What vaccines do cats need to get?
Vaccinations in Cats
Immunization shots or vaccinations in cats are essential. In the UAE yearly vaccination against rabies is mandatory for these species, and requires registration of the same in the municipality. Not complying with these rules can cause fines or confiscation of your pet. Vaccinations protect pets from infectious and potentially fatal diseases, some vaccinations however also protect the public from exposure to zoonotic diseases. Pet hotels, boarding facilities, and daycare facilities all require pets to be vaccinated, to ensure the well-being of their attending pet community.
The rabies vaccine is a core vaccination. Rabies is a fatal disease that can be transmitted to humans. Yearly vaccination boosters are mandatory in the UAE, whereas other countries can allow longer booster times, depending on the validity of the Manufacturer’s advise for the vaccine they produced.
Tricat or FVRCP protects cats from common diseases. FVR-Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis caused by a herpes virus and C-Calicivirus can both cause respiratory diseases. And P-Panleukopenia virus attacks the gastrointestinal tract, causing bloody mucous diarrhea and vomiting that can lead to severe dehydration. These viruses are airborne and Panleukopenia can also spread via bodily fluids. Panleukopenia is very resistant to most disinfectants and can stay infectious for close to a year. All 3 virus infections are highly contagious. This vaccination can be given at the age of 8 weeks followed by a booster after 3 – 4 weeks. Continued virus control by annual vaccinations. Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and FIV (feline Immunodeficiency virus) are viruses that cats can be transmitted from fights and breeding. Unfortunately, the vaccine for FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) is not yet proven to be as effective to ensure 100% protection in cats, but when used interferes with the testing interpretation for the disease. Both viruses lower the immunity of the cat by interfering with the Immune system as it is making the animal susceptible to secondary infections and cancerous processes. If diagnosed at an early stage the cats, however, can live a good life with regular controls and adjusted support to ensure the disease will not progress.
As the saying goes, “Prevention is always better than cure”. Many pet diseases can be prevented by the right vaccination. So, as a pet owner, you need to be aware of the importance of regular pet health examinations and vaccination.
