What is a core feline vaccine?

A core feline vaccine is one that is recommended for all cats due to the severity of the disease it prevents, the potential for widespread exposure, and the effectiveness of the vaccine. The Feline Panleukopenia vaccine fits this definition perfectly, as it protects against a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease that can affect cats of all ages.

Panleukopenia, also known as feline distemper, can cause severe gastrointestinal, immune, and neurological issues in infected cats. Because of its high mortality rate and the fact that it can spread easily in environments with multiple cats, vaccination is crucial for the health of the entire feline population.

In contrast, the rabies vaccine is important but is considered more of a public health requirement than a core vaccine specifically for feline health. Canine Parvovirus is a vaccine for dogs, not cats, making it irrelevant to feline core vaccination. The Feline Leukemia vaccine, while important for certain high-risk cats, is not classified as a core vaccine in all situations because it is not necessary for all felines and is more focused on specific populations rather than the general cat population.