Vaccinations

As a responsible cat owner, maintaining your cat's health is a primary concern. In addition to providing a loving environment and a proper diet, prevention of infectious disease is one of the most important steps you can take to keep your pet illness-free. All cats at one time or another are exposed to deadly infections. Your veterinarian is the best person to help you determine the best health care plan for your cat. Discussing your cat's lifestyle with your veterinarian can help plan the best disease prevention plan to keep your cat healthy and happy for a lifetime.

These are some of the diseases which your cat may be immunized for. Your veterinarian can best decide what is necessary in your area.

• Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper) A very contagious viral disease that primarily affects young kittens.
• Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) The most severe and widespread upper-respiratory virus to which cats are susceptible.
• Feline Calicivirus (FCV) Another major feline upper respiratory virus, that is widespread and highly contagious.
• Feline Chlamydiosis (Pneumonitis) A bacteria which causes feline respiratory disease and is extremely contagious, especially among kittens.
• Feline Leukemia (FeLV) A leading cause of disease and death in cats.
• Ringworm A fungal infection which causes dry, flakey skin and hair loss and is all too common in catteries and multi-cat households. Ringworm can also infect humans.
• Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) A viral disease seen most often in young adult cats.
• Rabies A fatal viral disease affecting the central nervous system of all mammals, including humans. Cats are at increase risk for several reasons: Cats are more likely to roam at night and come into contact with nocturnal wild animals, housecats that go outdoors are also at risk through exposure to other cats and wild animals, and because most cats are not vaccinated they are vulnerable to rabies infection.

Initial vaccinations and revaccination intervals can vary depending on your cat's risk of exposure, the type of vaccine used, your cat's age and it's health status.

Although modern vaccines are highly effective, not every vaccinated cat will be equally protected. Some cat's immune systems will respond very well to vaccination, while others may not develop a high level of protection. Because of this, it is impossible for vaccination to prevent all cases of disease. In addition, some cats may be exposed to such high numbers of infectious microorganisms that their immune system is overwhelmed and they become ill. Fortunately, the vast majority of vaccinated cats will be protected!

Back to Home