| Cat Vaccination
Schedule
The age of cat that is well nursed by queen for the administration
of vaccine is about nine to twelve weeks. Start the vaccine at 6weeks
of age itself in orphaned kittens.
With regard to the vaccinations, the cat owner should understand
that the vaccine might be a killed vaccine or live modified or attenuated
vaccine, basically. Toxoids, mixed vaccines, sub unit vaccines are
the other examples of vaccines.
The live vaccines have merit of requirement of single dose in case
of cat species that have 12 weeks of age for the production of immunity
against diseases and if it is a killed vaccine, usually two doses
are required in cats.
Certain times, additives may be incorporated to stimulate immunity.
Immunity in cats vaccinated with killed vaccine may not last long
unlike the case with live vaccines. Vaccinations against leptospirosis,
calci virus, herpes virus and feline panleukopenia need to be carried
out. (Combo Vaccine for Cats)
Vaccination against feline infectious
peritonitis
Feline infectious peritonitis is one of the pathogenic and immune
mediated viruses in cats and in countries with known availability
of disease, the vaccinations are regularly carried out in cats and
often, an attenuated, live virus vaccine is used in cats by means
of intranasal route. If exposure situations are suspected, then
the protection is a must in cats.
Vaccinations against feline leukemia
In general, the vaccine for feline leukemia is regularly given in
most of the countries to cats.
Rabies Vaccination for cats
Most of us know very well that incidence of rabies in cats is negligible,
but we should not take this into account as house cats are at risk,
as bats do enter homes. Rabies is always fatal in an unprotected
cat, hence first vaccination (primary dose) should be given at the
age of 12 weeks or more with subsequent annual vaccination.
Cat Vaccination- How often?
Booster vaccinations may be carried out as soon as the new cat is
procured. However, the booster vaccine needs to be given once in
a year and if the area is endemic to a particular disease. However,
there is no wrong to give a booster vaccine earlier to the prescribed
period. Booster vaccinations may be given, not earlier than 21 days
of primary vaccination.
Cat Vaccine Cost
Generally, most of the private clinics are charging huge amount
for vaccine your pet. You can contact the nearest SPCA or Blue Cross
to get low cost cat vaccinations. The fees are as follows: -
1. Rabies Shots for Cats $6
2. Combo Vaccine for Cats $10
Combination vaccines for cats include FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis,
calici, panleukopenia). You should keep the cat vaccination health
records in a perfect manner for future reference of vaccination.
Still why are you waiting? Explore the possibilities of low cost
cat vaccinations in your area by visiting your local SPCA
or Blue Cross websites.
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