FELINE VACCINE AND PREVENTATIVE CARE RECOMMENDATIONS INDIAN TRAIL ANIMAL HOSPITAL
Feline distemper (FVRCP): CORE
Who should be vaccinated: ALL cats
Kitten Schedule: Every 3 weeks until 16 weeks of age (may stop as early as 14 pending Dr. discretion)
Adult Schedule: 1year of age (first adult visit 1 year from last kitten vaccine), then every 3 years
Rabies: CORE
Who should be vaccinated: ALL cats
Kitten Schedule: One dose after 12 weeks (and often done at the last kitten visit)
Adult Schedule: Annually (Purevax) – 3yr rabies is available but not recommended due to higher incidence of vaccine-assoc fibrosarcoma
Feline leukemia (FeLV): NON-CORE/LIFESTYLE
Who should be vaccinated: Kittens and cats that go outdoors or are in contact with cats that go outdoors
Kitten Schedule: Two boosters 3 weeks apart (after 9 weeks, and preferably after FELV/FIV test) – ALL kittens!
Adult Schedule: Annually in at-risk patients
Feline bordetella: NON-CORE/LIFESTYLE
Who should be vaccinated: Boarders, or cats around multiple other cats
Kitten Schedule: One dose
Adult Schedule: Annually in at-risk patients
Intestinal parasite test (‘fecal’ test):
Who should be tested: ALL cats, regardless of lifestyle or housing location
Kitten Schedule: Kitten (at least 2 negative tests)
Adult Schedule: At least annually thereafter (outdoor pets, those not on heartworm prevention, or those that live with children should be tested every 6 months)
Feline leukemia and feline AIDs test:
Who should be tested: Kittens, cats with unknown background, or those that have been wounded by another cat
Kitten Schedule: Initial test at first visit, then at 6 months of age.
Adult Schedule: Yearly if exposure risk
Heartworm test:
Who should be tested: ALL cats
Adult Schedule: Annually, especially if not on prevention
Wellness bloodwork:
Who should be tested: ALL cats
Schedule: Every other year until age 9, then annually
Notes:
- Any animal declining fecal testing should be prophylactically dewormed (Drontal or Profender unless Dr suggests otherwise)
- Required for boarding or surgery (hospitalization requirements pending the health status of the pet)
- FVRCP, Rabies
- Guidelines will be individualized for each patient
- Guidelines are from the most recent FelineVMA (Feline Veterinary Medical Association) guidelines and CAPC (Companion Animal Parasite Prevention)