--- title: FVRCP | Happy Paws Kennels Glossary url: https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/fvrcp/ business: Happy Paws Kennels address: 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 phone: 707-678-6600 hours: drop-off and pick-up every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2:00-5:00 PM type: Dog and cat boarding kennel on about 10 country acres; caring for pets in Dixon since 1971 rates: 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026 (dogs from $52 a night, cats $35 a night) --- - [Home](https://happypawskennels.com/) - [Glossary](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/) - FVRCP # FVRCP FVRCP is the combination vaccine for cats against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia. Happy Paws Kennels requires it, along with rabies, for every cat, and calls it the feline distemper combination. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) Think of it as the cat equivalent of the dog distemper shot. Many vet records list it as the feline distemper vaccine. ## The three diseases FVR is feline viral rhinotracheitis, caused by herpesvirus and a leading cause of cat colds. C is calicivirus, which causes sneezing, mouth ulcers and respiratory signs. P is panleukopenia, a severe viral illness that attacks the gut and the immune system and is most dangerous for kittens. Cornell's Feline Health Center treats herpesvirus and calicivirus as the main viral causes of upper respiratory infection. ## What it does and does not do Cornell notes that the vaccine reduces disease but does not prevent a cat from shedding calicivirus, and does not cure a cat already infected. Cats that catch herpesvirus carry it for life and may have flare-ups under stress. That is why the vaccine is paired with a clean, calm setting. A boarding cat can be stressed by a change of place, so a protected immune system helps. ## The Happy Paws rule A cat's rabies and FVRCP records must be on file and current through the last day of the stay. Cats must be 16 weeks old and have received all the recommended vaccinations for their age. Upload records to your account, email them or bring a copy to the first check-in. Ask your vet to note the expiry date. The full list is on the [vaccination requirements](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/) page. ## Read next See [FVRCP for cats](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/fvrcp/), [the kitten vaccine schedule](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/kitten-vaccine-schedule/) and [cat colds and boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-upper-respiratory-infection/). The dog side is the [DHPP entry](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/dhpp/). ## Kittens and adult cats Kittens receive a series of FVRCP doses starting at a young age, with a booster about a year after the series, then the schedule your vet sets. An adult cat that has never been vaccinated needs a vet visit before boarding. Cats must be 16 weeks old before the first day, and the vaccines recommended for their age should be done. Mark the expiry date on your calendar so a booster does not lapse during a long trip. Panleukopenia, the P in the name, is the one to remember for kittens: it is severe and often fatal in unvaccinated young cats, and the virus survives in the environment, which is why clean spaces and vaccine rules both matter. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [Cornell Feline Health Center, feline vaccines: benefits and risks](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-vaccines-benefits-and-risks) - [Cornell Feline Health Center, respiratory infections](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/respiratory-infections) - [Happy Paws Kennels vaccination requirements](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccination-requirements/) ### 2026 nightly rates - First Class kennel $72 - Business Class kennel $59 - Economy Class kennel $52 - Cat condo $35 All-inclusive: food, medications and walks. 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026. [All 2026 rates](https://happypawskennels.com/rates/) ### Visit or call 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) | Drop-off and pick-up, every day | 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM | | --- | --- | | Tours, every day (no appointment) | 9:00 to 11:00 AM and 2:00 to 4:00 PM | [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin) ### Related - [FVRCP for cats](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/fvrcp/) - [Which vaccines does a cat need for boarding?](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/cat-vaccines-for-boarding/) - [Kitten vaccine schedule](https://happypawskennels.com/vaccines/kitten-vaccine-schedule/) - [DHPP](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/dhpp/) - [Cat colds (upper respiratory infection) and boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-upper-respiratory-infection/) ## Read next - [Canine influenza](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/canine-influenza/) - [Leptospirosis](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/leptospirosis/) - [Titer test](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/titer-test/) - [Rabies certificate](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/rabies-certificate/) - [Intact](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/intact/) - [Spay and neuter](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/spay-and-neuter/) - [Brachycephalic](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/brachycephalic/) - [Double coat](https://happypawskennels.com/glossary/double-coat/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) (every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2-5 PM) or see the [boarding FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/). ### Is FVRCP the same as the feline distemper vaccine? Yes, panleukopenia is called feline distemper, and the combination includes it. ### Do indoor cats need it? Boarding requires it for every cat, indoor or outdoor. ### How often? Your vet sets the schedule. Make sure it is current through the stay. ### Does the vaccine stop my cat from getting sick? It reduces how sick a cat gets, but it does not guarantee a cat will not catch a cold.