Cats On Broadway Hospital follows the vaccine guidelines of the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP). Vaccines routinely given are rabies, distemper and leukemia. What vaccines your cat will need are determined on a case by case basis.

Rabies is the only vaccination required by Montana state law. This is because rabies is transmissible to people and is fatal if not treated early. Our feline friends are especially at risk. Since almost all outdoor cats (even part-time outdoor cats) will hunt, they will have exposure to 2 of the most common carriers of rabies in Montana, bats and skunks. The rabies vaccine is boostered every 1 or 3 years, depending on the vaccine used.

For more information visit the Montana Department of Livestock website at http://liv.mt.gov/ah/diseases/rabies/default.mcpx

Feline distemper vaccine is a combination vaccine. It vaccinates for Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Caliciviris and Panleukopenia (FVRCP). They are a group of viruses which are highly contagious and can be debilitating in adult animals and fatal in kittens. The vaccine is boostered every 3 years after the initial series and the first annual booster.

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis causes upper respiratory symptoms (sneezing with discharge, conjunctivitis with discharge) which can become severe and chronic.

Calicivirus can cause upper respiratory infections, pneumonia, and painful ulceration of the tongue and mouth, which can lead to an inability to eat.

Panleukopenia (also called feline parvovirus) can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea, abortion in pregnant cats, and life threatening depletion of white blood cells. The virus is very hardy and can survive in the environment for years.

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) vaccination is recommended for all cats that have access to the outdoors. It is an often fatal disease with no known treatment. It is transmitted through contact with infected cats and affects the immune system, but it can also cause cancer in younger cats. All cats should have a leukemia test prior to starting the vaccine series. This vaccine is boostered annually.