Richview Animal Hospital Offers Cat Vaccinations

At Richview Animal Hospital, we understand the importance of cat vaccinations. If you have a fully grown cat or a kitten, routine vaccinations can help to keep the pet healthy. Without them, these animals are susceptible to a wide range of life-threatening medical conditions. When you bring your pet in for wellness exams, we’ll talk about your pet’s needs.

Common Cat Vaccines and Kitten Vaccines

Cat vaccines and kitten vaccines should be given according to your pet’s vet’s recommendations. The most common vaccinations include the following:

Feline Respiratory Infection: This is a highly contagious disease with symptoms such as sneezing, fever, and nasal discharge. It passes from one cat to another through coughing or sneezing. Vaccinations are available for this disease through a series of antibody injections.

Calici Virus: A viral respiratory disease, it creates upper respiratory signs, pneumonia, arthritis and oral ulceration. It’s common in kittens, and preventable through vaccinations.

Rhinotracheitis: Commonly found in domestic cats, it is a life-threatening condition that has symptoms such as sneezing, inflammation of the nose, conjunctivitis, fever, and inflammation of the eyes. It can cause miscarriages. All cats of all ages are susceptible to it.

Feline Chlamydia Psittaci: A chronic infection, it has symptoms such as upper respiratory signs, conjunctivitis, and mild pneumonia. Up to 10 percent of pets have a chronic presence of this condition, with kittens being most susceptible.

Feline Panleukopenia: Often referred to as distemper, this condition is very contagious with signs of depression, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, loss of appetite, dehydration, tremors and weakness. It’s transmitted between cats, and common in younger cats. Kittens receive boosters and then annual vaccines are necessary.

Rabies: This fatal condition requires routine vaccination to protect the life of the pet as well as humans. Cats will avoid contact with humans, become withdrawn and become aggressive if they have this condition.

Feline Leukemia: Also known as FeLV, this is a cancer-causing virus that can limit the function of a cat’s immune system, allowing them to be susceptible to infection. It is highly contagious and easily spreads. Kittens may be born with it and it may develop unnoticed for years without vaccination.

When Should Kitten Shots Happen?

Kitten shots are very important to help protect the pet’s life and aid in reducing the risk that the pet, with its limited immune system, will become ill long term. Your vet will provide a specific schedule based on your pet’s health. A typical kitten vaccination schedule is:

8 weeks old: rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia

12 weeks old: rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia, chlamydia, and feline leukemia virus (FeLV)

16 weeks old: rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia, chlamydia, FeLV, rabies (1yr vaccine) and feline leukemia (FeLV)

1 year old: rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia, chlamydia, FeLV, rabies (3 yr vaccine) and leukemia for cats with high risk

When Should Cat Vaccinations Happen?

Cat vaccinations for fully grown cats will also very. Generally, the goal is to ensure the pet has had all of the necessary vaccinations normally received as a kitten. If a cat has not had any of these vaccinations, your vet will create a schedule to get them caught up.

However, vaccinations do not stop at one year old. Like with humans, cat shots are necessary from time to time to maintain their antibody protection against these illnesses. At your pet’s annual wellness exam, your vet will discuss the specific types of vaccines necessary at that time. Adult boosters include:

• Chlamydia
• FeLV
• Rabies

These are often given in a single shot one time a year. Your pet may require a different vaccination schedule.

Schedule a Feline Vaccinations with Your Vet in Etobicoke, ON

Richview Animal Hospital in Etobicoke, ON offers full feline vaccinations in our offices. Schedule a consultation, wellness exam, or update on vaccines for your pet with us today. Expect exceptional care from our skilled team. Call us today for an appointment: (416) 245-8805.