Keep Your Cat Protected with Cat Vaccinations
Preventative cat vaccinations have been proven to significantly reduce the occurrence of many life-threatening infectious diseases in pets. Sadly, these diseases remain common and can be fatal to our cats.
It's important to remember that vaccines do not provide lifelong protection, and your cat’s immunity will diminish over time. To maintain ongoing immunity, our vets recommend an annual booster vaccine. This ensures your cat remains protected against harmful diseases.
Cats, like dogs and rabbits, should receive vaccinations from an early age, usually when the immunity passed on from their mother begins to decline. This helps ensure strong, lasting protection as they grow.
What Diseases Do We Provide Cat Vaccinations For?
As part of our cat vaccination programme, there are a few essential vaccines that we recommend giving to your cat. These are:
Cat Flu
Cat flu (Rhinotracheitis Vaccine) is a general term for upper respiratory infections caused by certain feline viruses and bacterial infections. It is an illness that causes similar symptoms to human flu (a high temperature, sneezing, weepy eyes and a snotty nose). Cat flu can be serious, especially in kittens; some recover, but others become carriers and continue to have symptoms throughout their life. Cat vaccinations reduce these symptoms and prevent your cat from falling ill.
Feline Enteritis
Feline Parvovirus, also known as Feline Infectious Enteritis (FIE), is a virus that can cause severe and potentially fatal diseases in cats, particularly kittens. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this virus and is highly contagious to other individuals. Leadon Vale supplies cat vaccinations to prevent this disease.
Feline Leukaemia Virus
Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) is a disease that impairs the cat's immune system and can cause cancer. The virus is spread through the saliva and is usually passed to other cats by bite wounds. A leading cause of death in cats.
Feline Chlamydophila
Feline Chlamydophila is a bacteria that invades and infects your cat's eyes and is one of the most common causes of conjunctivitis in cats.
Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease that is nearly always fatal in affected animals, including cats. It is not generally found in the UK but vaccination is mandatory if you plan to take your cat abroad.
Book your cat vaccination appointment here today
When to Get Cat Vaccinations
The primary cat vaccination course for kittens consists of two injections. As with puppies, kittens will have some protection from their mothers in their bloodstream, which is why a second injection of the vaccine is required to complete immunisation.
Kitten vaccinations start from nine weeks of age for Cat Flu, Enteritis, and Feline Leukaemia. A second vaccination is required three to four weeks later. We then suggest an annual cat vaccination.
A full health check is booked for every cat that has a vaccination to ensure that they are in good health before giving the injection.
The Importance of Cat Vaccinations
Vaccines do more than just protect your cat from life-threatening diseases; there are several other reasons why vaccinating your cat is essential:
Protecting Other Animals: Vaccinating your cat not only shields them from illness but also helps prevent the spread of diseases to other animals. A vaccinated cat is less likely to contract or transmit viruses, contributing to the health of neighbourhood pets and local wildlife.
Peace of Mind: Knowing your cat is protected from a range of dangerous diseases allows you to feel more at ease, whether your cat is exploring outdoors or interacting with other animals.
Reduced Healthcare Costs: Vaccinations can save you money in the long run by preventing your cat from developing serious illnesses that require costly treatments or diagnoses.
Travel Convenience: Many cattery facilities require cats to be vaccinated. If you ever need to leave your cat in a boarding facility while you're away, being up-to-date on vaccinations ensures a smooth and worry-free process.
The Cost of Cat Vaccinations
While the cost of vaccinations is a factor to consider, it is important to compare this with the potential expense of treating preventable diseases. At Leadon Vale Vets, we strive to offer affordable and transparent vaccination services to keep your cat healthy and protected.
Schedule Your Cat Vaccination Today
Contact our team to book your cat vaccination today. If you have any questions, we are sure that our staff will be happy to answer and help with anything needed. Call us on 01531 632276
Book your cat vaccination appointment here today
Cat Vaccinations FAQs
Why are cat vaccinations essential?
Vaccinations are essential for providing your cat with the right level of protection from life-threatening and debilitating diseases. There is the option of Titre testing, which involves blood samples to determine your cat’s immunity. Unfortunately, this is not always 100% reliable and can be costly to perform. Cats also staying in boarding or cattery facilities are often required to be vaccinated if you're planning to go on holiday.
Do indoor cats need vaccinations?
Indoor cats still require vaccines, but this may be a reduced course that only includes cat flu and enteritis. However, many indoor cat owners still have a full vaccination course each year just in case their cat decides to go out exploring!
What happens if you do not vaccinate your cat?
Deciding not to vaccinate your pet runs the risk of your cat contracting various harmful diseases. If you also want to travel with your cat or need them to stay in boarding facilities or catteries, most sites require up-to-date vaccination status and will not accept unvaccinated animals. By administering simple yearly vaccinations to your cat, you can help him or her live a long, happy, and healthy life.
Should you vaccinate an older cat?
As long as your cat is fit and healthy, we would always recommend vaccinations for your cat, however old they are as they are vital in protecting your cat against dangerous diseases.
Can a vet tell if a cat has been vaccinated?
There is no way to tell if a cat has been vaccinated physically; however, if your cat has a vaccination card, previous vet records or microchip details, our team can look into your cat's history where possible.