Bourbon Veterinary Hospital | Bourbon, IN

• Rabies: The state of Indiana, and many other states, require that all cats over the age of 12 weeks be vaccinated for rabies. Rabies is a fatal virus that is transmitted through a bite or scratch from an infected animal. Rabies can be carried by bats, opossums, raccoons,  coyotes, foxes, dogs, and other cats. Vaccination not only protects your cat, but also protects you and your family.

 

• FVRCCP: This vaccine protects against several different viruses and bacteria that can affect your cat including:

  • Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis - This disease is caused by feline herpesvirus type I. It is transmitted through direct contact with secretions from an infected cat, such as saliva or discharge from the eyes or nose. It causes upper respiratory signs, such as sneezing and nasal congestion, and is the most common cause of conjunctivitis in cats. Infected cats may show signs of disease for 2-3 weeks then they will become latent carriers. The latent virus does not cause disease, but during times of stress, cats that are latent carriers can have “flare-ups” of respiratory disease.

  • Feline Calicivirus - This virus causes upper respiratory disease in cats and kittens, including sneezing, nasal congestion, nasal discharge, ocular discharge, and conjunctivitis. Often, infected cat develop ulcers on the lips, nose, tongue, and mouth. The virus is highly contagious and is spread in nasal and ocular secretions. Cats may have signs of disease for 2-3 weeks and can continue to shed the virus as a carrier for several months.

  • Chlamydia - Chlamydia felis is a bacteria that primarily affects kittens, and which causes conjunctivitis and occasionally sneezing with nasal discharge. It is transmitted via direct contact with an infected cat.

  • Feline Panleukopenia virus - Often referred to as “feline parvovirus,” FPV is a highly contagious and often fatal virus that can infect cats, raccoons, and mink. Cats become infected through contact with an infected animal’s nasal or ocular secretions, feces, or a contaminated environment. Signs include a high fever, lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, and diarrhea which can lead to severe dehydration and death in 24-48 hours.

 

• Feline Leukemia: The feline leukemia virus (FeLV) can affect cats of any age, although cats under a year of age are at greatest risk. The virus is transmitted in the saliva or urine through mutual grooming, bites, shared food and water bowls, and litter boxes. The virus can cause a variety of disease signs most commonly severe anemia and immunodeficiency. It can also cause cancers such as lymphoma and leukemia. Infected cats often suffer from secondary infections due to a compromised immune system. There is no treatment and cats often only survive 2-3 years after diagnosis.

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