Lincoln vet, veterinarian in Lincoln, NE

Vaccinations - Cats-Vaccinations begin at 6 weeks of age.

Panleukopenia (Distemper)
Panleukopenia is the cat disease most often referred to as "distemper" in this species. It is a deadly disease. Fortunately, vaccination against it appears to be very successful. Kittens require a series of vaccinations every 3 weeks from 6 weeks old until 12 weeks old. Since this virus does not always require direct contact for transmission, it is generally included in the series of recommended vaccinations for all cats and boostered annually.

Rhinotracheitis
Rhinotracheitis is caused by a herpes virus. It causes respiratory disease in its acute phase. Chronically, it can be the cause of persistant eye irritation and corneal disease, and recurrent upper respiratory infection. Due to the potentially chronic nature of this disease it is also recommended for most cats. It appears that the protection against this disease from vaccination is of relatively short duration and yearly boosters seem to be a necessity.

Calicivirus
This virus also causes respiratory disease in its acute phase. It also can become chronic. Affected cats may have persistant gum disease or chronically recurring upper respiratory disease. This vaccination is also recommended for all cats and boostered annually.

Feline Leukemia
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) requires contact with an infected cat or bodily fluids in order to spread. We recommend vaccination for all kittens and young cats. For long term we recommend annual vaccination for all cats who go outdoors and all multiple cat households. A baseline blood test to screen for FeLV is recommended at or after 9 weeks of age.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis
We think that there are very few instances in which the use of this vaccine is warranted. If you have a large number of cats or an outdoor roaming cat, it may be appropriate. There is question as to the efficacy of this vaccine.

Chlamydiosis
This is a bacterial respiratory disease of cats. It is generally believed that vaccine combination injections which include this bacterin are the most likely to cause reactions. Still, there are times when this disease is so prevalent in a group of cats or in a neighborhood that its use is warranted. Discuss this one with our staff.