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Feline panleukopenia: Feline panleukopenia (also known as feline distemper) is caused by the feline parvovirus. This virus can remain contagious in cages, litter boxes, and bowls for months to years. Cats are infected with this virus after ingesting the virus orally, usually from where another cat has defecated. Remember, viruses are microscopic and because they can be in the environment long after the cat that shed them is gone, the only way to protect against them is to vaccinate. Recently, studies have shown that canine parvovirus can also be contagious to cats, but can be protected against with the current feline vaccines.

Feline viral rhinotracheitis and feline calicivirus: Most infectious upper respiratory disease in cats is caused by either feline herpesvirus (the cause of viral rhinotracheitis) or by the calicivirus. These viruses are transmitted from cat to cat through nose-to-nose contact or by fomites (objects such as water or food bowls). Although most cats recover from the infection on their own, similar to humans with the common cold, there are some cats that can develop a chronic form of the disease. These cats can have periods where they appear healthy, but during times of stress will develop the sneezing and runny nose and eyes associated with this virus.

Rabies: Rabies is mainly transmitted through the bite wounds of infected mammals. Although rare in rodents such as mice and voles, there can be large populations of infected bats and skunks and other animals depending on the geographic location. Although cats are relatively resistant to rabies, they can be potential source of infection for humans and there is no treatment available. According to the AAFP Advisory Panel "rabies virus vaccination is highly recommended for all cats, and is required by law in some states and municipalities

Feline Leukemia virus infection: The feline leukemia virus can infect cats by saliva or nasal discharge, biting, or sharing food and water dishes. Unlike other viruses, the feline leukemia virus can also be transmitted from a mother cat to her kittens while they are still in the uterus or in the milk while they are nursing. This virus attacks the immune system and clinical signs are most often anemia, secondary respiratory infections, weight loss, lethargy, anorexia, cancer, and even death

Chlamydiosis: Chlamydia psittaci is a bacteria that can infect the eye membranes and respiratory tract of cats. Treatment with an appropriate antibiotic is usually curative. Cats that are vaccinated are not protected from infection, but will get less severe clinical signs. The vaccine itself can cause lethargy, depression, anorexia, and fever, and is there fore only recommended for cats that are in environments where infections associated with clinical disease have been confirmed.

Feline infectious peritonitis: Feline infectious peritonitis, or FIP, is a disease caused by the feline coronavirus. Crowded, multiple cat environments have the highest rate of infections where the virus is passed from the feces of one cat to the mouth of another. Affected cats rarely survive even in the face of aggressive treatment. Many studies have been conducted on the vaccine currently available for FIP. At this time, the vaccine is not recommended due to the lack of evidence that the vaccine induces protection from the virus.

Bordatella bronchiseptica: This bacteria can infect the respiratory tract of many animals and can cause fever, discharge from the eyes or nose, sneezing, and coughing. Although most cats are exposed to this bacteria during their lives, cats in shelters and multiple cat households are most often infected. The clinical signs are most often resolved by the cats own immune system

Giardia: Giardia is a protozoan parasite that attacks the intestinal tract, causing a range of clinical signs from none to watery diarrhea. Cats are usually infected form contaminated water or from the feces of infected cats. Although the vaccine available is not commonly recommended due to the lack of data supporting its effectiveness, it would be reasonable to consider its use to lessen the severity of diarrhea. The best method to eliminate giardia infections is to treat infected cats with proper medication, limit access to infected water and to practice proper hygiene and sanitation