Understanding Vaccines for your Cat

Vaccines for Your Cat

Core Vaccines are those vaccines which every cat should receive, regardless of exposure to other cats. These include distemper (feline panleukopenia), calicivirus and herpesvirus (feline viral rhinotracheitis). These are combined in the “feline distemper shot”, given as a series of vaccinations as a kitten then an “adult booster” a year later. Rabies is also given to every cat. Kittens get one dose, then a booster a year later. Depending on the rabies vaccination used, the rabies booster is given every 1 to 3 years as an adult. .

Feline Leukemia (FeLV) is a deadly virus that infects cats worldwide. It causes a variety of symptoms including cancers, anemia, and immunosuppression, leading to infections with other diseases. Early in the course of the disease, cats can have no symptoms for months to years, but can be infective to other cats. It cannot be transmitted to people and has no relation to leukemias that happen in people. Cats pick up the virus from direct contact with another infected cat, usually through grooming, biting, or sharing food or water dishes. It can also be passed from a mother cat to her kittens. Although young cats and kittens are most susceptible to the virus, adult cats can be infected as well.

The feline leukemia vaccine is recommended for cats and kittens who will go outdoors, potentially contacting other cats who may be infected. It is also recommended for cats in multiple-cat households where the introduction of new cats is common, and for cats living with a FeLV-infected cat. All cats should be tested for FeLV prior to vaccination, since the vaccine will not provide protection if your cat has already been exposed. All new cats should be tested prior to bringing them into your household. If you have a kitten and are not sure it will be kept indoors, you should have the vaccine until you know for sure. The vaccine is given as a series of 2 shots, 3-4 weeks apart, and then an annual booster.

About Feline Leukemia Testing: All cats should be tested at least once in their lives for FeLV (feline leukemia) and FIV (feline AIDs). This is commonly referred to as the “combo test”. Both viruses are contagious to other cats, and if we know that your cat is positive we can make recommendations for his/her health as well as recommendations to reduce the risk of infection to other cats around him/her. If your cat has been going outdoors and is not currently vaccinated, a test is recommended before starting the Feline Leukemia vaccine.

Risks of vaccination: in general, vaccines may cause localized pain or swelling, low grade transient fever, allergic reactions such as swelling of lips and eyelids, and mild lethargy. With any vaccine, anaphylaxis (a potentially fatal hypersensitivity reaction) may occur. In cats, this is generally seen as severe vomiting and diarrhea or wheezing, usually within half an hour of receiving the vaccine. If this occurs, let your veterinarian know immediately. While there is no direct cause and effect relationship between vaccinations and certain immune-mediated diseases, this continues to be investigated. Overall, the risk of any reaction is quite small compared to the risk of the diseases the vaccines protect against.

Kitty Kindergarten? Some experts say YES!

Everyone knows that there is no predicting the personality of a cat. Some are social and love belly rubs and being a part of the family while others are nocturnal animals that seem to hide when more than one person is in the room. As far as cats in the clinic, some will purr and seem at ease while others give me about 5 seconds to work with. Some days I feel like we are so far from domesticating cats!

Kitty Kindergarten classes were developed to help kittens become better socialized and learn what behaviors are desired (playing chase with toys) and which ones are not (waking you up at 2 am by biting you). Cats are easily stressed and even the smallest things to us can set off behaviors including scratching furniture and urinating inappropriately. Training and socialization can help educate owners about early signs of stress and help decrease the severity of strike out behaviors.

Class sizes are small, most under 10 people, with the goal of keeping the group focused as they try to work with young kittens. Costs range from $25-$50. The classes are great for owners too, as they discuss general wellness for kittens and ways to enrich the environment for cats at home. Common diseases and illnesses may also be discussed during the classes. The idea may seem crazy when you sign up, but the majority of those who enroll in a Kitty Kindergarten class are very thrilled with the value.

Kitty classes may take a while to really gain as much popularity as puppy training classes, but with time I anticipate they will be just as popular. And as it is with puppies, it is so important to train and socialize pets while impressionable to help prevent undesired behaviors which often lead to owners becoming frustrated and taking the pets to shelters.

Check with your veterinarian about Kitty Kindergarten classes in your area and get started today!

Mississippi Residents Remind Us of the Importance of Microchips For Pets

Earlier I discussed the importance of microchips and how they work and now as residents in the Mississippi River areas are being forced to evacuate due to flooding, the microchips might be their best hope of reconnecting with their pets. As residents are being forced to leaves their home with short notice, many have no other options but to take their pets to shelters. All shelters are equipped with scanners that can scan any cat or dog that is microchipped. The scanners can pull up the unique identification number for each pet and then the number can be traced to the owner. This is the best way to reconnect pet and owner.

Other than microchips, there are more things you can do to help you reconnect with your pet. If you have to leave your pet behind in any emergency situation, always take pictures of your pets and pictures of you with your pets. It is not uncommon for there to be a dispute over a pet later. Having pictures with you and your pets helps clear up any dispute about who the cat or dog belongs to.

In the best-case scenario, one would be able to arrange ahead of time for pets to be able to leave with them and stay at the same accommodations. But emergencies never come when we are ready. Always having a friend or relative out of town that is willing to take your pets, even if you do not stay with them, is a great situation to be in. Regardless of the direction you and your pets are going in, make sure you have plenty of food for them as well as leashes and collars. Medical histories and vaccine records are also a great idea.

Flooding and evacuations are happening now in the south. To help ease some of the financial burden of caring for animals during disasters, the Board of Animal Health worked with the Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association to set up the Mississippi Animal Disaster Relief Fund. The fund provides assistance to Mississippians during recovery from animal-related disasters and supports efforts to prevent and protect animal health and welfare in disasters.

For more information on preparing pets for evacuation, visit www.mbah.state.ms.us/emergency_programs/saving_family_brochure.pdf.

Donations can be made to the Mississippi Animal Disaster Relief Fund by sending a check to Mississippi Animal Disaster Relief Fund, c/o The Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association, Box 964, Trussville AL 35173.

Traveling with your pet? Here are some tips!

It's becoming more frequent that my clients are calling or coming in with questions about taking their pets on vacation with them. And with summer just around the corner, I expect this trend to continue. But people aren't just taking them on road trips or to camp. More and more our pets are flying or taking trains and staying in hotels and even boats!


PetRelocation.com, a pet travel service provider, announced that 60 percent of over 10,000 pet owners polled traveled with pets during 2010. The survey also shows that 48 percent of the pet owners spends less than $500 annually on pet travel-related products and services. However, almost 30% of pet owners said they spend $1000 or more. Anyone who has had to pay a pet sitter or pay to board their pets knows that leaving them home isn't the cheapest option anymore.

Before your travel with your pets, make sure you get copies of vaccine records and any other important medical history pertaining to your pet. It is also a good idea to make sure you have enough medication to last through the duration of the trip and if flea/tick or heartworm prevention needs to be applied, you might want to give these before you go.



Some pets become extremely stressed out while traveling and other can become very motion sick. Talk to your veterinarian about anti-anxiety medications for any pets that get upset on car rides or in carriers when flying. Given appropriately, these can ensure a safe, calm trip for everyone. If your pet gets motion sick, there is now an oral medication that can be given prior to leaving that works to prevent vomiting. All airlines have guidelines set in place for specific breeds being held in the cargo areas. Please read these carefully before you fly.

Read more about the pet travel statistics by clicking HERE

The AVMA has a great checklist to read over before you travel with your pet. To read their recommendations, click AVMA HERE

Are You Suffering from Allergies? Your Dog May Be Too!

This time of the year is awful for me. I get the itchy eyes, the nasal congestion and my raspy voice is at an all time extreme. Without my daily anti-histamine, I can barely function and I'm not alone. Reports are saying that this year is the worst for allergy sufferers. While we complain about how we feel, what about our pets? Are they immune to seasonal allergies?

The answer is NO! Cats, dogs and horses can all develop seasonal allergies. True seasonal allergies start to manifest themselves after the animal has been exposed to the allergen at least once, usually requiring that they are at least a year old. Allergic symptoms are caused by specialized cells with receptors that react to Ig-E, an antibody made in response to foreign substances. In the spring, trees, flowers, and grasses can all produce allergens that stimulate Ig-E production. Allergic patients either produce too much Ig-E or are more sensitive to it. In people, the highest concentration of Ig-E receptors is in the upper respiratory passages. That’s why we react with sneezing and sinus congestion. In dogs, the highest concentration is found in the ear canals and skin. As a result, allergies most frequently present as inflammation in the ears or itching skin.

So the early signs you see at home include licking the paws, rubbing the face on the ground and shaking or pawing at the ears. While the skin may still look normal while these behaviors are starting, they are the first indication that your pet is suffering from seasonal allergies. Excessive licking/scratching/head shaking leads to the infection which is usually the main reason your pet is seen by a veterinarian.

Not every skin or ear infection can be treated the same even if the primary cause was allergies. It is important to do diagnostic tests to determine what kind of bacteria is causing the skin or ear infection and also equally important to determine if there is a yeast, or fungal, component which would need an antifungal medication.




Weekly ear cleanings and anti-histamines are the first step to help prevent severe infections. If your pet has a history of allergy associated ear or skin infections, please contact them today to make sure you are working to prevent infections this year!

Kitty of Marine Corps Family needs a home!

Can you help? Read more about this wonderful kitty below!!

The family is being sent to Singapore and can’t bring their beloved cat. Can you save the day and adopt this gorgeous, adorable, snuggly Persian? He’s an older cat, but that’s all the more reason he needs a safe place to go! He’s in good health, neutered, up-to-date on shots. He might be shy the first time you meet him, but once he gets to used to you, he’s a lover! A real cuddle-bear who’ll happily follow you around.


If you can help, please contact Dee Matthews at 1-808-753-7311or Emilykikabilyou@yahoo.com

To see his picture and get more information visit this website: CLICK HERE

Donate Pet Items for Tornado Victims

Companion Animal Hospital in Phenix City, Alabama is collecting pet items as donations after the devastating tornadoes blew through the south last week, leaving many in need.






Items being accepted include:
Food and water bowls
Litter pans
Leashes and collars
Bedding and toys
Treats and food

Items can be shipped to 3720 Highway 431 North, Phenix City, Alabama 36867.

Lori Boisclair, of Companion Animal Hospital, says the shelters are needy and not picky. They are seeking out all pet-related items. Many shelters have taken in large numbers of homeless animals since the tornadoes struck last week.

"The people need help, too, of course, but I haven't heard much about the animals," Lori said. All items will be delivered May 13.

National Pet Week

May 1-7 marks the 30th annual National Pet Week!

The theme this year is “Save a Life—Adopt a Pet.” National Pet Week was created to celebrate the importance of the human/animal bond and promote responsible pet ownership.

Many times when we think of pet adoption, people think about dogs, but I’d like to remind you that a variety of pets, such as cats, ferrets, rabbits, fish and lizards can bring special joy to your household.

Every veterinarian has a story of a client that adopted a pet to “save its life” yet spends every visit telling the veterinarian just how much unexpected joy their new pet has brought into their lives.


National Pet Week is a special week is set aside by the American Veterinary Medical Association and its members to remind pet owners that their companions rely on us for everything. Pets need annual checkups, proper nutrition, dental care, exercise, fun and even a plan for when disaster strikes.

This National Pet Week, talk with your veterinarian about what is involved in responsible pet ownership and determine if this National Pet Week is a good time for you add a new pet to your household. The AVMA, your state veterinary medical association and your local veterinarian have tremendous resources for you. Visit www.avma.org for information about National Pet Week and responsible pet ownership.

Click HERE for great ideas of ways to celebrate National Pet Week in the Classroom!

Click HERE for great information for every pet owner!!