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Vaccinations your Cat Needs
It is extremely important to make sure your cat is vaccinated and seen by his vet regularly. Our Feline companions are prone to certain diseases and illnesses, whether or not they are in contact with other cats. Vaccinating our cats is the only sure way to prevent your cat from getting diseases that can harm him. Most diseases do not have a cure, it is for this reason alone you should prevent your cat from coming in contact with these diseases by vaccinating him.
When kittens are born they have some natural protection from these diseases from their mother. As your kitten matures and these antibodies fade he will be come more susceptible to these diseases and germs, it is important to visit your vet when your kitten is just a few weeks old. An important factor in your cat receiving these antibodies is the mother cat having been vaccinated.
Your kitten should be vaccinated approximately after 9 weeks and then 12 weeks after birth depending on which vaccinations. Proper protection may take about 2 weeks; it is for this reason we recommend you keep your cat indoors away from other cats.
The most common diseases your cat should be vaccinated against:
Feline Infectious Enteritis (Panleucopania)
This disease is highly contagious and spreads very rapidly. It can lie dormant in the environment for a long period of time. The severity of this disease can range from a mild fever to possibly being fatal. Cats who survive this disease may have damaged immune systems making them susceptible to other infectious diseases.
Symptoms: tiredness, depression, lack of appetite, abdominal pain, vomiting, and extreme diarrhea, leading to severe dehydration.
Feline Infectious Respiratory Disease (Feline Flu)
This disease rarely causes death in healthy adult cats. However this disease can threaten young, ill or old cats. Sneezing spreads the two viruses associated with this airborne disease. Cats that have recovered from this disease may carry it several years, infecting other cats. When a 'carrier' cat is under anxiety (such as a newcomer to the home) this can lead to recurrence of the symptoms.
Symptoms: running eyes and nose, sneezing, high temperature, mouth ulcers and occasional pneumonia.
Feline Chlamydia
This disease is spread by the respiratory system. The main symptom of Chlamydia is discharge from the eye, quickly spreading to the other eye. These symptoms can last for years if left untreated. The cat will continue to eat as normal and will most likely have a normal temperature.
Symptoms: red eyes with a thick discharge, mild nasal discharge and occasional sneeze.
Feline Leukemia
This disease can damage the immune system and cause tumors. It has been said that approximately 2/3 of cats will come into contact with another infected cat carrying this disease at some point. This disease spreads via bodily fluids and is commonly transmitted by fighting, grooming or sexual activity. Infected cats must not be allowed to have kittens since they will be born with the disease.
The disease can become fatal when the cat's damaged immune system is not strong enough to fight the attack of other infectious diseases. A common warning sign of infection is anemia, which manifests itself as pale gums and listlessness in your cat.
Rabie Shot
Your cat should receive a rabie shot yearly For the prevention of rabies. The rabbie vaccination is also usually required by state and local laws.
* Please Note: The information provided above is solely for the purpose of informing and educating our visitors and should not be used to replace the advice or care of a professional, qualified veterinarian. If you think your cat may have any of the illnesses listed above, please contact your vet as soon as possible to have your pet seen.
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