cat vaccinations
Vaccinations have saved the lives of millions of cats. Before the days of effective vaccines, cats routinely died from Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper) and complications of upper respiratory (Herpesvirus, Calicivirus) infections. Newer vaccines are available to protect against Feline Leukemia virus infection (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Current vaccination programs also protect our cats (and us) from the threat of rabies. All kittens should receive FVRCCP, which is the Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Chlamydia and Panleukopenia, the so-called "4-in-1" upper respiratory or Distemper vaccine. Additional vaccines include FELV (for Leukemia), FIV (for feline AIDS) and Rabies vaccine.
For kittens between 6 and 20 weeks of age, a series of vaccines is recommended. The first set of vaccines should be given when the kitten is 6-8 weeks old, and continue every 3 to 4 weeks until the chance of contracting an infectious disease is very low (typically the last booster is given between 16 and 18 weeks of age). A kitten may be lethargic for 1-2 days and show decreased appetite after the vaccinations. Occasionally, tumour development can be triggered by vaccination. It should be understood that, with very rare exception, the benefit of protection from disease by the vaccine far outweighs the chance of tumor development.
How do vaccines work?
Vaccines have small quantities of attenuated or killed viruses, bacteria or other disease-causing organisms. When it is administered, they stimulate your cat's immune system to produce disease-fighting cells and proteins - or antibodies - to protect against disease.
 Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis
These are the viruses that causes the upper respiratory-tract infection and is easily transmitted from one cat to another, so vaccination is imperative if your pet will come in contact with other cats. Kittens are predominantly affected, but this disease can be dangerous in any unprotected cat, as effective treatment is limited. Even if a cat recovers, it can remain a carrier for life. Its symptoms may take the form of moderate fever, loss of appetite, sneezing, eye and nasal discharges and coughing.
 Feline Calicivirus
This is another virus that cause upper respiratory-tract infection in cats. Treatment of this disease can be difficult. Even if recovery does take place, a recovered cat can continue to infect other animals, as well as experience chronic sneezing and runny eyes. Widespread and highly contagious, its symptoms of fever, ulcers and blisters on the tongue and pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs) can range from mild to severe, depending on the strain of virus present. Vaccination is therefore very important.
 Feline Panleukopenia
It is also known as feline distemper. This disease is caused by a virus which is very resistant and it can survive up to one year outside a cat's body. Therefore, as most cats will be exposed to it during their lifetimes and infection rates in unprotected cats can run as high as 90% to 100%. Symptoms can include listlessness, diarrhoea, vomiting, severe dehydration and fever. As treatment is very difficult and, even if recovery takes place for a period of time, a once-infected cat can spread the disease to other, unvaccinated animals. Vaccination is the only treatment.
 Rabies
This viral disease affects the central nervous system of almost all mammals, including humans and it is deadly and incurable. It is spread through contact with the saliva of infected animals (which can include skunks, foxes, raccoons and bats) through bites or any break in the skin. Vaccination will provide your cat with resistance to rabies if he is exposed to the disease. Most of the time you will have to prove that your cat is vaccinated if you ever have to travel with him – whether across the province or around the world.
 Feline Leukemia (FeLV)
Feline Leukemia Virus infection can result in many serious health problems for your cat – It can be from cancerous conditions such as leukemia to a wide range of secondary infections because Cat gets immune-compromised . In fact, it is the leading cause of death in North American cats. After initial exposure to the virus, a cat may show no symptoms of its presence for months, if not years but it can infect other meanwhile. Testing is available to determine the FeLV status of your cat. Cats can possibly pass the virus between themselves through saliva and close contact, by biting another cat, through a litter box or food dish used by an infected cat (rarely happens), and from milk during nursing. Transmission can also take place from an infected mother cat to her kittens, either before they are born or while they are nursing.
 Feline Chlamydiosis
This is a bacterial disease and is responsible feline respiratory diseases. Chlamydiosis can be transmitted to humans by direct contact. It is extremely contagious, especially in young kittens and the infection rate is very high. It causes a local infection of the mucous membranes of the eyes but may also involve the lungs. Vaccination is the preferred method for prevention. |