Feline Diseases and Vaccines
There's no way around it - dangerous, disease-causing organisms are part of your kitten's environment. And because kittens like to explore everything, they're good candidates for exposure to infection. But your veterinarian can protect kittens and adult cats against a number of infectious organisms through a regular vaccination program.
In fact, taking your kitten to "get its shots" on a regular basis is one of the easiest, most important ways you can protect your pet's good health, because it ensures that your veterinarian has the chance to examine your pet regularly to detect any problems before they become threats.
Vaccines are fascinating - they work by stimulating an animal's immune system, either by producing antibodies that fight infection and/or by activating what are called cell-level immune responses. The animal health industry has developed a number of vaccines that can protect your kitten from disease, now and as an adult.
Some of the most important to understand and talk about are feline rabies, feline leukemia (FeLV), respiratory diseases (FVR, FCV, FPN), and feline panleukopenia (FPV). Vaccines are available against all these diseases.
Rabies:
Rabies is a frightening disease that is almost always fatal. It's doubly dangerous because it can be transmitted from animals to people. Some states now mandate vaccinations for cats and most require vaccination for dogs. Before the advent of effective rabies vaccination programs, rabies was widely reported in domestic pets. Today, the majority of rabies cases involve wild animals, especially skunks, raccoons, bats, coyotes and foxes. As people have developed rural areas into suburban developments and office complexes, rabies-infected animals have increasingly come into contact with humans and their pets.
* Vaccine give once at 14 to 16 weeks of age and boostered yearly.
Feline Leukemia (FeLV): A Virus Responsible for Several Potentially Fatal Diseases
Feline leukemia virus is found in the saliva of infected cats. FeLV can be transmitted from cat-to-cat via saliva, urine, feces, and milk. Younger cats are more susceptible to the virus, which weakens the immune system and can cause malignant and nonmalignant diseases. While some cats carry and transmit FeLV without showing signs of illness, feline leukemia virus is one of the leading causes of death in cats.
* This vaccine is used more commonly in cats that will be going outside and possibly mingling with stray cats. It is given first at 9 weeks adn again 2 to 4 weeks later than yearly.
Respiratory Diseases (FVR, FCV, FPN): "Cat Flu" that Can Be Fatal in Kittens
Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), feline calicivirus (FCV), and Chlamydia (FPN) are responsible for upper respiratory infections known collectively as "cat flu." FVR and FCV cause 80-90% of cat flu cases and are spread from cat to cat by contaminated litter boxes and water bowls or contact with infected fluids such as saliva, nasal secretions, and eye discharge. FVR is characterized by inflammation of the cat's eyes, nose, or windpipe; discharge from the eyes or nose; lethargy; fever; loss of appetite; and constant sneezing. The symptoms of FCV include runny nose and moderate sneezing; more serious symptoms are tongue ulcers, excess salivation, weight loss, poor physical appearance, and a refusal to eat.
FPN, though implicated in fewer cases of cat flu, provides opportunities for more serious bacterial complications to develop. Though cats generally recover from FPN-related illness, the illness can recur if cats who have had the disease become stressed or develop other ailments.
Feline Panleukopenia (FPV): Sudden Onset, High Mortality
Feline panleukopenia a very contagious, dangerous disease that happens suddenly, causing fever, loss of appetite, dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, hypothermia, and, all too often, death. The virus that causes feline panleukopenia can survive for long periods in a contaminated environment, but it can also be eliminated from that environment by a dilution of household bleach. Cats and kittens are both susceptible, though mortality is higher in young cats. Cats become infected when they ingest the feces of an infected cat.
* This combination vaccine is given sometimes as young as 6 weeks of age than repeated 3 to 4 weeks later for two additional times. It is boostered again the following year, than every 3 years thereafter.
Your Kitten's Vaccination Schedule
No matter what kind of kitten you've selected, its vaccination schedule should begin at six to eight weeks of age. After that, regular revaccinations are needed to keep your cat healthy. See your veterinarian to establish a vaccination and revaccination schedule.
