Cat Diseases

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis- Is highly contagious and easily preventable.  Symptoms include sneezing, loss of appetite, fever, eye inflammation with discharge from eyes and nose.

Calicivirus- Can occur simultaneously with rhino and signs are similar but affected cats also get oral ulcers (tongue, palate & cheeks).  There is also a new version (haemorrhagic calicivirus that not only causes oral ulcers but through out the entire gastrointestinal tract (stomach, small intestine & large intestine).  The haemorrhagic variety is more severe in adult cats.

Chlamidia aka pneumonitis- has similar symptoms to Rhino and Calici

Leukemia-  is caused by a virus and is spread by licking, sneezing, fighting, sharing food and water bowls as well as litter pans.  An estimated 30% of stray cats are infected.  Kittens can be born with this disease if the mother is infected.  Leukemia decreases their resistance to other diseases & may cause tumors.  There is no treatment and is fatal although some cats can be carriers and still spread the disease but not develop any symptoms. 

 Indoor cats should receive a distemper combo (panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus & haemorragic calicivirus, and chlamidia).  Kittens should be vaccinated starting at 6-8 weeks of age and be given 3 doses, 3 weeks apart. Adults should be every 12 months.

 Outside cats should also receive a Leukemia vaccination every 12 months .

Kittens:  FVRCP, should be vaccinated starting at 6-8 weeks of age and be given 3 doses, 3 weeks apart. Adults should be boostered every 12 months.

Adult Cats Adults should be vaccinated with FVRCP every 12 months.

Rabies: According to state law, all cats should be vaccinated for rabies regardless of whether they go outside or not. 

• The first Rabies vaccine should be given at 12 weeks of age, again 12 months later then every 3 years.

•  A veterinarian is required to give this vaccine. 

• Each state has different laws regarding the frequency of re-vaccination. If you plan on travelling out of state with your pet you might want to look into the rabies laws for the state(s) you're travelling to and through.

• * If you are travelling with your pet, you should also get a CVI (Certificate of Veterinary Inspection)  aka Health Paper prior to leaving. 

  • These pre-entry requirements help to ensure that the animals being moved do not carry illnesses or parasites that would be harmful to the people or animals that are in the destination area or that are participating in the same event.

  • In addition to meeting various physical health criteria and depending on the species, age, origin, destination, and purpose of travel, the animals to be moved may need to have certain tests, treatments, vaccinations, or other procedures done before they qualify for inclusion on a CVI. The process may vary from simple to complex depending on the requirements of the destination.

  • Click here for more information about health papers

We offer wellness checkups, vaccinations, dental care, and more. Call today to make an appointment. 308-345-3270

 Feline Immunodeficiency Virus or FIV or Feline Aids- Is not contagious to humans but causes a similar immune deficiency.  It is spread through cat bites.  Signs may first appear up to 6 years after exposure and include failure to respond to treatment for other conditions, severe gum infections and respiratory infections are common.  Diarrhea is common as well.  Euthanasia is not necessary until non-responsive to treating other diseases.  There is no cure but all outside cats should be tested. Negative cats and positive cats should have minimal contact with other cats.  There is currently no vaccine commercially available in North America to protect against FIV.  Click here for more information

 Feline Infectious Peritonitis or FIP- FIP is a highly contagious disease that spreads quickly through multi-cat households & cattaries.  Symptoms develop slowly, early signs are vague and mimic other diseases like Rhino and Calici.  These cats may also have difficulty breathing or wheezing.  As the disease progresses signs include a distended abdomen, weight loss and emaciation.  The wet form produces fluid buildup in the chest or abdomen, the dry form only weight loss and emaciation.  There is no known cure, has no reliable vaccines and is fatal.  Infected cats should be isolated and practice good hygiene (washing) between cats.  Wait to introduce a new cat into the household until after the infected cat(s) are gone.  You should also replace all food and water dishes as well as litter boxes.