Healthcare
Vaccinations
Cats require regular vaccinations for Feline Distemper (FVRCP) and Rabies. When you adopt one of our cats, they typically will have received a one-year rabies vaccination and an initial distemper vaccination. Young kittens require 3 distemper vaccination about 3 weeks apart each. Distemper is an airborne virus that is lethal to kittens (and some adult cats) and it is vital that kittens receive all three of these highly effective vaccinations. Therefore, please look at the date of their initial vaccination and schedule follow up distemper vaccinations with your veterinarian. Other vaccinations such as the Feline Leukemia vaccine are optional. Please ask your vet for their recommended vaccination schedule.
Distemper
IFVRCP stands for Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia. The FVRCP vaccination is a triple vaccine that prevents three potentially deadly airborne viruses: Rhinotracheitis (triggered by the common Feline Herpes virus), Calicivirus and Feline Panleukopenia. Feline Distemper is the common name given to the Feline Panleukopenia virus, a species of Parvovirus. It is an airborne virus that can infect all cat species and is highly contagious and deadly, especially for kittens. Thankfully, there is a highly effective vaccine that can prevent distemper in cats. Young kittens typically receive 3 initial vaccinations about 3 to 4 weeks apart. Older kittens and adult cats typically receive only 2 initial vaccinations. After the initial series of FVRCP vaccinations, your cat will need additional booster vaccinations every 1-3 years in order to continue to be protected. Your veterinarian can advise you on the vaccine schedule required for your cat.
Rabies
Rabies is a preventable deadly viral disease most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal (an animal already infected with rabies). Rabies can infect both people and animals and up-to-date RABIES VACCINES ARE REQUIRED FOR CATS (and dogs and ferrets) BY LAW in most states. Rabies vaccines are generally given to pets at 4 months of age (feral cats can be vaccinated at 3 months and 3 pounds) and the initial rabies vaccine is a one-year vaccine. The following year, the cat will be eligible for a three-year rabies vaccine if there is proof that the cat received the one-year vaccine the previous year. Your veterinarian can advise you on the vaccine schedule required for your cat.
Feline Leukemia
Feline Leukemia is a contagious virus that is typically spread from cat to cat through close contact and bodily fluids (typically saliva). Feline Leukemia vaccines are available through your veterinarian. If your cat is an indoor only cat (required of our adopted cats), then the likelihood of the cat becoming infected with Feline Leukemia is unlikely. However, please consult your veterinarian to determine the best set of vaccinations for you and your pets.
Common Illnesses & Diseases
Feline Coronavirus & Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
Feline Coronavirus is a common viral infection in cats. Up to 80-90% of cats have been infected with one or more strains of feline coronavirus at some point in their lifetimes if they have lived in multi-cat environments (50% for single cat environments). While Feline Coronavirus is part of the family of coronaviruses, the feline version is not contagious to humans but is highly contagious to other cats. It is spread from cat to cat through bodily fluids. Infected cats can be asymptomatic or transiently infected (usually with diarrhea) and over time, most cats are able to eliminate the infection from their bodies However, about 13% become lifelong carriers and continually shed the virus in their feces and there is no cure for chronic carriers. However, in a small percentage of cases (5-10%) the virus can mutate and the cat will then develop Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), which until recently has been a fatal condition. However, recent medical progress has been able to identify a treatment that can save the lives of some cats with FIP. The treatment is not yet officially approved but is looking very promising. Please do research on the internet and consult a veterinarian for possible treatment for FIP.
Giardia
Giardia is a parasitic infection in cats that can be asymptomatic or can cause severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, weight loss, and a lack of appetite in cats. It can be fatal if left untreated but can typically be cured by treating the cat with the antibiotic Metronidazole and/or Fenbendazole available from a veterinarian.
Coccidiosis
Coccidiosis is an intestinal tract parasitic infection caused by a one-celled organism called coccidia. Cats can become infected by their mother, eating an infected mouse, or by ingesting infected matter from any environment contaminated with feces (can be commonly found in ground dirt outside). Coccidia can be very serious and deadly to kittens (and some adult cats) and can cause severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, abdominal distress, and a lack of appetite. Coccidiosis can be treated with sulfadimethoxine (Albon) which is available from a veterinarian.
Feline Upper Respiratory Infections
A large percentage of cats and kittens rescued from the outdoors suffer from upper respiratory infections (URI). There are many potential conditions that can cause the same symptoms. A cat may have both bacterial and viral URIs simultaneously since viral infections can often cause secondary bacterial infections. All of these diseases impact kittens much more severely than cats as kittens don’t have as fully developed immune systems as adult cats. It can be very difficult to distinguish which of these conditions may be causing similar symptoms and all cases of upper respiratory infections should be treated under the supervision of a veterinarian.
Bacterial Infection/Feline Chlamydia
Bacterial infections obtained through close contact with another cat or through the environment can cause upper respiratory symptoms of the nose, mouth and eyes. These symptoms may include sneezing, nasal congestion, drooling, conjunctivitis of the eyes (inflammation of the tissue of the eyelids), and discharge from the nose and/or eyes, squinting of the eyes, general lethargy, and loss of appetite. Bacterial infections can also cause ulcers in the mouth and eyes which can be very painful and require medication. One common bacterial infection in cats is Feline Chlamydia. If left untreated (especially in kittens), Feline Chlamydia can spread to the lungs and cause pneumonia. Feline Chlamydia is treatable with oral and topical antibiotics available from a veterinarian.
Calicivirus
Calicivirus can cause upper respiratory symptoms including the nose, mouth, and eyes. These symptoms may include sneezing, nasal congestion, drooling, fever, conjunctivitis of the eyes (inflammation of the tissue of the eyelids), and discharge from the nose and/or eyes, squinting of the eyes, general lethargy, and loss of appetite. Calicivirus can also cause ulcers in the mouth and eyes which can be very painful and require medication. Calicivirus is spread from cat to cat through bodily fluids or by inhaling airborne particles from a cat sneeze. The FVRCP vaccine helps to prevent or lessen the symptoms of Calicivirus.
Feline Herpes
Feline Herpes type-1 is a common viral infection that 90% of cats become exposed to at some point in their lifetimes. Similarly, according to the World Health Organization, 67% of the world’s population of people have been infected by Herpes Virus Type-1 by the age of 50. However, Feline Herpes Virus is specific to cats and cannot be spread to people. Feline Herpes can cause upper respiratory symptoms including the nose, mouth, and eyes. These symptoms may include sneezing, nasal congestion, drooling, fever, conjunctivitis of the eyes (inflammation of the tissue of the eyelids), and discharge from the nose and/or eyes, squinting of the eyes, general lethargy, and loss of appetite. Feline Herpes can also cause ulcers in the mouth and eyes which can be very painful and require medication. Feline Herpes is spread from cat to cat through bodily fluids. All cases of Feline Herpes Virus should be treated under the supervision of a veterinarian. Once infected, a cat will typically be a carrier of the virus for life but while some cats may experience minor occasional flare-ups, for most cats, the virus will enter a dormant, inactive stage that is asymptomatic.
Feline Ringworm
Feline Ringworm is one of the most common skin disorders affecting cats worldwide. Despite the name of this disorder, it is a topical fungal skin infection that has no connection to or involvement with “worms” of any kind. However, the condition often (but not always) generates circular patches of red and/or crusty skin that may have a red raised area on the edges of the circular area that resembles a ring. As the disease progresses, some or all of the cats’s fur will break off or fall out of the circular patches leaving bald or stubby patches that may also have inflamed, thick scaling crusty skin. In other areas, such as the ears, the whole ear is often infected and most of the hair will fall out and not show any ring like pattern. Ringworm can infect the cat’s claws and nail beds as well as their fur. Ringworm is fully treatable and curable but it can take 6 weeks (and occasionally longer) to fully resolve, while maintaining treatment with medications. Depending on the severity of the infection, topical medications, oral medication, shampoo and dips may be prescribed by your veterinarian.The fungi responsible for Feline Ringworm originate in the soil and can infect both people and animals that come in contact with it. It is highly contagious from cat to cat as the fungal infection generates microscopic spores that are capable of spreading the disease. Cats (and children) can get ringworm from the soil outside and cats/kittens are often infected by other cats in outdoor cat colonies and from their mother cat. It can be spread by coming in direct contact with an infected animal or person, or by handling contaminated objects or surfaces. However, a high enough concentration of spores is required to spread the fungal infection. These spores can spread in an indoor environment as well and may remain dormant on combs, brushes, food bowls, furniture, bedding, carpet or other surfaces for as many as 18 months. However, diluted bleach, apple cider vinegar and other commercially available products can kill ringworm spores, and hot water and detergent can be used on bedding and clothes in a washing machine.Ringworm is the same variety of fungal infection that causes athlete's foot or jock itch in people. However, human skin responds to treatment faster than animal hide (about 2 weeks instead of 6 weeks) and is easily treatable/curable by over-the-counter medications in most cases.
Stomatitis and other dental diseases
Feline Stomatitis (or feline chronic gingivostomatitis) is an extremely painful oral condition that causes severe inflammation in the mouth and gums. It makes grooming and eating a constant painful challenge for cats that impacts their quality of life. Some of the factors that might predispose a cat to developing stomatitis are viral infections such as Feline Aids, Feline Leukemia, Calicivirus, juvenile onset periodontitis, periodontal disease, and genetics. Symptoms can include bad breath, lack of appetite, weight loss, drooling, decreased grooming, and withdrawn behavior due to pain. The cat may approach its food bowl frequently indicating desire to eat but then walk away without eating. This condition can often lead to some or all of a cat’s teeth being extracted to reduce the pain. Conventional treatments can also include pain medication, immunosuppressants, antibiotics, and laser therapy. It can be a challenging long-term issue to treat. Herbert Harris, the founder and president of FCRR, has a great deal of knowledge and experience in treating cats with stomatitis. He has found that a consistent course of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications can prevent the need for tooth extraction. Many cats with stomatitis also have issues periodontal disease and tooth resorption. Tooth resorption is one of the most common oral diseases in cats. It develops over time as the tooth begins to break down. Dental conditions can be diagnosed and evaluated by your veterinarian and/or veterinary dental specialist and periodic dental cleanings by a veterinarian are recommended.
Worms
About 25-75% of cats have some variety of worms and the percentage is higher in kittens (worms are passed to the kittens from mother cats). However, most all cats and kittens rescued from the outdoors have worms. Cats and kittens may have acquired worms from coming in close contact with and ingesting the feces of infected animals in the soil, water, through a litter box, or from eating infected animals such as fleas, rodents, birds, and lizards. All kittens and all outdoor rescue cats should be routinely treated for worms. The most common worms found in cats are roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms. Many cats do not show signs of having worms but a heavy infestation of worms can cause weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea. Kittens may have a round, firm distended belly and may experience a loss of appetite as well. If left untreated, a severe case of worms can even be life threatening to kittens. Most dewormers only kill adult worms and don’t kill the worm eggs so repeated worming is necessary to kill the eggs that hatch before they lay more eggs and break the cycle and eradicate the worms totally. All kittens should begin treatment with worms from 6 weeks of age and many vets recommend regular dewormers every two weeks until the kitten is 12 weeks old and then monthly until the kitten is 6 months old. All adult cats will require a minimum of two series of wormers between 2 and 4 weeks apart. We recommend that every cat undergo a stool sample evaluation at their vet 2-4 weeks after adoption to verify if the cat requires further treatment. Stool samples run too soon after a recent worming medication was given will give a false impression that the worms are all killed unless eggs are detected. Different wormers kill different types of worms and the cats should undergo a dewormer program under the supervision of a veterinarian.
Treating worms & parasites
Some of the common wormers are listed below. If a kitten is heavily infected with worms, the kitten may experience nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting or diarrhea as a result of the worms dying off inside their bodies after an initial worming medication is given. If the kitten experiences these symptoms, it may need further supportive care until those symptoms pass. Live or dead worms may then be passed by the kitten. Do NOT administer a combination of these wormers. Please consult with a veterinarian to determine the proper wormer and dosage for a specific cat/kitten.
Panacur
Panacur is a broad-spectrum wormer that contains Fenbendazole which is effective against roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, some tapeworms (not the most common ones), and Giardia (a parasitic infection, not worms). Panacur is commonly available in a liquid form (10% oral suspension) that can precisely be calculated and measured to the right dosage for individual kittens, and administered with a syringe according to their body weights. Panacur must be administered for 3 consecutive days and then repeated again in 2-3 weeks.
Drontal
Drontal is a broad-spectrum wormer that contains a combination of Pyrantel Pamoate and Praziquantel which is effective against roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. Pyrantel Pamoate is the effective ingredient against roundworms and hookworms and Praziquantel is the effective ingredient against tapeworms. Drontal is typically given in tablet form one time (depending on the weight of the cat/kitten) and then repeated in 2-3 weeks. Drontal tablets are not for use in young kittens less than one month old or weighing less than 1.5 pounds (the average weight of a 6-week-old kitten).
Droncit
Droncit contains Praziquantel which is effective against most common forms of tapeworm. It is often effective in one dose and the dosage is calculated according to the cat’s body weight. However, it should not be given to young kittens less than 6 weeks old. Cats most commonly acquire tapeworms from ingesting fleas when grooming themselves.
Strongid
Strongid contains Pyrantel Pamoate which is effective against roundworms and hookworms. It is safe for young kittens over two weeks of age and it can be given every two weeks until the kitten is 16 weeks old.
Revolution
Revolution is a topical medication that contains Selamectin and is administered on the skin on the back of the neck and it provides protection against fleas, ticks, heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, and ear mites. Revolution should not be given to young kittens less than 8 old.
Ear mites and ear infections
Ear mites are a common cause of feline ear problems. They are microscopic parasites that infect the ear canal and cause significant inflammation and itching in the cat’s ear canal. Cats may get ear mites from the environment or from other infected pets. Symptoms of ear mites include cats scratching at their ears (including scratch marks on the outside of the ears), shaking their heads, dark dry discharge, red inflamed appearance, and possibly lesions around the ears. However, these types of symptoms may also be caused by bacterial or yeast infections or other causes and any questionable ear conditions should be examined and treated by a veterinarian.