You know your children need vaccinations, but do you know your cat does too?
There are a number of vaccines available for cats. Your cat´s need for them is due to their risk of exposure. If your cat stays indoors and is around no other cats, it´s not that likely he would be exposed to many diseases. If your cat is an outdoorsman, which probably is interacting with other felines in the area, even if you don´t see them, He needs to be vaccinated since his exposure risk is higher.
- Rabies Vaccination. Rabies vaccinations are required by law in all states. The vaccination is good for one year. Rabies is a horrible disease and your cat could come in contact with a wild animal that has it or is carrying it. If your cat is not vaccinated against rabies and he accidentally bites someone, he can be subject to a long period of quarantine or even death to test for the rabies virus. Don´t take the risk of your cat´s life. Make sure he gets this vaccine.
- Panleukopenia (Distemper). This disease is most often referred to as distemper in cats. It is a very deadly disease. Kittens will be required to have a series of vaccinations every three to four weeks until approximately sixteen weeks of age.
- Rhinotrachietis. This is caused by the Herpes virus. It causes severe respiratory distress in its acute phase. It can also be the cause of eye irritations and cloudiness in the eye. The protection of this vaccine is of short duration and requires a yearly booster.
- Calcivirus. This virus will also cause respiratory distress in the acute phases. It can become a chronic condition. Cats that have been affected by this disease may have reoccurring upper respiratory infections and gum disease.
- Feline Leukemia (FeLV). This virus does require the direct contact with an infected feline in order to spread. It is recommended that this vaccine be given to cats that live outdoors either full-time or part-time.
- Feline Infectious Peritonitis. If you have several cats this vaccine might be worthwhile, otherwise, you probably don´t need it.
- Chlamydiosis. This is a bacterial respiratory disease in cats. It is generally believed that vaccine combination injections which could include Bacterin, are the most likely to cause a reaction. Discuss this vaccine with your veterinarian.
For your cat´s health, make sure you take him for a yearly check up, vaccines and an intestinal parasite exam. All of these will add years to your cat´s life.
