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Diagnostic Tests and Vaccinations Against Feline Diseases
The following is a list of infectious diseases that occur in cats and recommendations for prevention. Testing can detect some of the diseases such as feline leukemia virus and feline immuodeficiency virus. Vaccines may help protect against other diseases such as rabies.
This is one of the world's most publicized and feared diseases, and is almost always fatal. The rabies virus attacks the brain and central nervous system, and is transmitted to humans chiefly through the bite of an infected animal. Cases of feline rabies have increased steadily over the past five years. In 1981-1982, for the first time, more cats than dogs were reported to have rabies. Wisconsin law requires Rabies vaccinations for cats.
FeLV is transmitted among cats, and is responsible for the illness and death of more cats than any other disease. Many cats with FeLV have severe signs of disease, which can affect any body system the virus attacks. Other cats have no evidence of disease and are called "asymptomatic carriers". These cats can infect other cats before becoming diseased themselves. Cats are most commonly exposed to FeLV through contact with an infected cat; therefore, the likelihood of infection is greater in multi-cat households or where cats are allowed to roam free. Kittens may become infected through the placenta or nursing if the mother has the virus. Extensive scientific research has shown no relationship between feline leukemia virus and human leukemia. Testing is recommended when you first acquire your new kitten. The test should be repeated three months later or at six months of age (the time of the spay or neuter) due to the long incubation period of the virus.
FeLV vaccinations are recommended for cats that have any potential exposure to other cats. However, the vaccine is only 90-95% effective and possible reactions can occur. The best means of preventing disease is by preventing exposure to FeLV infected cats. This is accomplished by keeping cats indoors and away from cats that go outdoors or that have not recently tested negative for FeLV. If cats do have potential exposure, they should be retested for FeLV yearly, in addition to annual FeLV vaccinations.
If vaccinating, two initial vaccines should be given three to four weeks apart, then one vaccine given annually from then on.
A combined vaccine exists against these four diseases: Feline Calici, Viral Rhinotracheitis, Chlamydia, and Panleukopenia. Kittens need at least two vaccines given three to four weeks apart until they are 12 weeks old.
FIV testing is recommended for all kittens and cats at six months of age or older. This test can be done along with the FeLV test. If kittens are five months or older when adopted, they should be tested twice, with the second test twelve weeks after the first test. At this time, there is no vaccine against FIV.
There is no reliable test or treatment available for this almost always fatal disease, but there is a vaccine which is about 50% effective. This is just one more reason to keep your cats indoors and away from cats with an unknown or questionable history.
Remember - cats may spread disease before they show signs.