What is vaccination?

Vaccination is the process by which we can protect your cat against some of the most serious cat diseases, by giving injections as a kitten and by "topping up" the cover with the all important annual boosters.

What diseases can be prevented?

Cat 'flu

'Flu is a respiratory disease causing conjunctivitis and discharge from the eyes and nose. The mouth can be ulcerated and the cat becomes fevered and depressed. As you will know the smell of food is important to your cat and 'flu cats often stop eating and drinking completely resulting in rapid weight loss and dehydration. Prompt and aggressive treatment is required to support the animal whilst the cat's defence mechanism tries to get rid of the virus. Fortunately the majority of treated cats do survive and some manage to rid themselves completely of the virus. However, a sizeable number are left unable to clear the virus and although they appear to recover, they carry the virus for the rest of their lives being potentially infectious to other cats. The carrier cat tends to exhibit 'flu symptoms again and again, when under stress or ill for another reason.

Cat 'flu symptoms are usually as a result of one of two viruses, Rhinotracheitis or Calicivirus. Calicivirus is the most difficult to deal with as there are many strains, most causing 'flu but others cause joint pain and lameness.

Vaccination is the only preventative measure that we have but even vaccinated cats can, on occasions, show Calicivirus symptoms from these more unusual "wild" strains. Research is constantly ongoing to incorporate extra strains within the vaccine.

Calicivirus is one of the major causes of the distressing mouth problems (stomatitis) we see in cats. The virus attacks the edges of the gums causing redness and ulcers. This leads to pain when eating and usually a loss of appetite and weight. Repeated and fastidious dental cleaning combined with long term medicines are usually required to help these cats. In extreme cases all the teeth need to be extracted to allow healing of the gums.

This is a dysentery disease characterised by profuse watery and sometimes bloody diarrhoea, vomiting and profound dehydration and depression. Many affected cats are dead within 24 hours.

This is another respiratory disease causing a particularly nasty conjunctivitis, but also general 'flu symptoms, fever and depression. Fortunately we cure almost all cats of the disease but a lengthy course of antibiotics and eye treatment is usually necessary. It is thought that Chlamydia causes over a third of conjunctivitis in the cats we see.

Chlamydia can also cause infertility in breeding queen cats.

This is a sinister viral disease which destroys the immune system allowing the cat to fall victim to all sorts of infections and certain tumours. It has been shown that 80% of diagnosed cats succumb to one of the consequences within three years. Cats can contract leukaemia before birth, or from mating or being bitten by infected cats. In addition saliva exchange during mutual grooming in multi cat households can spread the disease over time.

Unfortunately there is another immune destroying virus called Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). There is, as yet, no vaccine against this disease.

Which vaccines does my cat need?

Traditionally, cat vaccines all contained just 'flu and enteritis and we see many cats who come to us with only this protection.

More recently, vaccines have been developed against Chlamydia and the Leukaemia virus. The most useful vaccines are combined ones with 'flu and enteritis plus Chlamydia or leukaemia. There is unfortunately no vaccine, as yet, combining all of the diseases.

We use Felovax 4, the only combined 'flu, enteritis and Chlamydia vaccine and recommend its use for all cats as even exclusively

indoor cats are at risk of infection, brought in by human visitors.

If your cat goes out or has contact with others we advise Felovax 4 plus a leukaemia vaccine. This gives your cat the full protection he or she needs.

We have more detailed leaflets from the vaccine manufactures. Please ask for a copy.

When do I vaccinate my cat?

Normally, we vaccinate kittens from nine weeks of age. In addition, we offer a free check up to apparently healthy kittens under vaccination age and we can discuss all the routine matters such as feeding, worming, grooming and litter training as well as deciding which vaccination course is most appropriate.

Kittens receive two vaccinations, three weeks apart. Adult cats who have had no vaccines or where their boosters have been neglected receive what we call an "adult starter". This comprises two injections three weeks apart and this will bring the protection up to scratch.

As part of any vaccination, we include a full clinical examination and discussion of any matter arising. At Oak Tree Veterinary Centre, we shall make a 20 minute appointment for your cat's vaccination, giving you ample time to talk about any aspect of your cats's care.

Boosters are given twelve months after the starter course and every twelve months thereafter.

Why you should vaccinate your cat.

As you will have read, vaccination is the only way to protect your friend from these serious or fatal diseases.

Your cat depends upon you and only you for all his or her needs and this is not limited to feeding, exercise and companionship.

Part of being a responsible guardian is arranging preventative measures such as vaccination and worming as well as seeking help when accident or illness strikes.

Even if you choose not to vaccinate your cat, we shall support you and offer prompt and conscientious treatment should your cat suffer from any of these serious diseases. We have the facility to hospitalise pets and provide round the clock care having both the facilities and most importantly, dedicated staff.

However, I can assure you that from my experience, the most pain the owners feel comes from the fact that the illness or loss of their pet could have been so easily avoided.