Vaccine-Associated Sarcoma In Cats

Once your veterinarian has a clear understanding of your cat’s lifestyle and environmental circumstances, he/she will be better equipped to help guide you in deciding which vaccines are appropriate for your cat. The following vaccines are currently available:

Feline Panleukopenia Virus Vaccine: Feline panleukopenia, also commonly (but inaccurately) known as feline distemper, is a highly contagious and deadly viral disease of cats. Feline panleukopenia virus is extremely hardy, is able to survive extremes of temperature and humidity for many months, and is resistant to most available disinfectants. Until recent years, panleukopenia was the most serious infectious disease of cats, claiming the lives of thousands every year. Thanks to the highly effective vaccines currently available, panleukopenia is now considered an uncommon disease. However, because of the serious nature of the disease and the continued presence of virus in the environment, vaccination is highly recommended for all cats.

Feline Calicivirus/Herpesvirus/Rhinotracheitis Vaccine: Feline calicivirus and feline herpes virus type I (also referred to as Rhinotracheitis virus) are responsible for 80-90% of infectious feline upper respiratory tract diseases. Most cats are exposed to either or both of these viruses at some time in their lives. Once infected, many cats never completely rid themselves of virus. These "carrier" cats either continuously or intermittently shed the organisms for long periods -- perhaps for life -- and serve as a major source of infection to other cats. The currently available vaccines will minimize the severity of upper respiratory infections, although none will prevent disease in all situations. Vaccination is highly recommended for all cats.

Rabies Virus Vaccine: Rabies is an increasing threat to cats. At the present time, the number of reported feline rabies cases in the United States far exceeds that of all other domestic animals. Rabies in cats is also a major public health concern. Because of the routinely fatal outcome of infection in cats, and the potential for human exposure, rabies vaccination is highly recommended for all cats; it is required by law in most areas of the country.

Feline Leukemia Virus Vaccine: Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is the leading viral killer of cats. The virus is spread from cat-to-cat through bite wounds, through casual contact with infected cats, and from an infected mother cat to her kittens. The individuals most at risk of infection are outdoor cats, indoor/outdoor cats, and cats exposed to such individuals. Cats living in households with FeLV-infected cats or with cats of unknown infection status are also at risk. Indoor-only cats with no exposure to potentially infected cats are extremely unlikely to become infected. FeLV vaccines are recommended for all cats at risk of exposure to the virus.

Chlamydia, Feline Infectious Peritonitis, and Ringworm Vaccines: Vaccines are available for each of these disease-causing organisms, but their use is not routinely recommended for all cats. Your veterinarian will help guide you in deciding whether your cat should receive any of these vaccines.

While you are determining whether or not to vaccinate, you will also have to consider how often booster vaccines should be administered. Certain types of rabies vaccines provide protection for longer than one year, so vaccination with a triennially approved rabies vaccine every three years (after the initial series is completed, and when consistent with local rabies vaccine requirements) is sufficient when choosing to use those brands.

Recent research has provided compelling evidence to suggest that the panleukopenia, Rhinotracheitis, calicivirus vaccines provide adequate protection for several years, so in response, many veterinarians are now recommending that this vaccine be boosted at three year intervals as well. Unfortunately, far less is known about the duration of protection provided by other vaccines. Until that information is known, annual vaccination with those products is a reasonable course of action.

The decision to vaccinate your cat should be based on a thorough understanding of the benefits as well as the risks of the procedure. For this reason, it is extremely important that you thoroughly discuss any concerns with your veterinarian. He or she will be more than willing to answer any questions you may have, and will help you make the right vaccine choices for your cat.