Vaccinating your cat.

Vaccinating Cats?

When we are thinking about to vaccinate our pet first question that arise in our mind is what is vaccine?

Vaccine is a biological preparation that provides active acquired immunity to a particular infectious disease.in simple words Vaccines are preparation designed to stimulate the body’s immune system to produce disease-fighting antibodies to help protect against disease.

Experts agree that widespread use of vaccinations within the last century has prevented death and disease in millions of animals. Vaccinations protect your pet from highly contagious and deadly diseases and improve your pet’s overall quality of life.

Which vaccines should a Pet Need?

Core vaccines (those which protect animals from severe, life-threatening diseases that have global distribution and which all dogs and cats, regardless of circumstances or geographical location, should receive.) are used for most of pets against the diseases which are more common in that particular area

 “Non-core” vaccinations (Non-core vaccinations are those used to protect from disease where the animal’s geographical location, lifestyle or environment puts them at risk)

Next question come in our mind is against which disease we have to vaccinate our cats and what those fetal diseases are?

Cats Core vaccines.

• Feline enteritis or Feline Parvovirus
• Cat flu (calici virus and herpes virus)       

 Feline enteritis or Feline Parvovirus:

Feline panleukopenia is a parvovirus infectious disease of kittens will have depression, loss of appetite , high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, this will lead to severe dehydration.

calici virus:

At first the cat will have symptoms that look like having  cold, with sneezing, nasal congestion, fever and sometimes drooling. Large amounts of discharge can come from the eyes and nose. In more severe cases, cats can also develop ulcers on the tongue, and the lining of the mouth. Lethargy, mild lameness and lack of appetite may also occur.

Herpes virus Typical signs include conjunctivitis, ocular discharge, sneezing, nasal discharge, salivation, pharyngitis, lethargy, in appetence, fever and sometimes coughing

Cats Non-Core vaccines:

 > Feline leukaemia vaccine

> Chlamydophila felis (Chlamydia)

> Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccines.

 > Rabies Vaccine

Feline leukaemia vaccine

• Loss of appetite
• Progressive weight loss
• Poor coat condition
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Persistent fever
• Pale gums and other mucus membranes
• Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and mouth (stomatitis)
• Infections of the skin, urinary bladder, and upper respiratory tract
• Persistent diarrhea
• Seizures, behavior changes, and other neurological disorders
• A variety of eye conditions
• Abortion of kittens or other reproductive failures

 Chlamydophila felis (Chlamydia)

The classic symptom is a persistent conjunctivitis.

This is an inflammation of the pink lining of the eyelids and transparent covering of the eyeball. The eyes can become reddened, and the discharge may be anything from watery to thick and pus-like. It commonly starts in one eye only, before spreading. Weeks and months later, the cat may still have a dark sticky discharge around the eyes, especially by the tear ducts, needing regular removal. It may cause serious problems for short-nosed and long-haired cats. Symptoms that are more commonly seen at the start of the disease include: Sneezing and nasal discharges, fever and loss of appetite. Symptoms are always worse if the cat has concurrent cat flu.

Bordetella bronchiseptica 

Carrier cats can seem healthy or have even mild symptoms, but others many have serious complications. Common symptoms associated with Bordetellosis many display untoward symptoms such as:

• Fever
• Lethargy
• Sneezing
• Nasal discharge
• Loss of appetite (anorexia)
• Difficulty breathing
• Crackling lung sounds, moist cough, or (less frequently) wheezing
• Swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck (under the jaw)

Rabies :

•  Changes in behavior. Cats who are usually calm may become excitable or agitated. Extroverted cats may become less affectionate and may isolate themselves.
•  Aggression. Cats can become excitable, aggressive, and vicious towards humans or other animals.
•  Drooling. Rabies can affect muscles in a cat’s mouth so they can’t swallow. They may drool or foam at the mouth.
•  Loss of muscle control. The final stages of rabies cause paralysis and coma.

Do vaccinations ensure protection?

For most pets, vaccination is effective in preventing future disease or decreasing the seriousness of clinical signs. It is important to follow the vaccination schedule to reduce the possibility of a gap in protection.

When we have to vaccinate our cats?

First vaccine as early as 6 weeks of age, then repeat after 3-4 week for kittens. Before 6 weeks kittens are protected by ‘Maternally Derived Antibodies’ (kittens receive antibodies against diseases from mother, that remain in body of kitten at least 6 week of age)

First vaccine that a kitten will receive will be against Panleukopenia Virus (FPV) /Feline Herpesvirus-1 and Feline Calicivirus.

After 3-4 week of first vaccine kitten will receive booster of same vaccine (against Panleukopenia Virus (FPV) /Feline Herpesvirus-1 and Feline Calicivirus.)

At age of 12-16 week of age kitten will receive its first vaccine against Rabies.

Then cat will receive vaccine against Rabies and Panleukopenia Virus (FPV) /Feline Herpesvirus-1 and Feline Calicivirus every year

* FVRCP(against Panleukopenia Virus (FPV) /Feline Herpesvirus-1 and Feline Calicivirus.)

Do vaccinations have side effects?

Yes, It is common for pets to experience some or all of the following mild side effects after receiving a vaccine, usually starting within hours of the vaccination. If these side effects last for more than a day or two, or cause your pet significant discomfort, it is important for you to contact us

• Discomfort and local swelling at the vaccination site
• Mild fever
• Decreased appetite and activity

More serious, but less common side effects, such as allergic reactions, may occur within minutes to hours after vaccination. Always inform us if your pet has had prior reactions to any vaccine or medication. If you are not sure about any previous reaction kindly wait for 30-60 minutes after vaccination in our center

Who can vaccinate my pet?

Only a veterinary doctor registered by local ministry can vaccinate the pet