Puppies and Kittens oh my! Part 2

Last blog we discussed puppy vaccinations and the diseases we are vaccinating against. This time we will discuss kitten vaccines.

Core Vaccines for Cats

Feline Panleukopenia (Cat flu/cat distemper)

Panleukopenia is a potentially fatal viral disease that causes vomiting, diarrhea, severe dehydration, fever, and sudden death. Kittens born to infected cats may suffer permanent brain damage. Vaccines against panleukopenia provide excellent protection.

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (Herpes virus) and Calicivirus

These organisms infect the airways of cats, cause runny eyes and nose, sneezing, mouth ulcers, and sometimes a reduced appetite. Vaccines against these “cold” viruses may help increase resistance to infection and reduce severity of disease.

Rabies

All mammals including humans are at risk of contracting rabies, which is almost invariably fatal. Rabid pets may display a "dumb" form that is characterized by listlessness, weakness and paralysis, or the "furious" form of rabies characterized by abnormal aggression. In some parts of Canada, where risk is high, vaccination of pets is mandatory. Rabies is required by law in Ontario.

Non-core Vaccines for Cats

Feline Leukemia Virus

This virus causes a multitude of disorders from tumours, (including leukemia), to bone marrow suppression, to silent infection, although some infected cats may not show clinical signs for several years. All kittens under one year of age should be vaccinated against feline leukemia virus (FeLV) because they are at greatest risk for infection. Adult cats that go outside or that live with any FeLV-infected cat should be vaccinated.

The schedule for above vaccines is as follows:

8 weeks – first FVRCP vaccine

12 weeks – second FVRCP vaccine

16 weeks – third FVRCP vaccine and rabies

If you have any questions regarding vaccines, please don’t hesitate to call us at 905-372-2721.

If you have a new puppy or kitten check out our puppy/kitten wellness plans.

They take the stress out of budgeting for that first year of ownership! https://www.pineridgevet.com/puppy-kitten-wellness-exams