We’re really into the kitten season this time of year. Many people have taken a look into a sweet little kittens face and fallen in love, that’s what happened to me. You want to have your new kitty for many, many years to come and I always vote on the side of prevention. The best thing you can is to make sure you stay on top of their yearly shots.
These shots can be a little confusing so I’ve simplified them here.
Be sure to have your kitten vaccinated with a combination vaccine (called a 3-in-1) at 2, 3 and 4 months of age and then once a year. This vaccine protects cats from Panleukopenia (also called feline distemper), Calicivirus and Rhinotracheitis (flu-like viruses).
If you have an unvaccinated cat older than four months of age, he needs a series of two vaccinations given two to three weeks apart, followed by a yearly vaccination.
There is a vaccine available for Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). This is one of two immune system viruses (retroviruses) that infect cats. The other is Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). There is no vaccine available for FIV.
Cats can be infected with either virus for months to years without any indication that they are carrying a fatal virus. You cannot look at cats or kittens and know if they are infected-a blood test is necessary. Infections can be transmitted at birth from the mother or by being bitten by an infected cat. Neither virus can infect humans.
Many outdoor and stray cats and kittens carry this infection. All cats should be tested for these viruses. Because of the fatal nature of these diseases, you should not expose the cats already living in your home by taking in untested cats or kittens.
To be safe, keep your cat indoors, but if your cat does go outside, be should its vaccinated against feline leukemia virus. And remember that no vaccine is 100-percent effective. Vaccines protect your cat from specific viral and bacterial infections. They are not a treatment.
If your cat gets sick because he is not properly vaccinated, the vaccinations should be given after your pet recovers.
Take your cat to see your veterinarian at least once a year for an examination and annual shots, and immediately if he or she is sick or injured.
Your Best Friend Is Counting On You!
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Photo by Ainhoa released under Creative Commons
