Panorama Pet Hospital now offers DNA health screening for your dog. With greater than 99% accuracy, our new DNA tests screen for more than 230 genetic health conditions and unlocks breed ancestry, which can inform health care.

With just one cheek swab, your veterinarian can learn actionable insights and create a personalized care plan for your dog. Together, we can be proactive and improve your dog's health! Contact us at (818) 786-4300 to take the next step in providing for your dog's wellness and schedule a DNA test.

June Newsletter: How Often Should Cats Be Vaccinated?

Sick cat tries to take a nap.

How Often Should Cats Be Vaccinated?

Protecting your cat's health starts with making sure your favorite feline's vaccinations are up to date. Not sure when your furry friend should receive a vaccination? Our summary provides all the information you need to know about vaccine schedules and disease prevention.

Why Vaccinations Are Important

Vaccinations help your cat fight diseases that could cause serious illness or death. Vaccines contain antigens, inactive or weak versions of viruses or germs, or genetic material that helps your pet's body create its own antigens. Antigens don't make your pet sick, but help jumpstart its immune system response. If your cat is ever exposed to a pathogen it has been vaccinated against in the future, its immune system will immediately recognize the virus or bacteria and destroy it.

Which Vaccinations Should Your Cat Receive?

Vaccinations are divided into two categories: core and non-core. Core vaccinations are given to all cats and offer protection from the most common diseases that affect felines. Non-core vaccines provide protection against several other illnesses or diseases and are usually only offered if your pet is in a high-risk area or lives a certain lifestyle.

The American Animal Hospital Association Task Force recommends all cats receive core vaccinations for rabies, feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus-1, and feline panleukopenia. The Association also recommends the feline leukemia vaccine as a core vaccine for cats under 1 year of age.

When to Schedule the Rabies Vaccination

Rabies, a highly contagious virus, affects the brain and spinal cord and is nearly always fatal. Your cat could get rabies if it is scratched, bitten, or licked by an infected animal or comes in contact with that animal's mucus.

Kittens receive the rabies vaccine when they're 8 or 12 weeks old and get another dose one year later. The timing depends on the type of rabies vaccine used, according to the American Association of Feline Practitioners. Cats that receive their first rabies vaccine after 16 weeks should get two doses spaced one year apart. After receiving the initial series of rabies vaccines, cats should be vaccinated every one to three years. The schedule for adult cats varies based on the type of vaccine and local laws.

Scheduling Information for Other Core Vaccinations

The feline calicivirus (FCV), feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) and feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) vaccines all follow the same schedule and are given as a combined injection called the FVRCP vaccination. Kittens younger than 16 weeks receive the initial dose of the vaccine starting at 6 weeks. Additional doses are given every three to four weeks until 4 months. Cats 4 months and older receive two doses of the vaccine spaced three to four weeks apart. After completing the initial vaccine series, cats receive a booster one year later. They then receive subsequent boosters every three years.

FCV causes a contagious respiratory illness in cats that ranges from mild to severe, while FHV-1 is an upper respiratory virus that causes sneezing, eye discharge, and nasal congestion, and discharge. FPV, also called feline distemper, is an often fatal disease that causes diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, fever, and collapse.

Does Your Cat Need These Non-Core Vaccinations?

The feline leukemia (FeLV) vaccine is recommended for cats under 1 year of age, but is optional for older cats. Feline leukemia is the most common cause of cancer in cats, according to the Cornell Feline Health Center.

FeLV can also cause blood disorders and interfere with your cat's ability to fight illnesses. Thanks to the vaccination of kittens, FeLV rates have dropped substantially, and most older cats no longer need frequent vaccinations. If you have an outdoor cat or a multi-cat household with a FeLV-positive cat, yearly vaccinations are recommended.

Your cat may need a Bordetella vaccine if it spends time outdoors or at groomers or boarding facilities. Bordetella causes coughing, nasal discharge, and fever and can sometimes lead to severe illness. The vaccination is given once during the first year and then every year after.

Is your pet due for its vaccinations? Contact our office to schedule a convenient appointment.

Sources:

American Animal Hospital Association: Core Vaccines for Pet Cats

https://www.aaha.org/aaha-guidelines/2020-aahaaafp-feline-vaccination-guidelines/core-vaccines-for-pet-cats/

American Association of Feline Practitioners: Feline Vaccination Guidelines, 2006

https://catvets.com/public/PDFs/PracticeGuidelines/VaccinationGLS-summary.pdf

WebMD: What to Know About Cat Vaccinations, 3/16/2023

https://pets.webmd.com/cats/cat-vaccines

AVMA: Vaccinations

https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/vaccinations.aspx

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Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "I have nothing but good things to say about Panorama Pet Hospitals Dr. and staff. Took my dog in for a dental exam and Dr. Suman addressed the problem immediately. Dr. Suman and the veterinary assistant were so gentle with my dog and made him feel very comfortable. I ended up booking a deep cleaning and I could not have been happier. Dr. Suman took great care of my dog and got his teeth cleaned. All I can say is if you want a trust worthy doctor and a kind staff head over to Panorama Pet Hospital you wont regret it! Thank you again Dr. Suman and staff!"
    Tanya D.
  • "I was contemplating coming here due to the distance. Since I was extremely unhappy with our previous vet. I took the hour's drive. Needless to say, was one of the best decisions I made in my dog's life. Our initial visit was let me just say first impressions go a long way. Dr. Prabhakar showed great concern immediately about my dog Molly's condition. I have worked closely with doctors throughout my career and I have a good intuition on whether a doctor genuinely cares about their patients and Dr. Prabhakar does. A lot of Doctors just prescribe medication. Without determining the underlying problem. When I leave all my questions and concerns are answered. The staff there are so nice and friendly. Tammy is the best! No matter how busy she is she takes the time to stop and listen to me and answers my questions. Definitely worth the drive. I wouldn't go anywhere else."
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  • "Came across Doctor Suman after looking for a vet to perform surgery on my kitty leg ! I went to 5 different
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    surgery and Doctor Suman was there again performing his magic! He truly cares and has love for every animal
    that comes through his door! The entire staff is full of love and caring hearts!"
    Susie M.
  • "I love this vet so much. Dr. Suman is so smart and kind. Everyone here is very accommodating and whenever
    I've come in stressed and worried for my pet, they are so comforting. It is always a quick and easy experience
    and one of the less expensive vets. Thank you for all your help!"
    Amber F.
  • "This wonderful office squeezed an appt in for my cat's urinary tract infection. They were kind and considerate,
    and accepted Care Credit. Since I lost my teaching job during Covid, the doctor was very compassionate and
    affordable. Thank you, Dr. Prabhakar!"
    Elizabeth F.
  • "Dr. Suman really cares for his patients. Personally even does follow ups and calls to check on how his patients
    are. He respects the pet parents and understands that life us difficult- he presents the real scenario and issue and what needs to happen but also presents options on how to go about the situation if needed."
    Cris Q.
  • "Dr. Suman is the best Veterinarian. I brought my dog in extremely ill suffering from ITP. He was able to place her
    on the right medication to control her illness. The way he demonstrated care, nurture, compassion and
    responded quickly was the best care my fur baby could have received. Thank you Dr. Suman and the whole."
    Erika G.
  • "I've been bringing my cats to dr. Suman for many years now. I find him to be caring and a great vet. They've
    got a wonderful new addition to the team in Dr. Gupta. She is helping me with my cat Joey who has dental
    issues. I feel very confident with her. The ladies in the front office are very nice too."
    Susan M.