Cat vaccination

Vaccination has revolutionized the fight against infectious diseases in our pets. It is very important that all pets are properly…

Kitten vaccination

Kittens receive a course of two vaccinations. Kittens are born with some immunity from their mother's colostrum, but this wears off within a few weeks. Kittens are vaccinated at 8 and 12 weeks of age. Older kittens will still need two vaccinations, 4 to 6 weeks apart.

Vaccination of adult cats

Immunity from kitten vaccinations weakens over time and your pet may become susceptible to the disease again. Annual health checks and booster vaccinations will provide the best protection for your pet's life.

Infectious diseases of cats

Feline enteritis (also known as feline panleukopenia)

It is highly contagious and has a high mortality rate, especially before 12 months of age. Pregnant cats may lose their babies or give birth to kittens with abnormalities, often with brain damage. Symptoms include depression, loss of appetite, uncontrollable vomiting and diarrhea, often bloody, and severe abdominal pain.

The virus spreads so easily that heavily infected areas may need to be cleaned with a special disinfectant. Cats that recover may continue to carry the virus for some time and infect other cats.

Respiratory disease of cats (cat flu)

Caused in 90% of cases by feline herpesvirus (feline rhinotracheitis) and/or feline calicivirus.

Feline respiratory disease affects cats of all ages, especially young kittens, Siamese and Burmese cats. It is highly contagious and causes sneezing, coughing, runny nose, nasal discharge, loss of appetite and tongue sores.

Fortunately, mortality rates are low except in young kittens, but the disease is alarming and can persist for several weeks. Recovered cats can continue to carry and spread the infection for a long time and may show signs of illness again if they are stressed.

Feline Leukemia (FeLV)

Feline leukemia is a serious disease of cats caused by the feline leukemia virus.

The virus attacks the immune system and may be associated with lack of appetite, weight loss and lethargy, pale or yellow mucous membranes, vomiting, diarrhea, reproductive problems, increased susceptibility to other infections, leukemia and tumors. Many cats can be infected and show no signs at all.

About a third of infected cats remain chronically infected and can shed the virus in saliva, tears, nasal discharge and urine. The disease then spreads to uninfected cats through mutual grooming, fighting, sneezing, or even flea bites.

Additional vaccinations:

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

This is a separate vaccination and requires a course of three vaccinations given 2 weeks apart, followed by an annual booster. Testing for FIV status before vaccination in unvaccinated cats is recommended from 6 months of age.

Feline AIDS is a disease caused by the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) that attacks the cat's immune system. Their natural defenses against attack by other diseases can be seriously affected, much in the same way as human AIDS.

This disease is not transmitted to humans.

FIV is almost always transmitted through the bites of infected cats. The virus that causes the disease is present in saliva. While some infected cats show no signs of illness, others may show initial symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite, diarrhea, lethargy and swollen lymph nodes.

As the disease progresses, symptoms such as weight loss, sores in and around the mouth, eye damage, poor hair coat and chronic infections may occur. Eventually, the immune system becomes too weak to fight other infections and diseases. As a result, the cat may die from one of these subsequent infections.

Does my indoor cat need vaccines?

Yes. As a pet, your cat is not immune to viruses. There are many instances where your pet can be exposed to viruses as they are very curious. We recommend vaccinating indoor cats as they can escape at any time, come into contact with other pets, or contract airborne viruses and become ill.