Dec 17, 2010

Cat vaccination recommendations


Vaccination recommendations are in a state of flux at the moment. However, kittens must have their first check up and vaccination at 8 weeks of age. Boosters at 12 and 16 weeks protect against enteritis and cat flu for 12 months.
Feline Enteritis causes vomiting and diarrhoea and is usually fatal.
Cat flu caused by Feline Rhinotracheitis Virus and/or Feline Calicivirus is not often fatal. Early signs of cat flu are sneezing and watery eyes. Later, affected cats go off their food, lose weight and may develop chronic snuffles. Flu is contagious to other cats and cats with signs of flu cannot enter boarding catteries. Flu vaccination minimises signs of disease but does not guarantee full protection against infection.
Cats beginning the vaccination schedule after 12 weeks of age receive one booster a month later.
Your cat will need a booster vaccination 12 months after the initial course.
After that your vet will decide at your cat's annual checkup what vaccinations are necessary.
Vaccines work best in healthy cats, so a full examination is mandatory before each vaccination.

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