What is a 3 in 1 cat vaccine?
A 3 in 1 cat vaccine is a combination vaccine that protects against three common and potentially fatal feline viruses in a single injection. The 3 in 1 stands for the three major components that provide immunity against:
- Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR)
- Feline calicivirus (FCV)
- Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), also known as feline distemper
These highly contagious viral diseases can lead to severe symptoms and even death in cats if left untreated. The 3 in 1 vaccine provides effective protection by exposing the cat’s immune system to inactivated forms of the viruses, stimulating antibody production without causing disease (https://www.dochub.com/fillable-form/50397-cat-vaccine-record-printable).
The FVRCP vaccine is the most common type of 3 in 1 cat vaccine used by veterinarians. It’s considered a core vaccine that all kittens and cats should receive on a routine schedule to prevent the spread of these viruses (https://www.naturalholistic.com/storage/app/media/_naturalholistic/step2.pdf). Some vaccines may also include protection against chlamydia and feline leukemia virus (FeLV).
Core viruses protected against
The core components in a typical 3-in-1 cat vaccine protect against the following viruses:
Panleukopenia virus – Also known as feline distemper, this virus attacks the intestinal tract and bone marrow, leading to severe vomiting, diarrhea, and often death in kittens. Vaccination provides long-lasting immunity. (1)
Rhinotracheitis virus – This herpesvirus causes severe upper respiratory infection in cats. Symptoms include sneezing, coughing, eye/nose discharge, fever, and ulcers on the tongue, mouth, and nose. Vaccination reduces clinical signs. (2)
Calicivirus – Another major cause of feline upper respiratory illness, this virus leads to oral ulcers, nasal discharge, fever, and pneumonia. Vaccines provide incomplete protection but reduce disease severity. (3)
Other components sometimes included
In addition to the core viruses, some 3 in 1 cat vaccines may contain other components for protection against additional diseases, such as:
- Chlamydia – Chlamydophila felis is a type of bacteria that can cause conjunctivitis, pneumonia, and other infections in cats. Inclusion in the 3 in 1 vaccine helps prevent chlamydia infection.
- Leukemia virus – Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is an infectious disease that suppresses the immune system. The 3 in 1 vaccine may contain an inactivated FeLV component.
- Bordetella – Bordetella bronchiseptica is a type of bacteria that can lead to kennel cough or upper respiratory infections in cats. Some 3 in 1 vaccines contain protection against bordetella.
These additional components broaden the protective coverage of the vaccine. However, some veterinarians prefer administering them separately instead of in the 3 in 1 vaccine to avoid overvaccination. It’s best to consult your vet on the optimal vaccine schedule for your cat.
Benefits
The main benefit of the 3 in 1 cat vaccine is that a single injection protects against multiple common feline diseases at once (Source: https://www.revivalanimal.com/category/all-pet-supplies-vaccines-cat-vaccines-3-way). This provides immunization against feline viral rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus, and feline panleukopenia (panleukopenia virus) with one vaccination.
Having a combination vaccine reduces the stress to the cat compared to receiving multiple injections. It also reduces the number of vet visits required for vaccinations, which can be more convenient for cat owners (Source: https://www.petmd.com/cat/wellness/essential-cat-vaccinations). The 3 in 1 vaccine makes it simpler to keep a cat up to date on core immunizations.
Potential side effects
Like any vaccine or medication, the 3-in-1 vaccine does have some potential side effects to be aware of. According to Argyle Veterinary Clinic, the most common side effects include:
- Pain, swelling, or irritation at the injection site
- Lethargy or tiredness
- Fever
- Decreased appetite
- Vomiting or diarrhea
These effects are usually mild and resolve within a day or two. More severe reactions like facial swelling may indicate an allergic reaction, which is very rare but should be addressed by a veterinarian immediately.
According to 4 Paws Animal Hospital, lethargy after vaccination is common and your cat may sleep more than usual for a day or two. As long as they are still eating and drinking normally, there is no need for concern. However, if lethargy persists for more than 48 hours or your cat stops eating entirely, contact your veterinarian.
With any vaccine, there is always a slight risk of an allergic reaction. Signs of a more serious reaction include facial swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, or collapse. This is very rare but constitutes an emergency if it occurs.
When to give
Kittens should receive their first 3 in 1 vaccine starting at 6-8 weeks of age, with a second dose 2-4 weeks later. It is recommended to give at least two doses of the vaccine as a kitten to provide early protection. After the initial kitten series, an annual booster dose of the 3 in 1 vaccine is recommended to maintain immunity against the core viruses.
The standard guidelines from veterinary associations advise giving the first dose as early as 6 weeks, with repeat doses every 3-4 weeks until 16-20 weeks of age. Kittens need the early protection since their maternally derived antibodies from their mother decline by 8 weeks of age. Waiting longer than 6 weeks leaves kittens susceptible during the high risk period before fully vaccinated.[1]
For the annual booster, current expert guidance is to give the 3 in 1 vaccine no more frequently than every 3 years in adult cats. However, an annual booster is still commonly recommended since the core viruses pose a significant health risk. There is evidence that immunity may persist beyond 3 years with some of the viral components. Discuss with your veterinarian the appropriate frequency for boosters based on your cat’s risk factors.[2]
Overall the 3 in 1 vaccine schedule aims to provide early and ongoing protection against the three core viruses throughout a cat’s life.
[1] https://www.petmd.com/cat/wellness/essential-cat-vaccinations
[2] https://catvets.com/public/PDFs/PracticeGuidelines/VaccinationGLS-summary.pdf
Effectiveness
While no vaccine is 100% effective at preventing disease, studies show the 3-in-1 vaccine significantly reduces a cat’s risk of contracting feline rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia viruses. According to a Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine report, the chance of a vaccinated cat developing disease after exposure is less than 10%, compared to 90% or higher for unvaccinated cats.
Although it’s still possible for a vaccinated cat to get sick, the vaccine typically causes illness to be milder and shorter in duration than in unvaccinated felines. The antibodies generated by the vaccine also help prevent shedding and transmission of the viruses to other cats. So while the 3-in-1 vaccine may not be foolproof, it significantly stacks the odds in favor of protection and is an essential safeguard for any cat.
Cost
The 3 in 1 cat vaccine typically costs between $15-30 per dose. This is part of routine veterinary care for kittens and cats. The exact price can vary depending on your geographic location and veterinary clinic, but most vets charge in this range per vaccine dose administered.
According to one source, the distemper vaccine (which is one component of the 3 in 1 vaccine) costs around $25-30 on average. The feline leukemia vaccine (another component) also tends to cost $25-30 per dose.
Some clinics offer discounted rates for vaccination packages or bundles, so be sure to ask your vet about any deals they may offer. But in general, pet owners can expect to spend $15-30 per injection when getting the 3 in 1 vaccine for their cat.
While the cost may seem high, especially for kittens needing multiple boosters, vaccines are important preventative care that help keep cats healthy. The modest upfront investment in vaccines can avoid much larger expenses for treating preventable diseases down the road.
Controversy/Myths
There is some controversy surrounding the 3-in-1 vaccine for cats. One issue that has been raised is a potential link to the development of fibrosarcomas, which are tumors that can occur at the injection site after vaccination.
Some early studies found higher incidence of fibrosarcomas in cats vaccinated against rabies and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) compared to unvaccinated cats [1]. However, later analyses have called this link into question, finding no significant association between specific vaccines and fibrosarcoma risk [2]. More research is still needed to definitively determine if certain vaccine components may increase this type of tumor.
Another area of debate is whether cats may be overvaccinated when given the 3-in-1 vaccine annually. Some experts believe the core components may provide immunity beyond 1 year, making yearly boosters unnecessary [3]. However, the current AAHA guidelines still recommend annual vaccination for the viruses in the 3-in-1 vaccine to ensure protection [4]. More studies on duration of immunity are needed to provide definitive revaccination interval recommendations.
In general, most veterinarians agree the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks in protecting cats against serious infectious diseases. But ongoing research aims to optimize vaccine protocols to provide maximum protection with minimal risks.
Summary
In summary, the 3-in-1 vaccine for cats provides core protection against major viral diseases like panleukopenia, calicivirus, and herpesvirus. Though not always included, vaccines may also protect against chlamydia, feline leukemia virus, and rabies. The benefits of vaccination include preventing common dangerous illnesses in cats that can be fatal. Risks are low but may include mild side effects like fever or lethargy. The vaccine is given in a series to kittens starting around 8 weeks old, with boosters recommended yearly. The 3-in-1 vaccine is highly effective, though not 100%, at protecting cats from disease. Some controversy exists around vaccinating indoor cats, but most experts recommend routine vaccination. Overall the 3-in-1 vaccine is an important preventative tool to keep cats healthy. Yearly boosters are recommended since duration of immunity may wane over time. Vaccination protects the health of individual cats and the overall cat population.
