August is National Immunization Awareness Month!

August is National Immunization Awareness Month! 

It’s a hot summer and this is a hot topic so I am going to dive right in about pet vaccines. Vaccines save lives and are one of the best inventions for humans and animals and your veterinarian would agree. This is the most important yet basic medical care for your cat and an annual vet visit can help with your cat’s overall health and help them live their best lives, all 9 of them! 

All cats staying here at Rock The Cat Spa MUST BE UP TO DATE with the most basic immunizations and there are no exceptions.  Not only is this important for your cat staying but for the other cats as well.  I had an anti vaxxer ask to book a stay recently and I refused due to the health of the other cats staying. If you choose to not vaccinate your cat, that is your choice and I’m fine with that.  However, I am not going to allow your cat to stay at my boarding facility as my rules are in place for a reason. 

The basic course that is required is the FVRCP panel which consists of the following vaccines- 

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis- FVR-  Prevents Upper Respiratory Infections, Feline Herpesvirus

Feline Calicivirus- FCV- Prevents Oral Disease and Upper Respiratory Infections

Feline Panleukopenia-  FPV- Prevents virus that attacks intestines, lymph nodes, bone marrow

Rabies- Prevents deadly Rabies virus 

Feline Leukemia- FeLV- Prevents this feline only virus and cats should receive one dose in its first year. 
Fun Fact: Cornell University, right here in upstate NY, has been a leader in feline health and research. 

Having your cat immunized as a kitten and throughout the course of its life can help extend its life which is what we all want, a happy healthy kitty.  Talking to your veterinarian about the timing of the vaccines is important to help your cat fully immunized and protected.  Your vet may discuss testing or vaccines not mentioned here due to age, health or shelter conditions so open communication is vital for your cats well being and basic care.