Felocel is a vaccine for cats.
One of the best and most effective methods of preventing most dangerous and acute diseases is vaccination, which begins at an early age. Vaccine selection is crucial, determining the success and outcome of vaccination. Felocel is often recommended by veterinarians. However, even if the product is chosen by an experienced professional, pet owners should thoroughly familiarize themselves with all the nuances of its use.
Content
General description
The drug is available commercially under two names: "Felocel 4" and "Felocel CRV." It is designed for vaccination of male and female cats only; its use in other animals is prohibited. It is manufactured by the American company Zoetis Inc.
The drug is a preparation of inactivated microorganisms for the production of a vaccine aimed at forming primary immunity against such dangerous diseases as viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, chlamydia and panleukopenia.
The package contains two different substances, which are equivalent components of Felocel. One is the lyophilisate, the main active ingredient, and the other is a vial of solvent. The solvent is a medicinal injection solution. Both components are packaged in glass bottles of different colors with corresponding labels. The active ingredients are contained in the bottle with the yellow label, and the solvent is in the white one. A rubber stopper and aluminum caps ensure a hermetic seal.
The contents of the yellow bottle resemble a porous white substance, and the solvent is a clear, colorless liquid with a volume of 1 ml. Each cardboard box contains 25 jars of each component and detailed instructions for vaccinating cats.
Operating principle
Felocel works by containing various strains of live disease-causing viruses. During preparation, these viruses undergo manipulations that ensure they remain alive but possess the following characteristics:
- cannot provoke the onset of the disease after administration;
- retain immunogenicity, that is, they cause the production of specific agents of the immune system, which remain in the body for a certain period of time and will be activated in the event of contact with a pathogen.
The administration of Felocel results in the development of lasting immunity against calicivirus, viral rhinotracheitis, chlamydia, and panleukopenia. It's important to note that the immune response develops within three weeks of the procedure. Exposure to the pathogen within 21 days of Felocel administration will result in the development of the disease. Immunity lasts for one year, after which the cat should be vaccinated again.
It is important to remember that Felocel is not a medicinal product, so if you have symptoms of rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, or other diseases for which the drug was developed, its use is inappropriate.
Directions for use
It is recommended to vaccinate male and female cats no earlier than three months of age. The Felocel administration schedule is as follows:
- 12 weeks – one dose;
- 16 weeks – one dose;
- 1 year 4 months – one dose.
"Felocel" is then administered once a year, which provides consistent results. If any of the steps are missed for any reason, vaccination should be administered as soon as possible and the schedule should be followed.
Before administration, a solution of both components must be prepared. To do this, draw up the entire volume of solvent using a sterile syringe and inject it into the vaccine through the rubber stopper. Mixing must be done in that order, not the other way around. After addition, shake the solution vigorously until it is completely dissolved and the structure is uniform.
After preparing the Felocel preparation, the injection site is treated with a 7% alcohol solution to prevent infection. The injection is administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly. The injection is usually painless for the cat.
Failure to follow the injection procedure may reduce the effectiveness of Felocel, so you should not deviate from the instructions.
Once prepared, the solution can be used within half an hour, but after 30 minutes, it quickly loses its properties, so any unused liquid should be discarded and disposed of. To do this, boil the solution and disinfect it with a 2% alkaline solution or a 5% chloramine solution. There are no special disposal requirements for solutions that pose a risk of bacterial contamination.
Transportation and storage conditions
Before use, ensure that the product is within 18 months of production. Discard the product after the expiration date.
The temperature conditions during transportation and storage are important. The acceptable temperature range is 2-7°C. The product is considered defective after freezing.
Contraindications and side effects
Contraindications to vaccination include animals under 12 weeks of age and the presence of any illnesses. Felocel is also not recommended for pets that have had serious illnesses or are weakened.
This vaccine generally has no side effects. Anaphylactic shock may occur within minutes after the injection, which is treated with symptomatic therapy. In such cases, first aid is provided by the veterinarian who administered the injection. Cats known to be prone to allergic reactions are given an injection of suprastin solution before the injection.
Personal safety measures
If Felocel accidentally comes into contact with skin, eyes, or mucous membranes, rinse the affected area with plenty of water. If the product is swallowed or accidentally injected, consult a doctor and bring the vaccine leaflet with you.
Price
You can purchase the vaccine at a pharmacy, online, or directly at a veterinary clinic, where all necessary procedures will be performed. Online purchases are the cheapest option, but in most cases, temperature control during delivery is unpredictable, so most purchases are made at a pharmacy.
Cat owners don't need to buy the entire 25-dose package. Most pharmacies sell the product in single-dose packages. Prices range from 298 to 420 rubles on average.
Owner reviews
Tatyana Zagidullina, Arkhangelsk:
"Initially, I consulted with a veterinarian about what vaccine to give my kitten. He recommended Felocel. We've been using it for several years now, and everything has been going well. Many people discouraged me from this product, and from vaccinations in general. But when the neighbors' cats started getting sick (we live in a private house), while my cat remained healthy, I was convinced that we had made the right choice with a combination product.
We'll have to do this again soon with the kittens our cat brought in. The vet warned us about the possibility of an allergy to the vaccine, but we haven't noticed anything like that yet, so there won't be any lengthy preparation. They'll just get allergy shots right there at the clinic before the vaccination."
Nikolay Stigeev, Moscow:
"We've been running a cattery for 12 years, so prophylactic vaccines against chlamydia, rhinotracheitis, and other infectious diseases are mandatory. We've been using Felocel for several years now, and it meets all of our requirements for both male and female cats. The only thing I haven't been able to determine is whether it's safe to use during pregnancy. Veterinarians vary: some say it's completely safe, while others forbid such procedures before birth. To be on the safe side, I wait until the cat gives birth to avoid harming the offspring or the mother herself, as she's weakened at that time. I vaccinate a few days after birth because I've been assured the medication doesn't enter breast milk."
Veterinarian Reviews
Oleg Andreevich Donskoy, Gomel:
"Recently, clients have had mixed opinions about animal vaccinations. Many are afraid that they could worsen their cat's health. This stems from a lack of understanding of the mechanisms and principles of action. One of the products I recommend, Felocel, has proven effective, capable of inducing lasting immunity for the period specified in the instructions.
Most complaints stem from pet owners believing that vaccination provides a 100% guarantee against disease. Unfortunately, this is not the case. However, after vaccination with Felocel, a cat has a much better chance of overcoming the disease without fatal complications and, with adequate treatment, regaining health.
Yana Leonidovna Semyonova, Irkutsk:
"I frequently use Felocel, and over 20 years of experience, I've gained considerable experience with it. It's generally well-tolerated, but two times I've experienced an anaphylactic reaction after administration. One animal was saved, but the other died. However, the same outcome can occur with other vaccines, so it's not a drawback of Felocel alone."
Read also:
Add a comment