Turkish Vans are a natural breed and generally very healthy cats. There are no genetic problems common to the breed. But like any cat, good care involves following a proper vaccination regime. Recently the American Association of Feline Practitioners and the Academy of Feline Medicine Advisory Panel on Feline Vaccines issued their 2006 report. This useful report contains information on the recommended vaccination protocols for cats. It can be viewed on line at http://www.aafponline.org/ in their Resources Section.

Feline Parvovirus, Herpesvirus (Rhinotracheitis), and Calicivirus

In general the report recommends vaccination for feline parvovirus, herpesvirus-1, and calicivirus. This can be done in the form of a combination vaccine. If the kitten is >12 weeks old one dose is to be administered with a booster vaccine 1 year following the primary vaccination - then revaccination no more frequently than every 3 years. Please do not endanger your cat by having them over-vaccinated. Too much of a good thing can be dangerous.

*** One interesting point to remember regarding vaccinations, is that they induce only relative and not complete protection. At best, these vaccines induce an immune response that lessens the severity of the disease. Vaccinated cats are not immune to the disease nor are they protected from all signs of the disease. At this writing there is no vaccine effective against the new highly virulent strain (VS-FCV) of calici virus. This is relatively new, extremely deadly and highly contagious disease in cats. Everyone should become familiar with its symptoms. A good article can be found by clicking here.

Rabies

Rabies vaccinations are to be administered at > 12 weeks of age and then annually or as required by law.

Feline Leukemia Virus

Feline leukemia virus vaccines are not recommended for cats >16 weeks of age that are restricted to a closed indoor FeLV-negative environment. If your kitten is to be in contact with outdoor animals, it is important that they be vaccinated prior to 16 weeks of age.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis and Giardia

The Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) and the Giardia vaccine are not recommended for routine use - insufficient evidence exists to show that this vaccine induces protection. According to the report, feline coronaviruses are widespread. The FIP virus is currently believed to be generated as mutant variants in cats carrying feline enteric coronaviruses.

Back to the Van Info main page

 

Home |  About Us  |  Van Info  |  Meet the Cats  |  Kittens   |  FAQs
Resources |  Fun Stuff  |  What's New |  Web Rings  |  Site Info
Sign our Guestbook