Feline Calicivirus- Just How Important Is that FVRCP Vaccine Series For My Kitten?

Calicivirus is a commonly spread upper respiratory infection (URI) in cats seen in shelters, crowded rescue/breeder environments and even in feral cat colonies. Fortunately, it is preventable with the FVRCP vaccination.

Calicivirus is highly contagious to the unvaccinated cat no matter what age which is why it is considered a CORE vaccine by the AAFP and the AVMA.

Let’s breakdown the FVRCP vaccine and show what it protects against. FV (Feline Viral), R (Rhinotracheitis), C (Calicivirus), P (Panelukopenia.) In the neonate and pediatric patient all 3 can be deadly.  All 3 can infect cats by direct exposure (including sneezing), contaminated bedding, food/water bowls and by the human caretaker who fails to practice proper hygiene while working with multiple cats.  Stress plays a great role in URI in cats in the crowded shelter setting.

Calicivirus in particular is a URI that can be mild and subclinical or present “Virulent Systemic” that can cause painful mouth and throat ulcerations that can prevent the kitten from eating causing further detrimental effects on the body from malnourishment.  Not only the mouth, but the nasal passages and eyes can ulcerate as well.  In kittens, they commonly develop pneumonia from secondary bacterial infections or even aspiration of food due to the inability to properly eat.  Some kittens even have joint pain associated with the disease.

It is recommended that kittens start their FVRCP series at 6-8 weeks of age with boosters every 3 weeks until 16 week of age.  Adult cats dependent on age and risk of exposure should get booster vaccines yearly or every 3 years by the recommendation of their veterinarian.

With the pediatric patient it is important to remember that they need to be examined by a veterinarian when symptoms first appear and treatment is started early.

The benefits of vaccinating your new kitten against preventable disease outweighs the current worry of risks associated with giving vaccinations.  It’s important to have an open communication with your veterinarian and ask questions on what concerns you have associated with vaccinations.

Stop by or call NOVA CAT CLINIC today to get your kitten started on the right path of disease prevention!

If you would like to learn more please click here for some of our previous experiences