Core Vaccines for Cats
The FVRCP vaccine is one of two core vaccines for cats. Core vaccines are shots that are strongly recommended for all cats regardless of whether they are indoor or outdoor cats. The other core vaccine for cats is the Rabies vaccine which is not only recommended but required by law in many states.
You may think your indoor cat is immune to infectious diseases. However, the viruses that cause these serious feline illnesses can live on surfaces for up to a year. That means that even if your indoor cat ventures outside for a minute, they may contract the virus and become seriously ill.
What the FVRCP Vaccine Protects Against
The FVRCP vaccine protects your cat against three highly contagious and potentially fatal feline diseases: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (the FVR in the vaccine's name), Feline Calicivirus (the C), and Feline Panleukopenia.
Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FHV-1)
Feline viral rhinotracheitis is thought to cause up to 80% of all infectious upper respiratory diseases in cats. This disease can harm your cat's nose and windpipe, as well as cause complications during pregnancy.
FVR symptoms include fever, sneezing, itchy eyes and nose, and discharge from the eyes and nose. In healthy adult cats, these symptoms may be mild and resolve within 5-10 days; however, in more severe cases, symptoms may persist for 6 weeks or longer.
In kittens, senior cats, and immune-compromised cats, FHV-1 symptoms may persist and worsen. This can result in depression, loss of appetite, severe weight loss, and mouth sores. Bacterial infections are common in cats suffering from feline viral rhinotracheitis.
Even once symptoms of this disease have cleared the virus remains dormant in your cat's body and can flare up repeatedly over your cat's lifetime.
Feline Calicivirus (FCV)
This virus is a major cause of upper respiratory infections and oral disease in cats.
It causes nasal congestion, sneezing, eye inflammation, and clear or yellow discharge from the cat's eyes or nose. Some cats get painful ulcers on their tongue, palate, lips, and nose. Infected cats frequently exhibit appetite loss, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, squinting, and lethargy.
There are several different strains of feline calicivirus. Some produce fluid buildup in the lungs (pneumonia), and still, others lead to symptoms such as fever, joint pain, and lameness.
Feline Panleukopenia (FPL)
Feline panleukopenia is a common and serious virus that attacks cats' bone marrow, lymph nodes, and intestinal lining cells. Symptoms include depression, loss of appetite, high fever, lethargy, vomiting, severe diarrhea, nasal discharge, and dehydration.
Due to their weakened immune systems, cats with feline panleukopenia can develop secondary infections. Although this disease can affect cats of any age, it is frequently fatal in kittens.
Because there are no medications that can kill the virus that causes FPL, treating cats entails treating dehydration and shock with intravenous fluid therapy and intensive nursing care.
When Your Cat Should Get Their FVRCP Vaccination
Your cat should receive their first FVRCP vaccination at 6-8 weeks old. This is followed by booster shots every three or four weeks until they reach 16-20 weeks old. After that, your kitten will require another booster when they are just over a year old, and then every three years for the rest of their life.
For more information about when your cat should receive vaccines visit our vaccination schedule.
Risk of Cat Reactions from The FVRCP Vaccine
Vaccine side effects are uncommon in cats, and when they do occur, they are usually minor. Your cat might be sneezing after the FVRCP vaccine, or have slight fever and feel a little 'off' for a day or two. It is not uncommon for a small amount of swelling to occur at the vaccine site.
More severe reactions to vaccines can occur in extremely rare cases. In these cases, symptoms usually appear before the cat leaves the vet's office, but they can appear up to 48 hours after the vaccination.
Symptoms of a more severe reaction may include hives, swelling around the lips and eyes, itchiness, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and breathing difficulties.
If your cat is displaying any of the more severe symptoms of a reaction listed above, contact your vet immediately or visit the emergency animal hospital nearest you.
How much does the FVRCP vaccine cost?
The cost of the FVRCP vaccine for cats can vary depending on the veterinary clinic or location. It is recommended to contact your local vet for specific pricing information.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.