Fresno Tiny Times
Monthly Editions

March 2026
2nd Edition

2nd Edition Tiny TImes

FVRCP Vaccines: Lifesaving, Low Cost

By Nan Wright

One of the best and easiest steps you can take to protect the health of cats is to vaccinate them for common but serious illnesses. These include feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), calicivirus (C), and panleukopenia (P). Fresno TNR admins and volunteers vaccinate cats with the FVRCP vaccine when they come through for spay and neuter. This vaccine is included in the cost of the surgery -- that's how important it is.

Uncomfortable and deadly disease

The FVRCP vaccine is a combination vaccine that protects against three serious illnesses.

Feline viral rhinotracheitis and calicivirus are upper respiratory illnesses. Symptoms include sneezing, coughing, and runny eyes. Calicivirus also can cause painful mouth sores. Nearly all cats have been exposed to the virus that causes FVR. Kittens often show signs of calicivirus.

Panleukopenia is especially devastating in adults and kittens. Sometimes called feline distemper or shortened to panleuk, it is hard to treat and often fatal. This viral infection causes lethargy and dehydration as well as vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.

All cats need protection

The FVRCP vaccine is important for several reasons.

These viruses are common and can stay in the environment for a long time. Most kittens and cats will be exposed to them.
Some cats develop chronic, lifetime infections. Flare-ups can cause the viruses to be shed into the environment.
Free-roaming cats also can spread these viruses.
People can bring the viruses from the outdoors to the indoors on clothes and shoes. Introducing a new cat also can be a source of infection.

In cats fully vaccinated for FVRCP, the immune system recognizes the viruses. The immune response prevents illness or limits the virus from causing serious illness. The vaccine can also lessen shedding of the virus during flare-ups of chronic infection.

Steps to protection

Kittens: Begin FVRCP vaccination for kittens between 6 and 8 weeks of age. Then give boosters every three or four weeks until age 16 weeks. That's a total of four shots.

After that, give a booster at 1 year of age and every three years thereafter.

Adult cats: Unvaccinated adult cats and cats with an unknown vaccination history can still benefit from the FVRCP vaccine. One shot followed by a booster can be used to share. Then boost every three years.

Other notes

The FVRCP vaccine does not need to be given by a veterinarian. As noted, Fresno TNR vaccinates all feral cats with this vaccine. Fresno TNR also offers this vaccine to the public for $10 on a walk-in basis during open hours (3 to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday) at the Palm Bluffs facility. Please bring your cat in a secure carrier or trap.

If you plan to bring your tame kitten or cat to one of Fresno TNR's spay or neuter events, it's recommended that they have a minimum of two FVRCP vaccines. These viruses can spread easily, especially in places where multiple cats are held or treated, so your cat should be protected.

If you're trapping in colonies or volunteering in places where cats come and go, be sure to get your personal cats up to date on their shots.

FVRCP isn't the only vaccine available or recommended for cats. A veterinarian gives a rabies shot at the time of surgery to all cats served by Fresno TNR. Consult your personal veterinarian for information on additional vaccines available for illnesses such as FeLV.

Keeping Cats Cool in Hot Weather

By Alina Duenas

Fresno is well known for its hot, long, and dry summers, with temperatures often reaching well over 100 °F (sometimes as high as 114°F!). The summer season lasts several months from June through September, and sometimes into early October. It can even be very hot in Spring.

For those who care for outside cats, whether they are feral or community cats, keeping them cool in extremely hot weather is a top concern. Extreme temperatures can cause health issues in cats such as dehydration or heat-strokes. Concerning symptoms to look out for include:

Dry, sticky gums
Sunken eyes
Lethargy
Decreased appetite

Some potential ideas to avoid these concerning symptoms or lower cat’s body temperature during peak summer temperatures include:

Water:

Providing lots of clean and fresh water.
Placing water bowls in shaded areas
Adding extra water sources including using various containers and in various locations.
Using deep water bowls to avoid evaporation or running out too quickly.
Freezing water or placing ice cubes in the water.

Food:

Refrigerating wet food.
Adding additional water to wet or dry food to increase water intake.
Consider frozen treats throughout the day or outside of feeding hours.

Shade/Shelter:

Water the ground/dirt where bushes and trees provide shade throughout the day.
Create artificial shaded areas with tarps, pop-up canopies, umbrellas, etc.
Place frozen water bottles in areas where cats hang out.

There may be other options that might require further set up or maintenance such as:

Using Cooling Mats or Damp Towels.
Using Misters.
Using Fans for additional ventilation.

Overall, there are various options and combinations caretakers can utilize to keep cats cool during warm weather and Fresno summers. Extreme weather requires a closer eye on outside cats to ensure their well-being. As always, if there are symptoms that are concerning, caretakers should seek professional medical assistance.

The Critical First Weeks:

Why Kittens Belong with Their Mother

By Yuliana Cortez

Our days are slowly getting longer, and our weather is warming up, these pleasant sunny days signal that kitten season is about to be in full swing! So, if you happen to find a kitten outside here are some things to keep in mind, and a step-by-step guide to help you make the best decision for your feline find.

First things first, don’t kit-nap kittens! Mom may just be away looking for a meal; her care is far superior to anything humans can provide and the fate of the kittens depends on securing her with the kittens. Instead, back away about 30 feet, (Mom won’t return if she smells or sees a human nearby) and look for the following.

Step 1: Assess the Situation (Observe from Afar)

Before you touch the kitten, look at their condition and surroundings.

Are they quiet, and chunky? If the kittens are sleeping soundly and look well-fed, Mom is likely nearby.
Are they dirty, crying, and thin? If the kittens are loud, dirty, or look sickly, they may be abandoned.

Important: Wait for 2 to 4 hours to see if she returns. If you need to step away, you can sprinkle a ring of flour around their area and look for her footsteps to see if she has returned.

Step 2: Check the Age

A kitten’s needs change drastically based on their age. Here is a brief guide of physical features from “head to tail” when determining the kittens age, keep in mind that their bodies change about every 7 days.

Week 1:

Eyes: Closed tightly.
Umbilical Cord: A small, black string may still be attached to the belly (usually falls off by day 4 or 5).
Temperature: They cannot regulate their body temperature and rely on Mom to stay warm. Their ideal environment is 80 degrees.
Potty: Require external stimulation to relive themselves (they need you to wipe their bottom to go poop).

Week 2:

Eyes: Starting to open, baby blue in color, and vision is developing.
Ears: Small and round like a baby bear.
Movement: Wobbly and attempting to move.
Temperature: They cannot regulate their body temperature and rely on Mom to stay warm. Their ideal environment is 80 degrees.
Potty: Require external stimulation to relive themselves (they need you to wipe their bottom to go poop).

Week 3:

Eyes: Wide open and bright blue.
Ears: Upright and triangular like a cats, but small.
Teeth: If you gently lift the lip, you’ll see tiny incisors (the very front teeth) starting to poke through. Continues to need to be bottle fed.
Movement: They can stand and walk around to explore their surroundings. Their tails are short, stubby, and perk up.
Temperature: They cannot regulate their body temperature and rely on Mom to stay warm. Their ideal environment is 75 degrees.
Potty: Require external stimulation to relieve themselves (they need you to wipe their bottom to go poop) and are learning to use the litter box.

Week 4:

Teeth: More baby teeth! Their canines (look like fangs), begin to emerge.
Movement: They are walking, maybe even running and playing.
Temperature: They continue to require a heating source to stay warm when they are resting. Their ideal environment is 70-75 degrees.
Potty: Continues to require external stimulation to relive themselves (they need you to wipe their bottom to poop) and are learning to use the litter box.

Important:

Under 4 weeks: They need Mom or a dedicated bottle-feeder. They cannot survive alone outside and cannot stay warm on their own. If you find a kitten between 0–3 weeks and Mom isn’t coming back, warmth is more urgent

than food.

Week 5 & 6:

Teeth: The premolars (back teeth) are now visible.
Eyes: The color begins to transition from kitten-blue to their permanent adult color.
Food: May begin to gradually wean onto wet kitten food.
Potty: They use the litter box.

Week 7

Eyes: Their permanent adult color is present.
Movement: They are walking, running and playing with adult coordination.

Week 8+

Size: They weigh approximately 2 pounds.
Body: They have lost the pot-belly look.

Step 3: Determine Your Move

Based on your observation, follow one of these three paths:

A: Mom is Present

Leave them be. The best thing you can do is coordinate to move them to you so you can provide food and water for Mom, just do not place it right next to the nest.

B: Mom is Missing (Kittens are healthy)

If Mom hasn’t returned after several hours, congratulations the cat distribution system has struck again, and you are now their human!

1. Keep them warm. Use a heating pad (on low) or a warm water bottle wrapped in a

towel. Never feed a cold kitten.

2. Contact a Rescue. Look up bottle feeding tips from the kitten lady and Avoid Cow’s Milk.

C: Immediate Danger (The Emergency Path)

If the kitten is in the middle of a road, in the rain, or appears injured/limp, rescue them

immediately. Wrap them in a soft cloth and keep them warm while you call a vet or an

emergency rescue contact.

Remember: Your goal is to keep the family together whenever possible. A kitten’s best chance at Survival is always with its mother.

References:

https://www.alleycat.org/community-cat-care/finding-kittens-outdoors/

https://lataco.com/stray-cat-kitten-la

https://www.fresnotnr.org/kittens

Fresno TNR at the

40th Annual Spring Home & Garden Show

For the first time, Fresno TNR had the opportunity to participate in the 40th Annual Spring Home & Garden Show—and what an incredible experience it was!

We had a wonderful time connecting with so many members of our community, sharing what we do, and helping educate the public on the importance of spaying and neutering cats. It was especially rewarding to guide people through the process and provide resources on how they can take action in their own neighborhoods.

Our Founder, Brandi Sherman, joined us on Friday and Saturday, offering personal guidance and answering questions about humane trapping, getting community cats spayed and neutered, and navigating common challenges.

On Sunday, our expert and admin Cassie Garcia was there to speak with attendees about barn cats—how to properly acclimate them to a new environment, and why temperament plays a key role in determining whether a cat is a good fit for barn life.

Thanks to this event, we were able to reach many new people across Fresno and surrounding areas. Every conversation helps move us closer to reducing the overwhelming feline overpopulation in California’s Central Valley.

Fresno Home & Garden