FVRCP Cat Vaccinations

Cat vaccinations are essential to prevent common diseases and to boost the immunity of domestic cats. There are 2 categories of vaccinations available for cats: core vaccines and non core vaccines. Core vaccines are typically combined in the FVRCP vaccine shot, which will make the cat immune to FVR (feline viral rhinotracheitis), FCV (feline calicivirus) and FPV (panleukopenia). The non core vaccines will be administered according to the vet’s recommendation to each cat in part. Booster shots will also be periodically administered. The majority of vaccines will be administered subcutaneously or into the muscles.

FVRCP Vaccine Shot

The FVRCP vaccine shot is a vaccine that combines several core vaccines that should be administered to all felines. The FVRCP vaccine includes the following essential vaccines:

  • FVR, which protects against the feline viral rhinotracheitis, a respiratory infection caused by the herpes virus 1. This infection, also known as feline influenza can advance and affect the lungs and may even be fatal in some pets
  • The C in the FVRCP vaccines stands for FCV is the feline calicivirus which may also cause an upper respiratory infection
  • The P in the FVRCP vaccine shot designates the potentially fatal feline panleukopenia virus that causes the cat distemper, which can be transmitted through bodily fluids, feces or fleas

In addition to these FVRCP vaccine shot, another core shot is the rabies vaccine.

These vaccines should be administered when the cat is young and periodical boosters will be recommended.

Side Effects of the FVRCP Vaccines

Common side effects of the FVRCP vaccines in cats include swelling and rashes at the injection site.

The FVRCP vaccines may have certain side effects. Recent studies have shown that the FVRCP vaccines may support the development of antibodies that act against kidney tissues. However, the connection between the FVRCP vaccines and kidney disease hasn’t been yet proven.

Malignant sarcomas have also been linked to the FVRCP vaccines. These sarcomas typically occur at the vaccination sites. Most vets prefer to inject the vaccines into legs. You should monitor the vaccine sites for any signs of lumps or tumors and consult the vet whenever you notice abnormalities.

Non Core Vaccinations

In addition to the FVRCP vaccines and the rabies vaccination, the cat may receive a series of other vaccinations to prevent diseases.

The FeLV (feline leukemia virus) can be a lethal virus that may be transmitted through saliva or other bodily secretions.

A vaccine against the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) may also be recommended by some vets.

Bordetella and Chlamydia vaccines are sometimes administered.

Not Recommended Vaccines

There are a number of vaccines that are not recommended in felines, due to the fact that the incidence of the disease they protect from is very low and the vaccines may cause adverse reactions.

2 of these not recommended vaccines are the feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) vaccine and the Giardia lamblia shot.

 

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