low white blood cell count, similar to Parvovirus in dogs. If your cat has never had this vaccine before, it will be initially given in a series of 2-4 boosters each 3-4 weeks apart. After your cat has finished its initial boosters, FVRCP is an annual vaccine.
FELV (Feline Leukemia)
The FELV vaccine is recommended for cats who go outdoors and/or are around many other cats. We generally recommend running a FELV/FIV/Heartworm test before starting this vaccine, though it is not required. FELV is passed between cats via saliva, blood, and occasionally urine and feces. There is no cure for Feline Leukemia, and it is the leading cause of death in cats other than trauma. The virus commonly causes anemia or lymphoma, but because it suppresses the cat's immune system it can also predispose cats to other deadly infections. If your cat has never had this vaccine before, it will initially be given in a series of 2 boosters 3-4 weeks apart. After your cat has finished its initial boosters, it is an annual vaccine.
FELV/FIV/Heartworm test
For this test, we take a small blood sample from your cat. It tests for Feline Leukemia, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (Feline AIDS), and it can detect the presence of Heartworms. We recommend this test for any cat or kitten that has been or will be exposed to other cats and/or that has spent time outside.
FECAL
For this test, we will need a stool sample from your cat. It tests for intestinal parasites such as roundworms, whip worms, hookworms, coccidia, giardia, and tapeworms. These parasites are picked up from various sources in the environment, and can cause a variety of gastrointestinal issues. We recommend annual fecal testing, and some boarding facilities and apartments will require a current fecal test.