What is the FVRCP cat vaccine?

FVRCP & The Core Vaccines Your Cat Should Receive 

The FVRCP vaccine effectively protects your kitty companion from three highly contagious and life-threatening diseases: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (the FVR component of the vaccine's name), Feline Calicivirus (the C), and Feline Panleukopenia the P at the end of the vaccine's name). 

This is one of two core vaccines your cat should receive (the other is for rabies, which is not only recommended but required by law in most states). Core vaccines are strongly recommended for all cats, regardless of whether they spend their time indoors or outdoors. 

While you may believe your indoor cat cannot contract infectious diseases like those listed below, the viruses that cause these serious feline illnesses can live on surfaces for up to a year. That means that if your indoor cat sneaks out the door for even a minute, they are at risk of coming into contact with the virus and falling severely ill. 

Below, we'll discuss the illnesses the FVRCP vaccine protects your cat against. 

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FHV-1) 

Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR, feline herpesvirus type 1, or FHV-1) is thought to be responsible for most infectious upper respiratory diseases in cats. This disease can affect your feline companion's nose and windpipe and cause problems during pregnancy. 

Signs of FVR include:

In healthy adult cats, these symptoms might be mild and start to clear up after about 5-10 days. However, in more severe cases, symptoms of FVR can last for six weeks or longer. 

Signs and symptoms of FHV-1 can persist and worsen in kittens, immune-compromised cats, and senior cats, leading to loss of appetite, severe weight loss, sores inside the cat's mouth, and depression. Cats already sick with feline viral rhinotracheitis often develop bacterial infections. 

Even after signs of FVR. have cleared up, the virus stays dormant in your cat's body and can flare up repeatedly during your kitty's lifetime. 

Feline Calicivirus (FCV) 

This virus is a primary cause of upper respiratory infections and oral disease (which can lead to the need for dental surgery) in cats. 

Signs of feline calicivirus include:

There are several strains of FCV. Some produce fluid buildup in the lungs (pneumonia), while others lead to signs and symptoms such as fever, joint pain, and lameness. 

Feline Panleukopenia (FPL)

Feline Panleukopenia (FPL) is an extremely common and serious virus in cats that causes damage to bone marrow, lymph nodes, and the cells lining your cat's intestines. Signs and symptoms of FPL include:

Cats infected with FPL frequently develop secondary infections as well, due to the weakened state of their immune systems. While this disease can attack cats of any age it is often fatal in kittens.

Currently, no medications are available to kill the virus that causes FPL, so treating cats with feline panleukopenia involves managing symptoms such as dehydration and shock through intravenous fluid therapy and intensive nursing care.

When Your Cat Should Receive The FVRCP Vaccination

For your feline friend to have the possible protection against FHV, FCV, and FPL, they should receive their first FVRCP vaccination at around six to eight weeks old, then have a booster shot every three or four weeks until they are about 16-20 weeks old. After that, your kitten will need another booster when they are just over a year old, then every three years throughout their lifetime.

For more information about when your cat should be receiving their vaccines see our vaccination schedule.

Cost of the FVRCP Cat Vaccine 

The cost of the FVRCP cat vaccine and other core vaccines can vary depending on the specific brand of vaccine your vet uses and where you live. Your vet can provide an estimate of how much your cat's FVRP vaccine will cost. 

Risk of Side Effects from The FVRCP Vaccine

Side effects from vaccines are unusual in cats, and when they do occur they tend to be very mild. Most cats that do experience side effects will develop a slight fever and feel a little 'off' for a day or two. Sneezing and some at the injection site are also not uncommon. 

While some cats may have a more severe reaction to the FVRCP vaccine, these cases are extremely rare. In these circumstances, symptoms tend to appear before the cat has even left the vet's office, although they can appear up to 48 hours following the vaccination. The symptoms of a more severe reaction may include:

If your cat is displaying any of the more severe symptoms of a reaction listed above, contact your vet immediately or visit the emergency animal hospital closest to you.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding people or pets. If you are concerned about your pet's health, contact your veterinarian right away for diagnosis and treatment.

Is your cat or kitten due for their shots? Contact our Hattiesburg vets today to book a vaccination appointment for your four-legged friend.