Feline Immunization Protocol

Question 1

What are the 2 core feline vaccines? What other vaccine is commonly recommended?

Answer 1

1. FVRCP - feline viral rhinotracheitis (herpes-1), calicivirus, panleukopenia
2. rabies

feline leukemia (FeLV)

Question 2

When are the core vaccines given?

Answer 2

FVRCP - given as early as 6 weeks of age, then every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks; if starting older than 16 weeks, give 2 doses 3-4 weeks apart; booster 1 year after last vaccine, then every 3 years

Rabies - given once after 12 weeks of age, then one year later; bolstered annually with a 1 or 3 year vaccine

Question 3

What are the 2 major non-core vaccines available for cats? When are they given?

Answer 3

1. FeLV - administered as early as 8 weeks, then repeated 3-4 weeks later, then at 1 year
2. FIV

Question 4

How do FeLV and FIV vaccines affect any testing for such diseases?

Answer 4

FeLV - does NOT cause a positive test

FIV - results in the production of antibodies that interfere with all FIV antibody-based diagnostic tests

Question 5

What are 4 less common non-core feline vaccines?

Answer 5

1. FCoV
2. Chlamydophila felis
3. Bordetella bronchiseptica
4. Giardia lamblia