Cat Vaccinations

When you adopt a cat, it is very much like adopting another family member. This family member cannot speak for itself, or make decisions for itself.

Just like humans, cats can fall ill and are prone to certain viruses. These viruses are harmful and in some cases fatal to your cat, especially kittens or older cats. Vaccinations limit the spread and severity of these viruses and their symptoms.

Vaccinations are a way to prevent your cat from getting sick from common viruses. The way a vaccine works is by triggering antibodies for the infection and promoting your cat’s body to fight the invading pathogens.

Harmless parts of the virus, or a weakened version is introduced into the cat’s bloodstream. This weakened version prompts the immune system to make anti-bodies. The weakened or deconstructed version of the virus does not cause the disease in the cat or kitten, but it does give your fur baby the tools to fight the virus if it comes in contact with it.

Vaccines are a safe and effective way to prevent your cat from getting ill and to help stem the spread of diseases. The vet will examine your cat before any vaccination is administered. No vaccination will be administered if your cat is not healthy.

Core vaccinations are for all cats regardless of where you live. Indoor and outdoor cats all have to get core vaccinations. The F3 vaccination is the core vaccination and protects against the following:

• Feline Pan Leukopenia – The highly contagious virus which is caused by the feline parvovirus is not very common today. This is thanks to the vaccination efforts. Kittens, older cats and sick cats are likely to get very sick or die from this virus if not vaccinated.
• Feline Calicivirus – The virus causes respiratory infections and oral infections. These infections range from mild cases to severe. It is highly contagious and spreads easily in shelters, stray cat colonies and pet shops. The Calicivirus is usually not deadly and most cats make a full recovery.
• Feline Herpesvirus – This virus is usually not deadly but can leave the cat with a lifelong deformity if infected as a kitten. The virus causes inflammation and infection in the eye, sinus and respiratory tract. Infected cats can easily spread the virus to a healthy cat.

Cats and kittens which are at risk receive non-core vaccinations. Your vet will be able to advise you on what vaccinations are applicable to your kitty. The area where you stay, proximity to cat population and the lifestyle of you and your cat all play a role. The non-core vaccinations include:

• Feline Leukemia Virus – Thanks to responsible vaccination this virus is not prevalent anymore. Your vet can advise you regarding this vaccine as there are still some reported cases of this dangerous virus.
• Feline Immunodeficiency Virus – is not the same as Feline Aids. Feline Aids is the end stages of the virus. The FIV virus is on the decrease, but it is still a threat. It is important that you get advice from your vet on whether or not your cat needs protection. FIV takes years to start showing symptoms. Infected cats spread the virus through their bites, not water bowls or sharing spaces.
• Chlamydia Felis – is spread through direct contact with infected cats. The symptoms include watery eyes, runny nose and sneezing. The virus does not spread to the lungs if treated.
• Bordetella Bronchiseptica – this virus is usually harmless and passes in a week to ten days, but some kittens or older cats develop pneumonia which is life threatening. Make sure to check with your Vet about your area and if your fur baby needs a vaccination.

In all areas the vaccination schedule is much the same, you might want to confirm with your Vet just to be sure.

Kittens:

1. Kittens first F3 and potentially FIV vaccination should be at 8 weeks or as close as you can. At 8 weeks the antibodies from Mommy cat’s milk starts to wear off.
2. At 12 weeks, if your kitten roams outside it is likely your kitty needs a second vaccination.
3. 16 Weeks is the last vaccination your kitten will need for a while. Indoor cats get the F3 booster only. Outdoor cats that are at risk get the F3, F5 and FIV booster.
4. Only annual boosters are needed after the 12 week boosters, but do not miss your annual boosters.

Please note these schedules can vary, please consult your vet as to the best schedule for your pet.

Vaccinations are safe, but there are a few side-effects to look out for. Your feline companion will most likely be a bit lethargic for the rest of the day and not too keen to eat. This is quite normal. There will be some sensitivity around the injection site and there is a possibility of a fever. These symptoms usually last 24-48 hours but not longer. If they do last longer or get worse, contact your vet immediately. Make sure your furry friend has access to lots of fresh clean water.