As explained on Dr. Andy Roark’s wonderful blog, no kitten is truly a free kitten.
This is the time of year when an extraordinarily high number of kittens need homes. Adopting a kitten is one of the kindest and delightful decisions you can make, but all new cat owners should be prepared that kittens and adult cats need the same quality veterinary care that dogs do. A common misconception exists that cats do not really need vaccines and other means of preventative medicine; this is entirely false. In reality, felines need and deserve the same amount of care and protection that their canine counterparts more readily receive. This certainly comes with a bit of work and financial cost, but the reward of having a healthier, happier kitty far surpasses these expenses. The following article will provide the highlights of which vaccines and other products you should provide your meowing new pet.
Disclaimer: The following recommendations are guidelines for cats in the United States. Veterinary counsel will vary slightly depending on your country.
Core vaccines:
Core vaccines are those that are highly recommended to protect cats against infectious microbes commonly found in the environment that can cause severe disease or death. In addition to the rabies vaccine, core vaccines are typically given as a combination product, frequently referred to as “FVRCP” for “Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis ” (a.k.a. Herpesvirus), “Calicivirus,” and “Panleukopenia.” The combo vaccine is injected as a series of 3-4 vaccine appointments every 3 weeks (typically at 6, 9, 12, and 15 weeks old; however, some vets wait until 8 weeks of age to begin the first of the vaccine series).
Herpesvirus-1 (herpes): This strain of the herpesvirus causes rhinotracheitis, an upper respiratory infection (URI) primarily involving the trachea (windpipe) and sinuses. It can also involve infection of the eyes, which in some cases can cause permanent blindness if left untreated. Once infected, kittens and cats can harbor the herpesvirus for many years or even the remainder of their lifetime. The virus can lie dormant for a period of time (i.e. hiding silently without causing signs of illness) and then cause noticeable flare ups, especially during times of stress. During times of illness, cats require treatment of secondary bacterial infections as well as supportive care until they are better (nutrition, hydration, immune system support, etc.). Due to the high incidence of upper respiratory infections in cats, vaccination against herpes is a necessity starting during the kitten vaccine series listed above, then every 1-3 years thereafter (based on your veterinarian’s recommended vaccine schedule). (Note: The herpesvirus-1 strain is specific to cats and is not the same as forms contagious among humans.)
Calicivirus: Pronounced the same as the name of our favorite Mother of Dragons on Game of Thrones, calicivirus can also cause upper respiratory infections similar to herpresvirus-1. However, calicivirus is more likely to cause painful ulcers in the mouth and throat of infected cats. In the past few years, severe strains of this virus have caused serious outbreaks especially in animal shelters, progressing to death in some cases or the need for humane euthanasia of very ill kittens. Therefore, vaccination is imperative. The vaccine schedule is the same as for herpes.
Click here to learn more about feline upper respiratory infection (URI).
Panleukopenia (feline parvovirus, a.k.a. feline distemper virus): Not to be confused with the altogether different virus that causes distemper in dogs or the separate viral strain which causes canine parvovirus, panleukopenia is a frightening virus responsible for a high incidence of death in infected kittens. This virus garnered its name from its devastating actions on the immune system: “leuko” stands for white blood cells, “penia” means a decrease, and “pan” means all; therefore, panleukopenia means all white blood cells are decreased. This viral action gravely impairs the immune system, causing infected kittens to be nearly defenseless to fight off other infections. The gastrointestinal system is also severely affected, causing vomiting and diarrhea, leading to malnutrition and dehydration. The panleukopenia virus can also cause permanent damage to the heart muscle as well as failure for the development of the cerebellum (cerebellar hypoplasia), the part of the brain responsible for balance and coordinated movement. Due to vaccine formulation, this vaccine should be avoided in kittens under 6 weeks of age as well as in pregnant cats due to the risk of developmental side effects. However, all cats over 6 weeks of age should certainly be vaccinated against it, following the same inoculation schedule as herpesvirus and calicivirus.
Rabies: Rabies virus infections cause certain death. The virus is most commonly spread from the saliva of infected animals via bite wounds and can also be transmitted to humans. Vaccination is required by law in the vast majority of states. As in dogs, vaccinate at 3-4 months old, then 1 year later, and then every 1-3 years (depending on vaccine type). Though rare, cats have a potential for developing vaccine-associated sarcomas, tumors that can sometimes develop at the site of inflammation caused by a vaccine. These tumors can be fatal if they spread and may necessitate limb amputation if they arise at the injection site. The most common vaccines associated with these tumors are those against rabies and feline leukemia virus (FeLV, as discussed below). Therefore, the safest rabies vaccine formulation is one that contains less inflammatory substances, thereby being less likely to trigger a big inflammatory response that can potentially induce the development of a sarcoma. These vaccines (such as PUREVAX® by Merial) are somewhat more expensive than the older vaccine formulations, but they are also considered safer to cats; they are available as both 1-year and 3-year products. Ask your vet about cost differences as they can vary by clinic. Despite the rare risk for sarcoma development, vaccination against rabies is highly recommended as the benefit far outweighs any risks this vaccine may pose.
Learn more about the risk of Rabies worldwide with The Meowing Vet’s article.
Optional or non-core vaccines:
The vaccines discussed below are optional or have a less strict vaccine schedule than FVRCP because either their associated diseases do not carry serious risk or the risk of exposure to their respective infectious agents is low (especially if your cat is indoor-only). Discussing the following vaccines with your family veterinarian is suggested as he or she can advise you on which vaccines are recommended in your specific circumstance.
Chlamydia: Chlamydia (or Chlamydophila) felis is a bacteria that can cause respiratory infections mainly in younger cats. However, infections with this bacteria are not as common as the other respiratory infections discussed and are more easily treated should they occur. Occasionally, this vaccine may be included in the FVRCP combo product as either Chlamydia felis or a related species, Chlamydia psitacci, primarily a bird bacteria that will also protect cats against Chlamydia felis. (Note: Chlamydia felis and psitacci can cause potential respiratory issues in humans, but they are unrelated to the STD form in people.)
Kennel cough: Bordetella bronchiseptica, the same bacteria that causes kennel cough in dogs, can also cause infection of the respiratory tract (primarily the trachea and bronchi) in cats. However, the risk of cats developing an infection are much lower than in dogs, and since kennel cough does not typically cause severe disease and is treatable with antibiotics, feline vaccination is not imperative.
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV): The feline leukemia virus can cause significant immune system impairment, leading to susceptibility to other infections. It has also been linked to leukemia (a type of blood cancer) that results in eventual fatality or the need for humane euthanasia. Estimated survival once a cat has become infected is only 2 years on average. Cats that have access to the outdoors or who are exposed to outdoor cats are at risk. The virus can be highly contagious among cats. Transmission is via bodily fluids, including bite wounds. Young, un-neutered, outdoor male cats are at an increased risk of exposure due to a higher inclination for fighting behavior. Though vaccination against FeLV is categorized as an “optional vaccine,” in reality, all cats (regardless of whether or not they will be indoor-only the remainder of their lives) should have an initial vaccine series of 2 inoculations separated by 3 weeks during kittenhood. As mentioned, the FeLV vaccine in rare incidences (along with the rabies vaccine) has an increased risk for potentially inducing sarcoma development. Therefore, if your cat will be strictly indoor-only with no likelihood of exposure from other cats, vaccination beyond the initial series is not recommended in order to decrease the risk for sarcoma formation. However, if your kitty will have access to the outdoors or to other at-risk cats, annual vaccine boosters are recommended as the risk for FeLV infection is greater than that of sarcoma development. Prior to vaccinating, your vet may recommend testing for FeLV to ensure that your cat has not already developed an infection (especially if it was adopted from a shelter or found in a feral cat colony); this test often co-tests for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and heartworm disease.
Click here to learn more about the Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), its effects on your cat’s immune system, and its potential to cause feline cancer.
Vaccines not recommended:
Inoculations not recommended for routine use in cats (but those that you may read about) include vaccines against feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), and Giardia.
Note: All vaccines carry the potential risk of adverse reaction. If they occur, most reactions are mild (short-lived lethargy and fever, occasional GI upset). However, while rare, severe reactions such as hives or anaphylactic shock (including life-threatening difficulty breathing) can occur. Consult with your veterinarian for details.
Deworming:
Just like puppies, nearly all kittens are born with GI parasites acquired from their mothers. Thus, deworming is essential for newborn kittens. Intestinal worms can cause GI discomfort and vomiting and/or diarrhea, failure to put on weight, malnutrition, blood loss, and sometimes death in heavy infestations. Some worms can also affect humans, primarily children, senior citizens, and immunocompromised individuals. Hence, deworming is highly necessary. In most cases, your vet will likely choose an oral dewormer and dose your kitten every 3 weeks during its initial vaccine appointments. Common over-the-counter products usually only contain pyrantel, which is effective against roundworms and hookworms. However, tapeworms or coccidia could also be infesting your cute little kitten, for which pyrantel is ineffective. Providing your veterinarian with a fresh fecal sample for analysis upon your kitten visits is beneficial in helping your vet choose an appropriate anti-parasitic medication. To help control GI parasites in the future, most heartworm preventatives also contains drugs that prevent or reduce the load of GI parasites. Annual stool exams and deworming via an oral or topical (ex. Profender®) product is recommended (more frequently if you observe or suspect worms in the litterbox).
Regular flea and tick prevention is highly important for both kittens and adult cats as it is in dogs. Fleas can transmit tapeworms, cause decreased red blood cells in young animals, and promote skin allergies and dermatitis. Cats are also highly susceptible to flea-transmitted Mycoplasma infections, bacterial infections which can cause fatal hemolytic anemia (destruction of red blood cells) and pneumonia. Partly attributed to their fastidious grooming habits, cats are more resistant than dogs to most diseases acquired from ticks. However, cats can still harbor tick infestations that can potentially transmit zoonotic diseases to humans. Moreover, tick-borne diseases such as Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, and Cytauxzoonosis can occur in cats. Cytauxzoon felis, the bacterial culprit of Cytauxzoonosis, is transmitted by the Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum) and to a lesser degree, the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis, see image). It is found primarily in the southwest, mid-Atlantic, and south-central regions of the U.S. Cytauxzoon can cause rapidly progressive respiratory distress and typically death within 3 days or less of your cat becoming infected. Sadly, it is rarely curative even with prompt veterinary care. Therefore, consistent year-round flea and tick control is a necessity for the protection of your cat as well as yourself! Options include monthly topical (ex. Frontline Plus® or Frontline GOLD®, Revolution®*, Cheristin™ for flea prevention only) or oral (ex. Comfortis® for flea prevention only) formulation or a veterinarian-approved flea and tick collar (ex. Seresto® collar) that lasts for 8 months. Be highly cautious with over-the-counter flea and tick products as many are ineffective and some can have harmful side effects, especially products containing pyrethroids such as permethrins. Additionally, do not use products on cats that are intended for use in dogs; these can cause severe and often deadly nervous system impairment in felines. (*Note: Revolution® is indeed effective against fleas as well as ear mites, but as far as tick control goes, it is currently only labelled as effective against the American dog tick. Further study is needed to prove efficacy against other tick species.)
As is the case for dogs, heartworm larva are transmitted via infected mosquitoes, and the adult worms can cause heart disease and failure in cats when they build up in the heart and surrounding blood vessels. However, cats are less likely than dogs to develop heartworm disease since their bodies are less hospitable environments for hosting the adult worms. But if your kitty is unlucky enough to develop an infection, the effects are often more severe than in dogs, and treatment is less effective. The most common sign of heartworm disease in cats is unfortunately sudden death secondary to respiratory distress. Therefore, prevention is the way to go by being consistent with monthly administration of a heartworm prevention year-round (even during the winter), especially in American states where heartworms are more prevalent. Once your kitten grows to a particular weight (varies by product), he or she can begin heartworm prevention. Speak with your vet about product options, which include topical (ex. Revolution®, Advantage Multi®) and oral (ex. Interceptor®) varieties. These products also aid in the control of GI parasites, giving you a “two for one” deal.
The Meowing Vet shines the spotlight on Heartworm Disease. Click here to learn about the consequences of heartworms and how to prevent infection in your dogs and cats.
ALL THESE VETERINARY PRODUCT OPTIONS MAKING YOUR HEAD HURT?! DOWNLOAD OUR HANDY-DANDY CHARTS COMPARING THE MOST COMMON FLEA, TICK, AND HEARTWORM PREVENTATIVES AVAILABLE FOR DOGS AND CATS IN THE U.S., CANADA, U.K., IRELAND, AUSTRALIA, AND NEW ZEALAND.
Cats breed like rabbits!!! Well… errrr… like cats. A female cat can theoretically give birth at any time of the year, meaning she could have multiple litters of kittens annually since her pregnancy is only about 2 months’ duration. Pet overpopulation, overcrowded animal shelters, and feral cat colonies are a heartbreaking problem in the United States. Please do your part to help offset this significant problem by responsibly spaying or neutering your kitten when it is of age, generally starting at 6 months old.
– Maranda Elswick, DVM
