FVRCP,
is a routine vaccination that should be a part of every cat’s health and wellness plan. This vaccination prevents Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (Feline Herpes), Calicivirus (Respiratory Infection & Joint Inflammation), and Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper). Desert Paws provides FVRCP vaccinations to all adoptable cats. We receive these vaccinations directly from the manufacturer and are permitted to administer these subcutaneous vaccinations.
Kittens should receive their first FVRCP vaccination around eight-weeks of age if they are otherwise healthy. Kittens who have been bottle-fed from a young age should receive their first FVRCP vaccination between five to six-weeks of age if they are otherwise healthy. A series of three FVRCP vaccinations, 3 weeks apart, ensure that kittens build up their immunity to the above-mentioned infections. Kittens and cats over four-months-old should receive two FVRCP vaccinations to make up for any lack of vaccinations in their environment prior to DPR.
Side effects from the FVRCP vaccination are rare but can occur. Because the FVRCP vaccination is a modified live virus, cats may contract the diseases the vaccine fights. Breathing difficulties, a high fever, or excessive vomiting are signs to contact a DPR Administrator immediately. More commonly after an FVRCP shot, a cat will feel soreness in the area of the injection and may seem depressed. It should perk up once the soreness fades. It may have a runny nose, develop an oral or nasal sore, vomit, or display a limp up to 14-days after receiving the shot, but afterward should not experience further complications.
Vaccination Schedule for healthy kittens (under 1yr old):
Bottle-babies = 1st FVRCP vaccination between 6-8 weeks old, then every 3-4 weeks until a total of three vaccinations has been received.
Nursed kittens = 1st FVRCP vaccination at 8 weeks old, then every 3-4 weeks until a total of three vaccinations has been received.
Kittens over 4 months old = 1st FVRCP vaccination upon entering foster home, then a 2nd vaccination 3-4 weeks later, until a total of two vaccinations has been received.
Vaccination Schedule for healthy adults (over 1yr old):
If NO documentation of prior vaccinations, then 1st FVRCP vaccination upon entering foster home, and a 2nd vaccination 3-4 weeks later, until a total of two vaccinations has been received.
If documentation of FVRCP vaccination shows last vaccination occurred 1-3 years ago, then 1st FVRCP vaccination upon entering foster home. No additional FVRCP required.
If documentation of FVRCP vaccination shows last vaccination occurred over 3 years ago, then 1st FVRCP vaccination upon entering foster home, and a 2nd vaccination 3-4 weeks later, until a total of two vaccinations has been received.
!!! If the time elapsed between a 1st and 2nd, or 2nd and 3rd, FVRCP vaccinations exceeds 6 weeks, the cat/kitten’s vaccination schedule will need to start again !!!
Rabies,
vaccinations should also be a part of any cat’s health and wellness plan. Once a cat reaches four months it should receive its first rabies vaccine, then once again in 12 months, then once every 3 years. There is always a possibility that an indoor cat may accidentally find itself outdoors and exposed, through a bite or scratch, to the saliva of a rabid animal, so extra precautions should be taken to protect both our animals and ourselves.
The state of Arizona requires that all animal rabies vaccines be restricted to use by, or under, the direct supervision of a certified veterinarian. This means that Desert Paws must rely on our in-house Vet or another medical service provider. DPR also chooses to not vaccinate each and every adoptable cat/kitten as we feel this vaccination should ultimately be left up to the discretion of the adopter and their chosen Veterinarian.
Adverse reactions to the rabies vaccine are rare but can occur. After a Rabies vaccination your foster cat may exhibit mild systems of an adverse or allergic reaction to the rabies vaccination including vomiting, swelling at the injection site, pain at or near the injection site, low-grade fever, diarrhea, appetite loss, lethargy, itching, or sneezing. These symptoms will generally lessen over a few days and disappear. In the event of prolonged, or more serious, symptoms, please contact a DPR Administrator.