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When your cat was born, she received protection
against many infectious diseases from antibodies
passed in her mother's milk. But these antibodies
dissipated by the time she was 3 months old, leaving
her immune system vulnerable. Fortunately, effective
vaccines are available that can protect your cat
against many diseases.
How Do Cat Vaccinations Help Your Cat?
Vaccines contain modified live or killed viruses.
These don't cause the illness, but stimulate an
animal's immune system to protect her from the real
thing. Veterinarians recommend that kittens
receive their first set of vaccinations at six to
nine weeks of age. Combination vaccines are available
that protect against feline calcivirus and feline
rhinotracheitis, both respiratory diseases, and
panleukopenia. Also known as feline distemper, panleukemia
is very contagious and can be fatal, especially
to kittens. This three-in-one vaccine can be given
as an injection or as eye or nose drops, which eliminate
the pain associated with needle injections and provide
rapid and more complete immunity to upper respiratory
viruses. No matter which form you choose, you'll
need to bring your animal back to the veterinarian
in three to four weeks for a booster vaccination.
Feline Vaccinations Protect Your Cat From a Variety of Illnesses
Vaccination against rabies also is important-and
in many parts of the country, it is mandatory, as
rabies can be transmitter from animals to humans.
This fatal viral disease can be transmitted through
contact with an infected animal, so protection is
crucial for animals who are allowed outdoors. Veterinarians
recommend that kittens receive their rabies shot
at three months of age. Your cat will need to be
revaccinated once every year or three years, depending
on the kind of vaccine she is given and the vaccination
requirements in your area.
Another killer you can protect your cat against
is feline leukemia. This deadly virus attacks a
cat's immune system. Vaccination is essential for
outdoor cats, who are at much greater risk of exposure
to feline leukemia than indoor cats. If your cat
remains indoors and is not exposed to other felines,
you may want to discuss with your veterinarian whether
or not vaccination against feline leukemia is necessary.
If your animal has been vaccinated, boosters must
be given every year to provide full protection.
Vaccines are available to protect against other
diseases, such as chlamydia, feline infectious peritonitis
and ringworm, but veterinary opinions vary about
their usefulness. Check with yours to see if they
are recommended for your kitty.
Monitor Your Pet For Allergic Reactions to Cat Vaccinations
In some cases, vaccines can cause adverse reactions,
including allergic reactions that will require immediate
veterinary care. Other symptoms may include listlessness,
appetite loss and mild fever. If you notice any
of these signs, monitor your cat and call the veterinarian
if the symptoms do not clear up after a few days.
You may also notice a small, firm swelling at the
site of the vaccination. This will usually disappear
within a short time.
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