Introduction
Some non-core vaccines may be recommended based on the risk they pose to individual cats.
Non-core Vaccines for Cats:
Feline Leukemia Virus
This virus causes a multitude of disorders—tumors such as leukemia, bone marrow suppression, weight loss, chronic infections, and anemia may occur, although some infected cats may not show any clinical signs for several years. Leukemia vaccines are used in situations where the cat lives with an infected cat, shows or travels widely, goes outdoors, or is in a multi-cat household such as a cattery or shelter where exposure to cats of unknown virus status are present. Though the vaccine may not provide protection in all cats, those going outdoors or exposed to or living with infected cats could benefit from vaccination.
Chlamydophilosis (formerly Chlamydia, now Chlamydophila)
Chlamydophila felis is an organism that tends to infect eyes and respiratory tract. The vaccine tends to reduce clinical signs rather than protect against infection. Antibiotic therapy is usually sufficient to control symptoms.
FIP (feline infectious peritonitis virus, Coronavirus)
This vaccine is sometimes used for cats that live in an environment where FIP-diseased cats have been confirmed. Large catteries may have endemic infections. Transmission is by fecal-oral route primarily. Treatment is unrewarding and death occurs in weeks to a few months after clinical signs develop. The vaccine is an intranasal drop preparation.
Giardiasis (Giardia)
This protozoan single-celled parasite of the gut was formerly called Giardia lamblia, but now is termed Giardia intestinalis or duodenalis. Bloating, diarrhea, gas and putrid feces of soft, mucoid or watery, gassy and sometimes bloody composition may occur, or affected cats may be normal.
Ringworm (Dermatophytosis)
This condition is usually caused by Microsporum canis in cats. Many cats are carriers of this fungus (it’s not a worm)—they contaminate the environment with very resistant spores which can then infect other cats. The vaccine reduces clinical signs. Control of ringworm may require significant household treatments, in addition to individual cat treatments.
Bordetellosis
This is a respiratory condition caused by the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica, and in cats can lead to many signs. Cough, nasal discharge, pneumonia, eye discharge, fever and lethargy may be seen. Cats in contact with affected cats in shelters, multi-cat environments, feral cats, and travelling cats are good candidates for vaccination.
FIV (Feline AIDS, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus)
Cats are often affected with FIV if they are bitten by an infected cat. Other modes of transmission also occur. This virus is related to the human AIDS virus (HIV) but cross infection between species does not apparently occur. Cats with FIV experience a slow drop in immune system function, so that they develop chronic infections of all sorts. As with human AIDS there is no cure so preventing exposure to infected cats is the best measure. The vaccine is a supportive effort. If a cat goes outdoors and is fighting, or in close contact with cats of uncertain FIV status, this is a really helpful measure, but not fully protective against disease.