Vaccinations for cats

How do vaccines work?

Vaccines contain small quantities of altered or “killed” viruses, bacteria or other disease-causing organisms. When administered, they stimulate your cat’s immune system to produce disease-fighting cells and proteins - or antibodies - to protect against disease.

The purpose of vaccination is to prevent an animal from contracting a potentially life-threatening disease. This is done by exposing a healthy animal’s immune system to a small part of a virus, or a killed virus particle, through injection. The immune system responds by producing antibodies to the diseases. These antibodies are specific proteins ‘armed’ to fight off infection if exposed to the viruses. An animal may also become immune to a disease if it suffers from it and survives.

Kittens obtain protection through their mother’s milk for the first few weeks of life, as long as she has been vaccinated and is immune. This protection is via maternally derived antibodies. Thereafter we must stimulate immunity by vaccinating the youngsters.

Which vaccinations should my cat receive?

Feline panleukopenia (feline infectious enteritis)
Feline Herpes virus type 1 (FHV-1, feline rhinotracheitis)
Feline calicivirus (FCV)
Feline chlamydial infection
Feline Leukaemia virus (FeLV)
Rabies

When should my cat be vaccinated?

Generally, the immunity that a kitten has at birth only lasts for a few weeks. It is then time to begin vaccination. The first vaccination is usually given in two doses, the first dose at around the age of 8-10 weeks and the second about 3-4 weeks later. Thereafter, your cat will require annual ‘booster’ vaccinations for the rest of his/her life to maintain protection. Of course, these are
only guidelines - your veterinary surgeon will be able to determine the exact schedule that's right for your pet.

Feline Panleucopaenia.

This is an aggressive disease transmitted by direct contact or through the faeces of an infected cat. An infected individual deteriorates rapidly, often to the point of death. Vomiting and diarrhoea are seen, and therefore dehydration. If the cat survives, it often never fully regains its health and suffers further problems later in life.

Feline Viral Infectious Respiratory Disease (Cat Flu).

This disease is caused by two main viruses, FCV and FHV-1. They spread readily by direct or indirect contact, and particularly where cats are mixed. Cats develop runny eyes and nose, sneezing, loss of appetite and fever. Mouth ulcers may also be present. Infection is rarely fatal; however it can allow secondary bacterial infection to occur, which may lead to pneumonia. Very young kittens may be severely affected, and cats may have respiratory problems for the rest of their lives.

Feline Leukaemia Virus.

Feline leukaemia is a very serious disease which has no cure. It is easily spread between cats by direct contact and also via food bowls. Kittens will be infected from an FeLV-positive mother. Often no signs of disease will be seen for months or years after infection occurs. The immune system may be depressed to a level whereby the cat cannot fight off infection. Blood-cell cancer (leukaemia), tumours, kidney failure, enteritis or anaemia may also be seen. Whichever form of disease develops, the ultimate outcome is death.

Feline Chlamydial Infection.

Chlamydiosis is a bacterial infection causing a swelling of the tissues around the eyes. It has been associated with infertility in queens and the disease tends to be a particular problem in breeding colonies of cats. The disease can linger in colonies for long periods. Vaccination can help prevent the infection becoming established in a colony. 

Rabies.

This vaccination is only required if you plan to take your cat abroad on the PETS passport scheme. Infection causes progressive neurological signs and death.

Booster Vaccinations.

Booster vaccinations are generally carried out yearly. There has been some debate whether protection against disease could be maintained giving boosters less frequently. Some diseases may require more frequent boosters then others. However, the majority of vaccine manufacturers are still recommending that boosters are given yearly and this must be considered.

Side Effects of Vaccinations.

Vaccine reactions can occur occasionally and very often these are due to substances incorporated into the vaccine. These reactions often present as a short period of lethargy, sometimes with an increased temperature. These often occur 24-72 hours after a vaccination. This normally resolves spontaneously usually within 24 hours.

How effective is vaccination?

Like any drug treatment or surgical procedure, vaccinations cannot be 100% guaranteed. However, used in conjunction with proper nutrition and acceptable sanitary conditions, vaccination is clearly your pet's best defence against disease. Plus, when you consider what treating a serious illness can cost you and your beloved cat in terms of both money and distress,
prevention through vaccination is extremely cost-effective.

Disclaimer

This pet health article is for reference only.

If your pet is showing any symptoms or distress, and you suspect your pet is ill CONTACT YOUR VET IMMEDIATELY.