You probably know this vaccine as the upper respiratory vaccine or feline distemper vaccine.  But what do those letters mean?  What is included in this important vaccine?

Just as dogs receive a vaccine that includes several diseases (distemper/parvo/adenovirus vaccine), cats also receive a vaccine that includes several diseases.

FVR: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis: Feline Respiratory Disease caused by a herpes virus (NOT the same herpes virus that infects humans).  Also called Feline Herpes, this is the most common upper respiratory infection in cats.  Cats with feline herpes can have flare-ups throughout life.  Symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, sneezing, discharge from eyes and nose, and coughing.

C (FCV): Feline Calicivirus: Feline respiratory disease caused by a virus that accounts for approximately 40% off all respiratory diseases in cats.  A cat infected with Calici could become a chronic carrier and have flare-ups throughout life.  Symptoms include fever, sneezing, runny eyes, oral ulcers and blisters on the tongue.

P: Panleukopenia: Also known as Feline Distemper, this is a highly contagious, fatal disease caused by a parvovirus.  Symptoms include fever, depression, anorexia, vomiting and diarrhea.

Chlamydia: Also known as Feline Pneumonitis.  This is also included in the FVRCP vaccine, and is NOT the same Chlamydia that humans can contract.  This bacteria is not as likely to cause feline respiratory illnesses as the Rhino or Calici.  Symptoms include sneezing, nasal discharge, tearing of the eyes (affects the mucus membranes of the eyes).

During an acute viral infection (Rhino or Calici), your veterinarian may prescribe an oral anti-viral medication for your cat.  Your cat may also be prescribed Lysine, typically a powder or gel formulated for cats.  Lysine is an amino acid that helps suppress virus replication.

Chlamydia is typically treated with oral antibiotics, and antibiotic ointment for the eyes when necessary.

Kittens should receive an FVRCP vaccine at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age, then annually after that.  Strictly indoor only adult cats with no exposure to outside cats, and no new cats, foster cats, etc coming into the home, may be able to receive this vaccine every 2-3 years.  Even indoor only kitties should have this vaccine, as respiratory diseases are easily passed between cats (if you visit a friend whose cat is sick, you could potentially bring it home to your cat).  Call your veterinarian and ask about this important vaccine today!