You\’ve just brought home a beautiful little kitten. You cannot help but purchase the best foods, entertaining toys, a cute collar, perhaps a warm cozy bed to provide the safest and happiest environment for your small kitten to grow up in. So what\’s next? Vaccinating your cat of course! But what vaccinations do cats need, and when can they start?
We are joined by The Cat Vet\’s veterinary surgeon, Dr. Oonagh Fitzgibbon to answer the most commonly asked questions regarding feline vaccinations. (I = interviewer/ D.O = Dr. Oonagh)
I: Thank you so much for your time, Dr. Oonagh. We will start by asking one of the most frequently asked questions – why do we need to vaccinate our cats?
D.O: Vaccinations are absolutely crucial for cats, just like they are for humans. Prevention is key, and vaccinations will aid in protecting your cat (especially kittens) from various life-threatening and infectious diseases and viruses.
I: Even if my cat only stays indoors all the time?
D.O: Absolutely. Even though your cat may be a strictly indoor cat, owners could at any time bring in different types of diseases (even from under our shoes!) which could possibly be exposed to unvaccinated cats at home.
I: What types of vaccinations do cats need to receive?
D.O: There are two most common core vaccinations that all cats must receive which is the PCH vaccination (also known as Tricat) and the Rabies vaccination. Other than this, there is also a vaccination against Feline Leukemia which vets may recommend.
I: You mentioned the PCH vaccination. Could you please explain what this is?
D.O: The PCH vaccination protects cats against Panleukopenia, Herpes Virus and Calicivirus. Panleukopenia is also known as Parvo, a dangerous gastrointestinal virus, which can be extremely fatal if not vaccinated against. It is a highly contagious and very stubborn virus as well which can last in an environment for long periods of time. The Herpes Virus and Calicivirus together create upper respiratory tract infections and the cat flu.
I: Rabies is not something we hear often about in the UAE. Does my cat still need to be vaccinated against it?
D.O: Although it may not be a disease we come across in this country, the Rabies vaccination is mandatory by law in the UAE.
I: And the vaccination against Feline Leukemia?
D.O: Feline Leukemia is often referred to as FeLV. It is considered a non-core vaccination, but if your cat is an outdoor cat (as FeLV can be transmitted through fighting), or if you already have a cat at home who has tested positive for FeLV, the vet will advise for your cat to be vaccinated.
I: When can all these vaccinations be given?
D.O: After a thorough health checkup by a vet, kittens can receive their first dose of the PCH vaccination as early as 8 weeks old. A booster for this vaccination must be given 3-4 weeks after until the kitten reaches 16 weeks of age. One dose of the Rabies vaccination can be given from 12 weeks onwards. The Rabies vaccination must be repeated every year by law. The PCH vaccination is also a part of the annual vaccination with Rabies, but depending on the cat\’s vaccination history and whether or not he/she is an indoor or outdoor cat, our vets will advise having it done once every 2 years to prevent over-vaccinating.
I: Are these vaccinations safe for cats?
D.O: All vaccines have to undergo rigorous safety and efficacy testing before they are licensed for use in cats by regulatory authorities. When used appropriately by a licensed veterinarian, they are very safe.
I: Thank you very much for all this important information. Any last comments?
D.O: I cannot emphasize this enough – vaccinate your cats! Prevention is key!
For further questions regarding vaccinations or to book an appointment,
please contact us at 800CATVET.
