Why should I vaccinate my Kitten?

 

Vaccination is important to prevent your cat from picking up nasty diseases in its environment. There are three contagious diseases that your kitten can be vaccinated against. All of these diseases can make your kitten seriously ill and are often fatal so vaccination is vital. Regular vaccination is helping to make these diseases less common.

What is your Kitten vaccinated against?

  • Herpesvirus and calicivirus disease (Cat flu)
  • Feline infectious enteritis (feline panleukopenia)
  • Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV)

 

Herpesvirus and Calicivirus disease

These viruses are the main causes of cat flu. The clinical signs include sneezing, runny nose and eyes, mouth ulcers, high temperature and lack of appetite. This disease is still very common and can be serious especially in kittens, older cats and cats with health problems. Most cats will survive the disease but unfortunately there are likely to have recurrences throughout their life. These disease is spread by  direct contact with infected cats.

Feline Infectious Enteritis

This disease is rare in the UK now because of regular vaccination but it is important to continue vaccinating against it to prevent an outbreak. Clinical signs include vomiting and diarrhoea and damage to the immune system. This disease is often fatal. It can be contracted from the environment.

Feline Leukaemia

This is a lifelong disease once contracted. It can be carried for several years with out any clinical signs and is spread through contact with other cats such as fighting, sharing food bowls or grooming each other. This disease affects the cats immune system leading to further problems and eventually tumours. Regular vaccination is helping to control this disease.

When should I vaccinate my kitten?

  •  1st vaccination - 9 weeks
  •  2nd vaccination - 12 weeks

However, it is another seven days after the second vaccination until full immunity is reached.


Two injections are given to ensure a good immune response, providing strong protection against the diseases. Up until the age of around six weeks the kitten is protected by its maternal antibodies it received from its mother’s milk. If kittens are vaccinated before eight weeks of ages these antibodies can interfere with the effectiveness of the vaccination.

Your kittens ’s immunity to these diseases will fade over time so regular vaccination is important. This also gives your dog the opportunity to have a full clinical examination to detect any problems and a chance for you to discuss any concerns with your veterinary surgeon.

 

Problems with Vaccination

Most cats show do not have any problems, however, some may be off colour for 24 hours post vaccination.


In rare cases a small lump can appear at the sight of injection but this usually disappears after a few days.


Vaccination may not have full effect if the cat has underlying health problems or has a poor immune system.
If you have any concerns contact the practice immediately.