Respiratory Viruses

The two viruses commonly associated with cat flu or snuffles are the Feline Herpesvirus and the Feline Calicivirus. Both cause upper respiratory symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, conjunctivitis and discharge from the nose and eyes. The Herpesvirus tends to cause more severe symptoms. Ulcers on the tongue and chronic inflammation of the gums may also be seen with Calicivirus infection. Cats become infected by close contact with infected cats. Cats are at greatest risk of contracting snuffles at a boarding/breeding cattery or animal shelter. Recovered cats may continue to shed the virus without showing symptoms potentially infecting many animals.

Feline Panleukopenia

Is a parvovirus that may cause depletion of white blood cells, severe intestinal damage, diarrhea and death. Abortion and abnormal brain development in young kittens (cerebellar hypoplasia) may also be seen.

Recommended Vaccination Plan

• 6 weeks Felocell 3 (Herpesvirus, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)
• 9 weeks Felocell 3
• 12 weeks Felocell 3
• 1 year Felocell 3
• Every 1-3 years therafter Felocell 3

Note that most boarding catteries require that cats be vaccinated every 8-12 months. Please check with the individual establishment

Other Vaccines

Vaccines against the Feline Leukaemia Virus, Chlymaydophilia Felis, and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus are also on the market but are not included/recommended in our routine vaccination protocols. If you have any queries about these please ask David or Rachael

199 Abbotts Way, Remuera, ph 524 8361