What vaccinations are given to cats? How can a domestic cat get infected? Vaccination is an important preventive stage of the formation of the immune system of any animal, which consists in the development of certain antibodies aimed at fighting a particular infection.
“We do not vaccinate a cat. And why? She is always at home” – alas, but this is how many cat owners think.
Unfortunately, even absolutely domestic cats, like dogs on a walk, are also susceptible to various diseases. But how can an animal that does not leave the house get infected?
Indeed, the main way of transmission of most infections is contact with a sick relative. But even you and I can bring this trouble to a fluffy pet on clothes or shoes.
What diseases is it important to vaccinate cats against?
Core vaccines:
- Feline panleukopenia (FPV or FPLV, aka feline parvo or feline distemper)
- Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FHV, aka herpes virus)
- Feline calicivirus (FCV)
- Rabies
Non-core vaccines:
- Feline leukemia virus (FeLV)
- Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)
- Chlamydia felis
- Bordetella bronchiseptica
When is it better to vaccinate cats?
Vaccinations against calicivirosis, rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia, chlamydia and leukemia are made at the age of 8-10 weeks and are repeated according to the schedule drawn up by the veterinarian.
Rabies vaccination is done at the age of 3 months (at least 90 days from birth) and is repeated annually +/- the rules are different in each country, but not radically.
How to prepare an animal for vaccination?
It is necessary to make sure that the pet is healthy. The doctor will help you with this, and will also select the necessary drug for deworming, which is carried out 12-14 days before vaccination.
What is the risk of refusing to carry out vaccination?
For an animal, there is a risk of getting sick and leaving its owner. Unfortunately, cats are less tenacious, unlike dogs. Their body quickly gives up and quickly dies, faced with a strong infection. Therefore, it is so important to protect your pet from all sides.
For humans, the most dangerous threat is rabies, which is not treated and leads to death.
Do not forget that a healthy animal = a healthy and happy owner who is deprived of the risk of getting sick himself, as well as for a long time and not always successfully treat a sick pet.