What the letters mean
- FVR — feline viral rhinotracheitis, caused by feline herpesvirus: sneezing, eye and nose discharge, sometimes lifelong flare-ups.
- C — calicivirus: respiratory signs and mouth ulcers.
- P — panleukopenia, sometimes called feline distemper: a severe, often fatal gut and immune disease, related to canine parvovirus.
The kitten series
Kittens are vaccinated every three to four weeks from around 6 to 8 weeks old until 16 to 20 weeks. As with puppies, the last dose after 16 weeks is the important one.
Boosters
A booster at around 6 months to a year, then typically every three years for cats at low risk. Cats that board, go outdoors or live with many others may be boosted more often on the vet’s advice.
Indoor cats
Panleukopenia and the respiratory viruses are hardy and arrive on hands, shoes and other animals. Guidelines treat FVRCP as core for all cats, indoor or not, and catteries will ask for it regardless.
Sources
Rules and guidelines change, and businesses set their own policies. Confirm with your vet and with whoever is asking.