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All kittens and cats that come into our facility are immediately quarantined and given Heska Trivalent intranasal vaccine.This vaccine protects cats against the diseases caused by feline calicivirus, feline rhinotracheitis virus (herpesvirus-1) and feline panleukopenia virus (distemper). Cats can be vaccinated with a single dose at 12 weeks of age (no booster required for a year). If cats are vaccinated at less than 12 weeks of age, a second administration (booster) should be given at 12 - 16 weeks of age to maximize protection. We choose to use this modified live vaccine because it usually provides some protection in 48 hours, and complete protection within 4 days. Killed injectible vaccines take longer to provide protection. However, there are feral cats we simply cannot restrain to administer an intranasal. For these cats, we use Fort Dodge's Fel-O-Vax IV Newcomers are also vaccinated with Protex Bb by Intervet, to protect against bordetella. Bordetella is "kennel cough" when it appears in dogs. Cats can also become infected with the bordetella bacteria. Alone, bordetella is usually manageable via antibiotics (consult with your veterinarian, as some antibiotics do not work against this bacteria). However, as a secondary infection with other upper respiratory diseases, bordetella can cause pneumonia and sudden death in kittens. It is also believed that bordetella can pass between dogs and cats. Due to cost, we do not vaccinate for feline leukemia, but encourage new owners to do so if they plan to have a multiple cat household or may board their cat often, or the cat will go outdoors. We do not vaccinate for rabies ourselves, because for recordkeeping purposes (rabies health management) rabies vaccines must be administered by a veterinarian. Rabies vaccinations are usually required by law in rabies counties (any county that has rabies, or is continguous with another county that has rabies). This is true even if your cat does not go outdoors. Bats can take up residence in houses, and it is common for them to find their way into a living space and be captured by the family cat. All of the above vaccines are available from Lambriar Veterinary Supplies. We encourage you to consult with your veterinarian before vaccinating cats on your own. Remember, you can only vaccinate your own cats or cats you have rescued that are now legally yours. You cannot treat or vaccinate cats that belong to other people. Webpages on Individual Vaccines
Vaccination Protocol Advice from Established Cat Organizations |
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