Vaccinations every 3 years?

nekochan

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Does anyone get their cats 3-year vaccinations? What do you think of this?

I had been getting the 3-year rabies vaccinations for my cats but I recently saw that my vet also offers a 3-year combo vaccination (FVRCP).
I would like to do this so they don't get over-vaccinated but was wondering if anyone else has used these. I know with the rabies the 3-year vaccine is often identical to the 1-year, it is just labelled for 3 years but I don't know if it is the same with the combo.

If I decided to go that route, I'm going to have to check if the animal blood donor program I enrolled Spot and Blaze in accepts the 3-year vaccinations... I also wanted to enroll two of my other cats in the program assuming they reach the minimum weight requirement of 10 pounds (they are just under it) so if they don't accept it I will have to decide whether to enroll them and get vacc every year or not.
 

ryffian

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This is the protocol I use for my kitties:
Regular kitten series from 8 to 16 weeks, booster in 1 year, followed by boosters every 3 years.

The last time I checked (in September) other than rabies there are no vaccines labeled by the drug companies as "three year vaccines," however there is evidence that protective immunity will last for 3 (or more) years following a booster at one year.

You are smart to check with your blood donor program before changing your vaccine routine.

Also, those guidelines are best for cats living in normal- to low-risk environments (i.e. pets). Cats living in areas with a higher incidence of disease (such as in shelters, frequent show circuit, catteries) may need to be vaccinated more frequently.
 

sweetpea24

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I only plan to vaccinate my cats and dog every three years. If I could, I would also give them the separate vaccines 2 weeks apart instead of the combo FVCRP. My cats don't go outside so to me there's no big incentive for me to poison my babies.
 
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nekochan

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Originally Posted by Ryffian

This is the protocol I use for my kitties:
Regular kitten series from 8 to 16 weeks, booster in 1 year, followed by boosters every 3 years.

The last time I checked (in September) other than rabies there are no vaccines labeled by the drug companies as "three year vaccines," however there is evidence that protective immunity will last for 3 (or more) years following a booster at one year.

I read on a few vet sites that the FDA approved a 3-year FVRCP vaccine in 2006, but I can't find any details about it...

I also forgot to mention that some of my cats do go to cat shows a few times a year.
 
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