|
| When should my cat be
vaccinated? |
|
Generally the immunity that a kitten has at birth only lasts
for a few weeks. It is then time
to begin vaccination. The first vaccination is usually given in two doses. The
first dose at around the age of 8 weeks and the
second about 4 to 6 weeks later. Thereafter, your
cat will require annual 'booster' vaccinations for the rest
of his/her life to maintain protection. .
Of course, these are only guidelines - your veterinarian will
be able to determine the exact schedule thats right for
your pet. |
| How do vaccines
work? |
| Vaccines contain small quantities
of altered or "killed" viruses, bacteria or other
disease-causing organisms. When administered, they stimulate
your cat's immune system to produce disease-fighting cells and
proteins - or antibodies - to protect against
disease |
| 1
Feline
Viral Rhinotracheitis |
| Just as with the human cold, the
virus that causes this upper respiratory-tract infection
('cat flu') is easily transmitted from one cat to another, so
vaccination is imperative if your pet will come
into contact with other cats. Its symptoms may
take the form of moderate fever, loss of appetite, sneezing,
eye and nasal discharges and coughing.
Kittens are particularly 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. |
| 2
Feline
Calicivirus |
| This virus is another major cause of
upper respiratory-tract infection ('cat flu') in cats.
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. Once
again 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. Vaccination is therefore tremendously
important. |
| 3 Feline
Panleucopenia |
| This disease is caused by a virus so
resistant, it can survive for up to a year outside a
cats body!. Therefore, as most cats will be exposed to
it during there lifetimes and infection rates in
unprotected cats can run as high as 90% to 100%,
vaccination against this potentially fatal disease is
absolutely essential. Symptoms can include listlessness,
diarrhoea, vomiting, severe dehydration and fever.
Happily, the vaccine itself is very
effective in preventing the disease, 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. | |
| 4 Feline
Leukaemia (FeLV) |
| Infection with the Feline Leukaemia
Virus can result in a multitude of serious health
problems for your cat - everything from cancerous
conditions such as Leukaemia to a wide range of
secondary infections caused by the destruction of the
immune system. After initial exposure to the virus, a
cat may show no
symptoms of its presence for months. if not years,
yet all the while infecct others. Testing is
available to determine the FeLV status of your cat. If
he or she has not yet been infected,
but is likely to come into contact with
cats that are, vaccination against this potentially fatal
disease is higly
recommended. |
|
Which vaccinations should my cat
receive? |
|
Your pet should be protected against those diseases
which are most common, highly contagious and which
cause serious illness or death. Duch
diseases include Feline Panleucopaenia, Feline
Rhinotracheitis, Feline Calicivirus, Feline Leukaemia
and Rabies. Feline Chlamydiosis may also be
recommended, based on your veterinarians evaluation of the
risks posed by such factors as your cat's particular
heredity, environment and
lifestyle. |
| Other
Vaccinations |
|
Ater evaluating your
cats particular situation and risk factors, your veterinary
surgeon may also recommend vaccination against other infectious
diseases. These might
include: |
| Feline
Chlamydiosis |
| This bacterial disease is
responsible for 15 to 20% of all feline respiratory
diseases. 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. Chlamydiosis can
be transmitted to humans by direct contact. Vaccination
is the preferred method for
prevention. |
| Rabies |
|
This incurable and fatal viral disease
affects the central nervous system of almost all mammals,
including humans. It is spread through contact with the saliva of infected
animals through bites or any break in
the
skin |
| How do vaccines
work? |
| Like any drug treatment or
surgical procedure, vaccinations cannot be 100%
gauranteed. However, used in conjunction with proper
nutrition and acceptable sanitary conditions,
vaccination is clearly your pets best defence against
disease. Plus, when you consider what treating a serious
illness can cost you and your loved dog in terms of both
money and distress, prevention through vaccination is
extremely
cost-effective. |
Information
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