Vaccination protects against diseases which can kill your cat or take a very
long time to be cured. There are four major diseases which should be covered by
a routine vaccination.
- FLU This disease causes a high temperature, sneezing,
discharging eyes and nose. The cat will very often not eat or drink anything at
all and can rapidly become weak and dehydrated.
- ENTERITIS Infection causes a high temperature, severe
diarrhoea (sometimes with vomiting) and an ensuing dehydration. Intense
abdominal pain and collapse are often early signs and can easily be mistaken as
'poisoning' by the owner.
- FELINE LEUKAEMIA This is caused by a virus. It is spread
through close contact with an infected cat e.g. fighting, mating (blood/saliva).
Feline Leukaemia is of no risk to humans. It is purely a disease affecting cats.
Unlike flu and enteritis which, in some instances, can be treated and a cure
obtained (although, - as explained previously - due to a high death rate,
vaccination is strongly recommended), Feline Leukaemia is unique in that once
infected with the virus, the cat never becomes free of it. Feline Leukaemia
damages the immune system of a cat and predisposes to other diseases e.g.
cancers, and ultimately greatly shortens the expected life span of the affected
cat. Protection in the form of prevention is the only answer. Protection is
obtained by 2 injections, 3 weeks apart. A booster injection once per year
thereafter maintains protection. Occasionally a transient lump may appear at the
injection site, or the cat may be dull and off its food for 1 - 2 days after
leukaemia vaccination.
- CHLAMYDIA This disease can cause recurrent bouts of sneezing,
conjunctivitis and also infertility/abortion in breeding queens. This
vaccination is offered in the face of persistent problems, especially in
breeding catteries. A vaccination course of 2 injections (3 weeks apart) gives
initial protection. Annual booster vaccination thereafter (one injection) is
required.
When to vaccinate?
- Vaccination can begin at any age over 9 weeks old.
- Any combination of vaccination programmes can be initiated at the same time.
- Consult your veterinary surgeon as to your own cat's requirements.
- Some animals may be uncomfortable around the injection site for a day or two
after the vaccination.
