Cats do not have nine lives, WebMD said.
But a cat owner can protect his or her cat from diseases and keep the cat healthy for many years by giving the right vaccines, it stressed.
“Shots protect your cat from diseases caused by viruses and bacteria. They can also strengthen her immune system, “ said WebMD in “What to Know About Cat Vaccinations.”
Your vet can tell you the best vaccines to give a kitten or an adult cat who was recently added to the household.
“Whether you have a kitten or an adult cat, your vet can help you figure out which vaccines are best and how often your kitty should get shots. It usually depends on her age, overall health, and lifestyle, “ WebMD said.
It added: “The vet will also think about how long vaccines are supposed to last and how likely your cat might be to come into contact with a certain disease. Also, many local and state governments have laws about vaccines like rabies.
When to vaccinate
Kittens should start vaccination at six (6) to eight (8) weeks old. A series of shots is given.
A booster shot is given every year.
“The shots come in a series every 3 to 4 weeks. Adult cats need shots less often, usually every year or every 3 years, depending on how long a vaccine is designed to last,” WedMD said.
Important vaccines
The recommended vaccines for all cats are those that protect a cat against:
Rabies
Panleukopenia (also known as feline distemper)
Feline calicivirus
Feline viral rhinotracheitis
“The feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia vaccinations often come in a combination shot (FVRCP), which is sometimes called the ‘distemper shot,’” WebMD said.
Extra shots may be recommended depending on how much time the cat spends outside the house, how often she is around other cats, and the diseases that are common in the area. These shots include:
Chlamydia: A vaccine which is often part of the FVRCP shot.
Feline leukemia: This is a serious viral infection that spreads through body fluids like saliva, feces, urine, and milk. A vaccine against this is recommended for cats who spend any time outside. Prevention is a priority as feline leukemia cannot be cured. Sad to say, the vaccine is not yet available in the Philippines, a Filipino vet said.
Bordetella: Cats who go to the groomer or stay at a kennel need to be vaccinated against Bordetella as this spreads quickly in spaces where there are lots of animals. The vaccine will not prevent the disease, but it will keep your cat from getting very sick from it.
“If your cat stays inside all of the time, you might think she’s automatically protected from these kinds of diseases. But she could still catch airborne germs that might come in through a window or door. And even the most docile kitties sometimes make a run for it. If your cat gets outside, you want to make sure she’s protected. Indoor cats may also pick up bacteria and viruses when they stay at a kennel and if you bring a new cat home, “ WebMD said.
Vaccines will not keep your cat immune form diseases 100 percent.
It is important to limit your cat’s contact with infected animals and to environments where diseases may be more common to keep your cat healthy, WebMD stressed.