CAT VACCINATIONS

Routine vaccination has greatly reduced the extent of several feline diseases (including some that can prove fatal). It is vital that your cat has all the necessary vaccinations and boosters.

A kitten should be vaccinated around eight - nine weeks of age, with the important second dose being given at 4 weeks later.

A booster vaccination one year on is important to enhance the initial level of immunity. Regular yearly boosters throughout a cat's life will help maintain a good level of protection against cat 'flu, feline parvovirus and feline leukaemia.

What vaccines does my cat need?

Core feline vaccination

Vaccination is an integral part of a preventative health care programme. Every cat should be vaccinated against 3 core diseases – feline panleucopaenia (or infectious enteritis), feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus (both causes of “cat flu”). These diseases can have devastating consequences for a cat and it is easy to prevent them by regular vaccination.

Feline infectious enteritis (FIE) - a vaccination must

Feline infectious enteritis (a severe and often fatal gut infection) is caused by the feline parvovirus (or feline panleukopenia virus). Vaccination against FIE has been very successful. Unvaccinated cats are at great risk because the virus is widespread in the environment.

Cat 'flu - a vaccination must

Two types of cat 'flu are vaccinated against feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) and feline calicivirus (FCV). These viruses are very common and vaccination will protect your cat against prolonged illness, but because there are many different strains of cat 'flu the vaccine will not totally eradicate the threat.

 

Optional extra vaccinations dependent on circumstances.

 

Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV)

FeLV is a lifelong infection and unfortunately most cats will die within three years of diagnosis, usually from a subsequent disease like leukaemia, lymphoma (tumors) or progressive anaemia. It is not an airborn disease and can only be passed on via direct contact between cats (usually by saliva or bites).

Feline chlamydophilosis

This bacterium, which causes conjunctivitis in cats, can't survive in the atmosphere and is thus spread by direct contact between cats (affecting multi-cat households and kittens predominantly).

 

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

 

 

FIV is a retrovirus similar to FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) and the human AIDS virus. It was first discovered and isolated in 1986. It is estimated that 1 in 12 cats are infected with FIV. Some specialists believe that FIV is currently under-diagnosed. Although FIV is predominantly found in male cats, females can and do get this disease.

Bite wounds are the usual mode of transmission.

For the initial series of vaccinations, cats need 3 injections, 3 weeks apart. After the series of 3 vaccinations is completed, the cat will receive annual booster vaccinations.

IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT ALL CATS BE TESTED FOR FIV PRIOR TO VACCINATION. If a young kitten (less than 6 months) tests positive for FIV, it is recommended to wait on FIV vaccination and retest the kitten at 6 months of age. It is also recommended that that kitten be isolated from other cats until it can be determined that the pet is truly negative for this disease.

Your vet will discuss your situation and advise as to whether any of the above vaccines are necessary.