Vaccinations are an important part of keeping your cat healthy and safe. Knowing the right feline...
Feline Calicivirus Vaccine Schedule: Everything You Need to Know
Feline calicivirus is an infectious virus that can cause various respiratory, oral and systemic diseases in cats. Vaccination is the best way to protect cats from the virus and its associated diseases. This article discusses the recommended feline calicivirus vaccine schedule, benefits of vaccination and potential side effects.
What is Feline Calicivirus?
Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a contagious virus that infects cats. It is spread through contact with infected cats, their saliva, nasal secretions, urine, feces, and contact with contaminated objects. FCV is one of the most common viral infections in cats, and is responsible for causing various respiratory, oral and systemic diseases. The most common signs of FCV infection include fever, lethargy, sneezing, nasal discharge, coughing, loss of appetite, and ulcerated lesions in the mouth.
Why Vaccinate Against Feline Calicivirus?
Vaccination is the best way to protect cats from FCV and its associated diseases. Vaccines work by activating the body's immune system, enabling it to recognize and fight off the virus. Vaccination provides long-term protection against the virus and can significantly reduce the risk of FCV-related diseases. Additionally, vaccination may also reduce the severity of symptoms if a cat is infected with FCV.
Recommended Feline Calicivirus Vaccine Schedule
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends vaccinating cats against FCV at 8 to 12 weeks of age and revaccinating every 1 to 3 years depending on the cat's lifestyle and risk of exposure. Kittens should receive a series of two FCV vaccinations, 3 to 4 weeks apart, to ensure full protection. Adult cats that have not been previously vaccinated should receive a single dose of the vaccine and then revaccinate every 1 to 3 years.
Potential Side Effects of Vaccination
Vaccines are generally safe and effective, but they may cause mild side effects in some cats. These include fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, and localized swelling or redness at the injection site. Rarely, more serious side effects such as anaphylaxis can occur. If your cat experiences any of these side effects, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Benefits of Vaccination
Vaccinating cats against FCV has many benefits, including:
- Reducing the risk of FCV-related diseases
- Preventing the spread of FCV to other cats
- Reducing the severity of symptoms in infected cats
- Saving money on veterinary bills
Conclusion
Feline calicivirus is a contagious virus that can cause various diseases in cats. Vaccination is the best way to protect cats from the virus and its associated diseases. The American Animal Hospital Association recommends vaccinating cats against FCV at 8 to 12 weeks of age and revaccinating every 1 to 3 years. Vaccines are generally safe and effective, but they may cause mild side effects in some cats. Vaccinating cats against FCV has many benefits, including reducing the risk of FCV-related diseases, preventing the spread of the virus, reducing the severity of symptoms in infected cats, and saving money on veterinary bills.
