Vaccinations - Brandon Park Veterinary Hospital

There are several infectious viral diseases that can affect cats and prove fatal in some instances.

Cats should be vaccinated against:

• Feline Calicivirus and Feline Rhinotracheitis
• Feline Panleukopenia

The standard vaccination that covers all three infectious diseases is called an “F3”

 Feline Respiratory Disease – Cat FLU

Most pet owners would have herd about cat flu, which is a highly common and contagious disease caused by one of two and sometimes both, Feline Calicivirus and Feline Herpes Virus (Rhinotracheitis). It can be passed on to kittens very easily. Unvaccinated kittens in particular can be highly susceptible to developing severe illness and even prove fatal.

Initial kitten Vaccinations can be protective during the first few months of life, and regular boosters can can continue to provide immunity throughout adulthood.

Many cats can still be carriers of cat flu which makes regular vaccinations very important.

 Read more about the Cat Flu and why Vaccination is important

Feline Panleukopenia (also called Feline infectious Enteritis or Feline Parvovirus)

Feline Panleukopenia is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the feline parvovirus. It is important to note that this is different from canine Parvovirus. The  Feline Parvovirus can in particular prove fatal for young kittens. The virus causes damage to rapidly dividing cells such as those found in the intestines, bone marrow and foetus.

Read more about Feline Panleukopenia

Vaccination Recommendations

Kittens require a series of three vaccinations:

• 6-8 weeks:       F3       (temporary)
• 12 weeks:        F3
• 16 weeks:        F3

Adults require a yearly booster

Read more about Cat Flu in our blog

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

There is also a vaccination (which is currently unavailable due to a world wide shortage) that can protect cats from Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) or Feline AIDS. Thankfully FIV is only limited to cats and cannot be contracted by human or other pets. The latest statistics are alarming and show that FIV is on the increase in Australia. It is reported that between 14-29% of cats in Australia test positive (this figure is reported at 26% for Victoria)

If they have not had an FIV vaccination before, a simple test can be done and a series of three vaccinations given. Kittens do not need a test before starting.

Kittens require a series of three vaccinations:

• 12 weeks:        1st FIV
• 14 weeks:        2nd FIV
• 16 weeks:        3rd FIV

Adult cats require an annual booster to maintain adequate immunity. This is timed with their annual F3 vaccination.

Feline Leukaemia (FeLV)

Thankfully FeLV is not a common disease in Australia. It is a viral disease that can be spread from cat to cat via saliva, sharing of food and water bowls, grooming and cat bites. FeLV cause. The virus does not live long outside the cats body which greatly reduced the risk of environmental spread.

Whilst there is a vaccine available, it is not used routinely used for all cats. Any cat living in a household with a cat who may be FeLV positive should be vaccinated.