So, a new cat has arrived in your home. And, of course, every owner is concerned about their new pet's health. Most illnesses that can affect your pet can be easily protected. While it's impossible for someone who takes full responsibility for their pet to predict every possible illness and threat, it's still worth making every effort to do so. Timely vaccinations will undoubtedly help.
Cat diseases and the need for vaccinations
Types of incurable feline diseases include the following:
- calciferosis;
- panleukopenia;
- rabies;
- rhinotracheitis.
Rabies is the most terrible disease that can infect not only pets, but also humans. You can become infected through a bite., and if the animal isn't vaccinated, it poses a danger to the entire family. Therefore, don't even think about how much a rabies vaccination costs; it's mandatory. Vet clinics will do it for free, but if you decide to do it at home, it will cost you the same as the medication itself.
Fortunately, modern science is advancing, and pets can be protected from all of these diseases with modern vaccinations. Of course, some people believe that if a pet is always indoors and rarely goes outside and is supervised by its owner, it won't become infected and there's absolutely no need to vaccinate it.
This view is fundamentally flawed. After all, viruses and bacteria that cause pet diseases can enter the home with the owner, specifically through outdoor shoes. And a cat walking through the hallway will inevitably leave them on its paws, which it will then lick off. Therefore, don't neglect your cat's health and hope for a break. Moreover, the cost of such vaccinations is not very highIt's better to be safe than sorry than to spend money on tests and very expensive treatment for your pet.
Vaccinations for cats
A kitten's first vaccination is scheduled for two to three months after birth. However, the vet will also assess the little pet's behavior and decide whether it's ready for vaccination or whether it should wait. After all, if a kitten is still nursing at this age, it receives immunity from its mother. However, once the little pet transitions to its own food, it will need to begin a series of vaccinations.
The first vaccination will need to be done twice with a break of 3-4 weeksDuring these 3-4 weeks, the kitten's immunity will develop and should be reinforced with a booster shot, or second vaccination. If the first and second vaccinations did not include a rabies vaccination, it should also be given another 3-4 weeks later, but no later than when the kitten reaches three months of age.
A cat's next vaccination is scheduled for one year of age. It should be vaccinated annually. This includes one dose for a combination vaccine and two doses for a separate disease vaccine and a separate rabies vaccine. These doses are repeated annually, but without boosters. This way, you can protect your pet from all infectious diseases.
All vaccinations can be generally divided into:
- Mandatory
- Recommended.
The list of mandatory vaccines for cats includes: from rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia, rabies and calicivirusAll infections are immunized with a polyvalent vaccine, with the exception of rabies, which is administered separately. Recommended vaccinations include leukemia and chlamydia.
Veterinarians recommend an antichlamydia injection between 2 and 3 months of age. Preventative measures against this infection are not mandatory, as it is uncommon among pets.
Vaccination schedule for kittens:
| Name of the disease | age for 1 vaccination | age for 2 vaccinations | revaccination | type of vaccination | |
| Rabies | 3 months | — | per year | Mandatory | |
| Rhinotracheitis | 2-3 months | in 3-4 weeks | per year | Mandatory | |
| Panleukopenia | 2-3 months | in 3-4 weeks | per year | Mandatory | |
| Calicivirus | 2-3 months | in 3-4 weeks | per year | Mandatory | |
| Leukemia | 2-3 months | in 3-4 weeks | per year | Mandatory | |
| Chlamydia | 2-3 months | in 3-4 weeks | per year | Recommended |
Preparing for vaccination
There are general points that you need to know and follow before vaccination. To ensure proper vaccination and the development of immunity, the cat must be healthyIf your cat is pregnant, vaccinations should be postponed until then. It's also not recommended to vaccinate a cat between 4 and 7 months of age, as this is when teething occurs and their immunity is significantly weakened. Before vaccination, the veterinarian will take the cat's temperature, perform a thorough physical examination, and interview the owner regarding the cat's behavior.
You will also need to deworm your pet two weeks before the vaccination. This can be done at any veterinary pharmacy. buy tablets or dropsIt's best to keep the packaging; the veterinarian will add it to the veterinary passport. Otherwise, without a course of tablets or drops, you will be denied vaccination.
It's best to administer vaccinations on an empty stomach, so avoid feeding your cat. Vaccinations can cause diarrhea or vomiting due to stress. An unvaccinated cat should not have contact with other animals at the clinic.
The vaccination itself takes only a minute, regardless of the drug administered. After the second vaccine, the veterinarian will issue the cat a veterinary passport and record all vaccinations. This is usually free or very inexpensive.
In conclusion, it's essential to vaccinate your pet kitten. Vaccinations are considered an essential part of cat care. Every owner should care for their pet's well-being, which means keeping up with the necessary vaccinations. This ensures the likelihood of contracting a dangerous infection is low.
