Question: My 7-year-old calico has been given yearly FVRCP and leukemia vaccinations for the five years I have had her. She has had some reaction. I do not want to have to give them to her again. I asked the vet to spread out the shots. She is an indoor cat. I have read that these shots should or can be given every three years. I would prefer this. She is boarded sometimes. The vet does not do a blood test to see if she has immunity. I am concerned. – Bert
Answer: Congratulations – it sounds like you have done a good job at keeping your cat healthy. As a responsible cat owner it is imperative to have your cat vaccinated. Vaccines are the mainstay to protect your cat from deadly infectious diseases.
Now that your cat is an adult and has had all her kitten shots, you may be able to put her on an interval of spaced vaccines. The American Association of Feline Practitioners recommends that adult cats get an FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calici, and Panleukopenia) vaccination every three years. This can be alternated with the three-year rabies vaccine.
Palm Beach County accepts three-year rabies vaccines, but other counties may require them to be given at one or two-year intervals. Feline leukemia vaccine can be given if she is in a high-risk situation, such as a multi-cat household, or contact with outdoor cats.
Your cat should still get her very important yearly examinations and fecal testing.
Make sure the county and state where you live sanction longer intervals. Boarding facilities may make their own requirement intervals for vaccinations and you must comply if you wish to board your cat in their facility.
Ask your veterinarian which vaccines can be spread out to longer intervals, and find out which ones are required for boarding.
Dr. Baker
Baker Veterinary Clinic
1801 S. Congress Ave.
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
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