Cat Network Adoption Program Vaccination Protocol
(revised 11/04)
All animals must begin their vaccinations prior to listing with CN. If they are still in the CN adoption program when boosters are due,
they must receive the appropriate boosters as well.
Cat Network follows the recommendations of the American American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP). The AAFP divides vaccines
into “core” (recommended for all cats) and “noncore” (recommended only
for cats with special risks):
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Core vaccines include panleukopenia, herpes, and calicivirus
(the FVRCP combination), and rabies.
-
All other vaccines are noncore, and are administered to cats
at risk (eg. FeLV for outdoor cats or cats that live with FeLV+ or untested cats).
Kittens should be vaccinated with the FVRCP (3-in-1) beginning at 6-8
weeks, with boosters every 3-4 weeks until they are between 14-16 weeks of age. FVRCCP (4-in-1) may be substituted for the FVRCP if the
kitten is 2# or larger. Rabies should be given once at 12 weeks or older (Miami-Dade County law requires rabies at 4 months of age, the
vaccine is labeled for 12 weeks or older). AAFP recommends repeating the FVRCP at the 1-year check up, and then every third year
thereafter. Rabies should be repeated as required by local law.
Examples:
-
A kitten vaccinated at 6-8 weeks of age would require two
additional boosters, approximately four weeks apart to complete their
kitten shots. This is critical because kittens shed the antibodies
they receive from their mother as they develop their own immune system. Therefore, all antibodies they receive through vaccinations
are also shed in this process. They complete this shedding by 14-16
weeks of age, so if the final vaccination is given after that time, they have the best level of protection.
-
If animals are 10-12 weeks of age when they receive their
first vaccination, they only need one additional booster. If only one
vaccination is given, they probably receive 65-70% protection, but to
get the greatest benefit (~95%) a second shot is necessary. If the second shot is given more than 3-4 weeks later, then its efficacy is
reduced and another booster within the appropriate time span is recommended. Cats should receive an annual booster one year after the
last of their kitten shots, and then every 1-3 years thereafter depending upon their risk factors.
Vaccination for Feline Leukemia is optional, and is recommended for
animals that will be outside. Since Feline Leukemia is not airborne, if animals are indoors only caretakers may
choose to forego this vaccination since there is a slight risk of injection site sarcoma
(cancerous lump at site of vaccination). If giving the FeLV vaccination, we suggest the initial vaccine at or after 10-12 weeks,
with a follow-up booster 3-4 weeks later. As always, weigh the benefits vs. the risks for your specific situation and consult with
your vet for additional information.
To further reduce the risk of complication from an injection site sarcoma, CN accepts the recommendation of the Injection Site Sarcoma
Task Force, and recommends that vaccinations NOT be given in the scruff of the neck or between the shoulder blades. CN recommends
giving the rabies vaccination in the right rear leg, as low as possible. Based upon information from the University of Florida, CN
recommends giving the 3-in-1, 4-in-1 and Feline Leukemia (if given)
in the left rear leg, as low as possible.
