The vaccination is a way to prevent serious illnesses that could be fatal or treatment that could be expensive. Several of these illnesses can be prevented, but if left untreated could be dangerous. Even indoor cats can be exposed to illnessess and should be vaccinated. The vaccination is only a preventitive measure, it cannot serve as a treatment against an existing illness. Kittens receive a temporary immunity from their mother but that immunity is unpredicatable and generally disappears in 7 to 9 weeks. It is best to have your kitten vaccinated between 7 to 9 weeks old. The second vaccination should be given one month after the first to assure proper protection of the kitten, thereafter an annual vaccination is recommended. Your vererinarian is the expert on your cats health so don`t hesitate to ask him questions.



Why vaccinate?
Several serious cat illnesses can be prevented by vaccination. With approximately 50 million cats in Canada and the United States, it is certain that your cat will be exposed one day or another to an illness. Even indoor cats are suseptable to a virus that is present in the air, in the dust, or on clothes. The vaccination protects your cat at a low cost and can prevent expensive treatments and even the premature death of your cat.


How does the vaccine work?


The vaccine for cats works exactly the same way as the vaccine for humans. Researchers have succeeded in modifing certain viruses which prevent them from provoking an illness. When one of these viruses have been rendered harmless, it is then administered to the cat, this produces antibodies. This antibody then circulates in the cats blood stream and protects the cat from infection. However, it is important that your cat be vaccinated annually so that it can be protected for the rest of its life.



Should i vaccinate my kitten?


When you get possession of a new kitten, you should have him vaccinated. Even though the kitten receives immunity from its mother, this protection is unpredictable. This is why veterinarians recommend a series of vaccinations to protect the kitten during the first months of its life when they are the most vulnerable. Inform yourself with your veterinarian regarding vaccinations.


Which illnesses can my cat be vaccinated against?


Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper)

Feline panleuopenia is a contagious viral disease that primarily affects young kittens, but cats of all ages are susceptible.. The percentage of all cats affected (morbidity) can be as high as 90% to 100% of all animals in a given area. The percentage of all unprotected cats who will die (mortality) can also be very high. Panleukopenia virus is generally widespread, and natural exposure is common. And, despite early maternal protection, infection of newborn kittens is frequent. Clinical signs include fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, depression, diaarrhea, dehydration and other complications that can result in death. Treatment of infected cats is difficult. A kitten may become a carrier of the disease and infect other, unprotected felines. The most effective means of controlling this disease is through an early vaccination program administerd by your veterinarian, with periodic re-vaccinations and examinations.


Feline respiratory illness

The feline respiratory illness resembles lots of different infections which this is known to be very contagious and very widespread.. Your cat is at a strong risk to be exposed but respiratory illnesses rarely causes death in adult cats in good health. Unlike kittens and older cats that may have a higher mortality rate.


Feline viral rhinotrachetis (Fvr)
FCVR is the most severe and widespread upper-respiratory virus to which cats are susceptible. FVR is very serious in young kittens, but cats of all ages are at risk. Clinical signs include: moderate fever, tearing, discharges from the eyes and nose, mouth breathing, coughing and salivation. Treatment is difficult and limited to supportive and symptomatic therapy. Recovered cats become tently, especially during periods of stress. This chronic carrier state makes prevention most important. Vaccination is the best means of prevention and control.

Eline Calicivirus (Fcv)

FCV is another one of the major feline upper-respiratory viruses. It is widespread, about 40% of the respiratory diseases in cats. The severity of infection varies with the strain, fever, pneumonia and ulcer or blisters on the tongue. The only available treatment is supportive and symptomatic therapy. Calicivirus also has a chronic-carrier state, in which recovered cats become carriers for life. These FCV carriers shed virus continuously, making prevention very important. Vaccination is recommended for the health of you pet.


Feline Chlamydiosis (Pneumonitis)

The chlamydia psittaci is directy responsible for 15 to 20 % of all feline respiratory diseases. Chlamydiosis is extremely contagious, especially in young kittens, and the morbidity rate is very high. Chlamydia psittaci causes a ``local`` infection of the mucous membranes of the eyes. Clinical signs include a mild to severe conjuctivitis, excessive tearing, sneezing, heavy salivation and coughing. All signs are confined to the respiratory tract. Cats with chlamydiosis may have lung involvement, but generally does not require the use of typical anitbiotics for several weeks. Vaccination is the preferred method for prevention.

Feline Leukaemia

Twenty years ago, feline leukaemia virus (FELV) was unknown, but it is now considered the principal cause or mortatity in cats. Cats infected by the FELV rarely live to be more than 3 years old. In effect the FELV distroys the capacity to fight the infections and the animal dies of one of the illnesses, which it would normally be capable of withstanding. In 1985, after years of research, a vaccine effective against the FELV was introduced on the market. So common is the feline leukaemia, 30% of living cats are exposed. The vaccination is strongly advised for all cats in good health.

Rabies

Rabies is a fatal viral disease affecting the central nervous system of almost all mammals, including humans. It commonly is spread by contact with infected salvia through bites inflicted by a carrier animal, or through a break in the skin. Vaccination against rabies gives your cat a much greater resistance in case of exposure, therefore reducing the likelihood of infecting humans. There is no cure for the disease once the symptoms appear. Any person prophylactic treatment, so your responsibility for preventing human exposure to this disease is particularly strong.








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