All cats need to be vaccinated against Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calici Virus, Chlamydia, and Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper). This vaccine goes by the initials "RCCP" in our office. These "kitten" shots should be started at approximately 8 weeks of age and should be repeated in 4 weeks when the kitten is 12 weeks old. A kitten should not be exposed to other cats until 48 hours after the last leukemia and rabies vaccination is given. The recommended schedule for your kitten is the first 1st RCCP at 8 weeks, followed by 2nd RCCP shot at the Doctor's direction. This is followed by yearly boosters.

Feline Leukemia is a common viral disease of cats which is readily transmitted between cats, has a long incubation period, and is often fatal. We recommend that all cats be tested for leukemia prior to vaccination in order to detect asymptomatic carriers. The first FEL VI FIV test is recommended at 12 weeks, the second at 16 weeks, followed by yearly boosters.

All kittens should be tested for FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus, or "feline AIDS") prior to addition to the household. This test is in conjunction with the feline leukemia test.

Rabies is another vaccine that all catsshould have. New York state law requires that all cats 12 weeks of age and older be vaccinated against rabies. There are more cases of cat rabies reported nationally than dog rabies. Cats that hunt are at greater risk. This disease is transmissible to humans and all other mammals. A Rabies test is recommended at 12 weeks, followed by a one year booster, and then a booster every three years thereafter.