Kittens and Cats
Vaccinations
The only way to protect your pet from disease is
to have them vaccinated. Think of it as safe, affordable insurance.
Our pets are offered protection against diseases,
which for centuries have been deadly killers. Vaccines have been
developed to provide almost complete protection against the major
viral and bacterial diseases. These vaccines are administered
by your veterinarian as a series beginning at approximately eight
weeks of age.
To ensure optimum results, your pet should be healthy,
free of parasites and on a good diet. Good nutrition is essential
to enable the body to produce the antibodies that provide the
resistance to disease.
A nursing kitten may receive some protective antibodies
in its mother's milk, but by twelve weeks that maternal protection
has been depleted. During the first day or so, the mother's milk
(colostrum) contains antibodies, which the young animal absorbs
from its stomach directly into its bloodstream. These antibodies
from the mother can interfere with the effects of vaccination
and can remain in the young animal for as long as eighteen weeks.
It is for this reason that your veterinarian's expertise is required
to know just when each different vaccine should be administered
for optimum results.
Most vaccines require boosters and it is vital
that you adhere to the schedule set out by your veterinarian.
Without boosters, the immunity given by vaccination will disappear
and leave your pet susceptible to diseases.
The following are certain diseases that can be
controlled by vaccination.
Distemper
Caused by a parvovirus - distemper in cats
is distinctly different from distemper in dogs. Also known as
feline parvovirus or panleukopenia (FP). Since most cats are likely
to be exposed to panleukopenia in their lifetime, vaccination
against this virus is extremely important. Clinical signs of panleukopenia
include vomiting, diarrhea, a loss of appetite, and lack of energy
or depression.
Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)
Upper airway disease is caused by a group
of viruses and bacteria that attack the cat's upper respiratory
tract. URI is highly contagious among cats. Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis
(FVR) is a herpes virus. It, along with Calicivirus (FVC) is responsible
for 90% of URIs. Signs are sneezing, tearing/ pusy discharge from
the nose and eyes and hypersalivation. Some cats will also have
a moderate fever and suffer dehydration. Infection in kittens
can be fatal.
Much less commonly, bacteria called chlamydia can
cause URIs. Signs of chlamydia are usually limited to the eyes.
Even if treated successfully, URIs can lead to
a lifelong disease making vaccination extremely important. Transmission
of URIs is by aerosol spray or from direct contact with an infected
animal.
Rabies
Caused by a virus and contagious to all warm
blooded animals by attacking the nervous system. It is invariably
fatal once symptoms occur. The greatest incidence is in foxes,
skunks and a new strain that is affecting raccoons. While the
HRM does not currently require vaccination for licensing, due
to the nature of the disease and the fact that it can be transmitted
to people vaccination is strongly recommended. It is important
to know the laws regarding rabies vaccination when travelling
with your pet.
Please note that while vaccination reactions
are very rare, we do advise that vaccination appointments are
made for a time when you are able to observe your cat. With cats,
vomiting and diarrhea are the main signs to monitor for.
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