There are numerous diseases, which may be fatal to cats. However, there is a defense available that may help in fighting these lethal conditions. I am talking about feline vaccinations. These are beneficial in bolstering the immune system and fight different infections. Nonetheless, feline vaccines are easily the most prickly subject in the veterinary medicine. That being said, it is important to have a guide in cat vaccination, as well as the proper knowledge about it. Give this article a read and learn more about cat and kitten vaccination.
We begin with the kitten vaccination.
Guide in Cat Vaccination: What are the types of feline vaccination?
All cats need vaccinations. This is for them to stay healthy. The vaccinations, by description, protect the kitten against the contraction of various diseases. Further, there are two types of cat vaccinations, including:
- Non-core cats vaccinations. These are not significantly suggested for all felines. Rather, these kinds of vaccines are suggested just for the cats, which are at higher danger of infection. In the non-core vaccinations case, the lifestyle of the cats should be evaluated in order to know the risk of the disease, as well as whether the hazard that’s in association with the vaccination is much bigger than the possibility of the cat acquiring the disease.
- Core cats vaccinations. These are vaccinations, which protect against particularly dangerous and/or especially common diseases ad are suggested for all the adult cats, and kittens.
Non-Core Kitten Vaccinations
The non-core vaccinations for cats include the feline Giardia vaccines, Chlamydophila felis, FIP or Feline infectious peritonitis, FIV or feline immodeficiency virus, and FeLV or feline leukemia virus.
The FeLV vaccine is suggested by various vets for all the kittens, while some other vets recommend the vaccine just of the kittens that are at risk of the disease. Further, the decision must be based on the lifestyle of the pet, and the discussion you have with the vet.
Furthermore, the FIV vaccination is mainly for cats that are at much higher risk for the disease. The FIV is a disease that’s mostly spread from a cat to another, via bite wounds. On the other hand, the FIP and Giarda vaccines are usually not suggested due to their questionable efficiency and some safety issues.
Core Kitten Vaccinations
All the kittens must get a vaccination, which shields against feline calcivirus, feline rhonitracheitis, as well as feline panleukopenia or FVRCP. These are diseases, which are naturally ubiquitous and often present in the over-all cat population. Furthermore, the calcivirus is among the most common viral sources of the upper respiratory infections in cats. The protection for all three viruses is commonly provided in one-mixture vaccine.
The schedule for vaccination for the FVRCP may start in as quickly as 6 weeks of the age. The kittens gets vaccinated once in every 3-4 weeks, ’til they finally reach the 16th week of age. Nonetheless, in order to avoid the excess vaccination, most of the vets will recommend beginning the injection at the 8th week of age. This will be followed by the boosters at the 12th and 16th week.
The rabies is one more core kitten vaccination. Remember, rabies is a deadly disease, which may affect not just the cats, but some other animals as well, including us humans. Your cat may actually receive rabies vaccination in as promptly as 12 weeks old, yet this mainly depends on the law and the vet.
Adult Cat Vaccination Schedule
It is a common thing for cats to need boosters on the core vaccines a year after the initial kitten vaccines. After this booster, the vaccines are usually boosted each 1-3 year, basing on certain vaccine used, as well as the lifestyle of the cat itself. You may consult your cat for some advice regarding the proper vaccination schedule for your cat.
Moreover, the non-core vaccines are boosted annually. However, just only for the cats at risk for the certain disease. Your vet may help you in determining the relative risk to the cat, varying on the lifestyle of the cat. As well as help in laying out the effective vaccination schedule, according to the individual needs of a cat.
Costs of Cat or Kitten Vaccinations
One of the most important things to know about the guide in cat vaccination is the cost of it.
The cost of the vaccine for cats and kittens may vary extensively on the geographical location, the individual vet practice you have, the kind of vaccine, and some other factors. The costs that’s ranging from about $20 up to $45 aren’t that unusual for an individual vaccination only. Further, most of the vets may want to perform some medical test before the vaccine. This may add another $50 up to $100 into the overall cost. Furthermore, your cat may also need more than one vaccine in a visit. For example, your cat or kitten might need to receive some rabies vaccine, together with FVRCP vaccination.
A lot of practices offer packages, which include multiple procedures for cats. For example, a new cat may get a first vaccination, physical examination, deworming, feline leukemia test, as well as fecal examination. All of these during the same visit. The cost might be ranging from $70- up to $250. This may rise if neuter or spay surgery is included in the package.
