VACCINATIONS

All dogs and cats should be vaccinated against the diseases that cause life threatening illness, are contagious or widespread. Vaccines help to protect the animal against these disease. The vet will administer the vaccine either by injection into the fat under the skin or into the muscle of the thigh. The vaccines in Canada are very safe. In order to receive licensing in Canada the vaccines must undergo safety trials. A small number of pets may have a reaction such as tiredness, fever for 24 to 48 hours and may not have much appetite after receiving the vaccination. It is rare that an animal will suffer anaphylactic reactions which includes swelling of the face, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea and collapse. If such a reaction occurs, bring your pet to the vet or a 24hr animal emergency clinic.

There are two categories of vaccines: Core and Non-Core.

Core Vaccinations

These are for the diseases that your animal is more likely to encounter.

• Feline Panleukopenia

• Feline Rhinotracheitis

• Feline Calicivirus

• Rabies

Feline Panleukopenia or commonly known as feline distemper is very widespread and a potentially fatal viral disease. Vaccination against this illness is of utmost importance as most cats are likely to be exposed to it in their lifetime. Kittens who are born from feamale cats who have this virus may suffer permanent brain damage. Prevention is through vaccination.
Symptoms include:

• fever

• depression 

• loss of appetite

• vomiting

• diarrhea

• severe dehydration

• sudden death.

Feline Rhinotracheitis is the most widespread and severe upper respiratory infection in cats. The airways of cats become infected with tiny organisms. The vaccine may not prevent this disease but it will greatly reduce the severity.
Symptoms include:

• fever

• loss of appetite

• sneezing

• tearing

• discharge from the nose and eyes

• breathing from the mouth

• coughing

Feline Calicivirus is another virus which affects the upper respiratory system in cats. It accounts for about 40% of the upper respiratory infections in cats. Should your cat come in contact with this virus and is treated successfully, cats infected with this virus can become chronic virus carriers and suffer from sneezing and runny eyes for life.
Symptoms include:

• fever

• blisters and ulcers on the tongue

• poor appetite

Rabies is a major health hazard. In Canada, where the risk of contracting rabies is high, vaccination of cats and dogs is mandatory. If you travel with your pet outside of Canada, it is required by municipal law to have your pet vaccinated for Rabies. Rabies is a fatal disease which attacks the nervous system.
Symptoms of the "dumb" form include:

• listlessness

• weakness

• paralysis

or "furious" form include:

• abnormal aggression

Non-Core Vaccinations

• Feline Leukemia Virus

• Feline Chlamydiosis

Feline Leukenia was discovered in 1964 but a vaccine against this disease was only available since 1985. Cats acquire this disease by coming into contact with other cats who have this disease. Feline Leukemia attacks the immune system which makes the cat vulnerable to other infections and health problems such as leukemia tumors and bone marrow suppression. Cats that live with other cats in your house and cats that are allowed outside to roam around are at high risk. Some may not show signs of Feline Leukemia for several years. Death usually results within three years.

Feline Chlamydiosis was also know as Feline Pneumonitis. It causes a mild upper respiratory infection which also affects the mucous membranes of the eyes.
Symptoms include:

• sneezing

• nasal discharge

• tearing

Vaccination Schedule

Depending on the age of your cat, where you live and if your cat will be an indoor or outdoor cat, your veterinarian is the best source of information for determining what vaccinations your cat will require. Following is an example of a vaccination schedule that your vet may recommend for a new kitten.

* depends on local laws and which type of vaccine.
** vaccination protocols may vary. Verify with your veterinarian.

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