Vaccines are one of the first ways in which you can protect your cat or kitten from harm. They are safe and inexpensive ways to prevent your pet from catching life-threatening diseases. Even if your pet stays indoors they still need to be vaccinated. To learn more about vaccines and which ones your pet will need, give us a call at 705-434-2226.
When should my cat or kitten be vaccinated?
Vaccinations should begin early for kittens to have maximum protection. Generally, feline patients start vaccination when they are 6 to 8-weeks-old. They are boosted every 3 to 4 weeks until they are 16-weeks-old. Adult cats are vaccinated once every 1 to 3 years according to the booster shots they need.
What diseases can my cat develop without vaccines?
Vaccines protect your pet from severe diseases that spread easily to other pets and sometimes to humans. When your pet is vaccinated they are protected from:
- Rabies: Your pet can catch the disease when they are bitten by a rabid animal. It affects your pet’s central nervous system and can cause death. The disease can be passed on to humans.
- Feline viral rhinotracheitis: This is a type of herpes virus that causes respiratory problems. It is highly contagious and can cause death if your pet is immunocompromised. Severe cases can also cause vision loss.
- Feline panleukopenia: The disease is also referred to as feline distemper or parvo. It divides cells in your pet’s bone marrow and intestines. The disease was once the most common cause of death in cats but that has since been reduced due to vaccinations.
- Feline calicivirus: Your pet will experience upper respiratory problems, oral diseases and in some cases experience pain in their legs.
- Feline leukemia virus: FeLV weakens your pet’s immune system. It is transferred between cats through saliva and nasal discharge. When cats catch this disease they may develop cancer and infections.
How does a veterinarian determine which vaccines my cat needs?
We recommend and offer all vaccines required by law for cats. When recommending other non-core vaccines our team may have different recommendations for each patient. Our veterinarian treats each case differently and looks at your pet’s specific needs. We consider the following:
- Where your cat came from (if they were rescued from a shelter or the streets, or born in a breeder’s home)
- Where your cat goes (if your pet travels abroad often, etc.)
- Your cat’s vaccination history
- Where your cat lives (if your cat goes outdoors often, they are more exposed to harm)
