Vaccinating Your Cat

^* Leukaemia vaccination is by far the most relevant vaccine available for cats at the present time. Leukaemia is prevalent amongst cats that wander outside and injure themselves through fighting or scratches. It is a terrible disease that causes terminal cancer within a matter of weeks and we so relieved that protection is now available. The Leukaemia vaccine is a fantastic breakthrough and dispels any concerns that your beautiful cat will fall ill with Leukaemia.

There is also a vaccination against Chlamydia, a respiratory infection that causes conjunctivits and eye problems in cats. It is the same disease that causes blindness in Koala bears and aborigines, but infection from cats to humans is unlikely. We recommend F4 as the routine vaccination because the cost difference is negligible.

Dr. Marshall will explain more when he sees for your cat's yearly vaccination.

How Vaccines Work

Vaccines work by exposing your cat's immune system to a small amount of the disease-causing agent (virus or bacteria) by injection. The viruses and bacteria contained in vaccines are inactivated or weakened, they are not capable of causing the disease when given correctly. Some vaccines require two or more doses before the maximum level of protection is produced.

Following the complete vaccination programme, the immune system produces antibodies and special cells that "remember" the viruses and bacteria contained in the vaccine. Thus, when your cat comes in contact with the real disease, the immune system will "remember" what was in the vaccine and rapidly eliminate the infection. Immunity wears off over time, so it is important to ensure that your cat receives yearly booster vaccinations for ongoing protection.

Following the vaccination, your cat may be quieter than usual and possibly have a reduced appetite for 1-2 days. They may also be some tenderness around the injection site (as with humans) in a small number of cats.

Diseases of Cats

Feline Enteritis (Panleukopaenia)
A highly infectious, fatal viral disease caused by feline parvovirus. This virus is very hardy and can survive in the environment for many months - special disinfectants are required to eliminate the virus. The virus is shed in the stool of an infected cat, and is easily spread of food bowls, bedding, clothing and shoes.

The disease signs in an infected cat or kitten include high fever, depression, loss of appetite, uncontrollable vomiting, diarrhoea with blood and severe abdominal pain. Pregnant cats that are infected may abort or give birth to kittens with severe brain damage. The mortality rate can be very high, particularly in kittens. This disease is not as common as it once was due to the highly effective vaccines now available.

Feline Respiratory Disease (Cat Flu)
Feline Respiratory Disease, also known as Cat Flu, is caused by a number of viruses and bacteria, although the majority of cases are due to feline calcivirus or feline rhinotracheitis (feline herpesvirus). The two viruses affect cats of all ages and are usually spread by coughing, sneezing or by direct contact with another cat. The viruses can be easily spread via food bowls, bedding, cat boxes and a person's hands.

The signs of infection include fever, sneezing, coughing, discharge from the nose, conjunctivitis, ulcers on the tongue and eyes, loss of appetite and lethargy. The symptoms may persist for up to three weeks, but after recovery the cat may become a carrier of the virus and infect other cats for months or even years.

Feline Chlamydia
Feline chlamydia generally only results in mild conjunctivitis in one or both eyes. It mainly occurs in young cats under 12 months of age and is more likely to occur in multi-cat environments such as breeding catteries. Chlamydia can be easily treated with a course of antibiotics.

Feline Leukaemia Virus
This virus is rare in Australia compared to many other countries around the world. It mainly occurs in breeding catteries and multi-cat households, where young kittens usually become infected by their mother in the first few weeks of life. Infection with this virus is much less likely in cats over 12 months of age. The effects of the virus develop slowly over a number of years and may include weight loss, lack of appetite, diarrhoea, leukaemia and tumours. A blood test is available to detect this virus in infected cats.

Also see information about Tick Paralysis.

Copyright © 2002 Rob Marshall, All Rights Reserved.