Many people keep pets at home. Over time, animals become members of our family. But it won’t happen if you plant it, you need proper care. The most important thing in this case is vaccination at the right time.
There are some diseases like rabies, diphtheria, flu, which can spread from animal to human or from human to animal. Also, children like to play with pets, especially cats or dogs. These animals can often scratch themselves while playing. Therefore, after bringing the pet home, the necessary vaccinations should be given.
There are different types of vaccines to prevent different diseases. Vaccination helps animals to produce antibodies and fight against pathogens, viruses, bacteria, etc. In this way, vaccinations help protect pets and you.
Animals have some serious diseases, which can lead to death. Once sick, medicine no longer works. Therefore, household pets should be vaccinated before they become ill. Some of these diseases, such as cat and dog rabies, can also be transmitted to humans. Therefore, vaccination is necessary for the protection of pets and humans.
Does the cat need to be vaccinated?
Vaccinations are designed to stimulate a cat’s immune system to produce antibodies against specific diseases. These antibodies protect against future infections. Below are the core vaccinations which is recommended for all cats include:
- Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR): Also known as feline herpesvirus, this highly contagious respiratory infection can cause sneezing, nasal discharge, and conjunctivitis in cats.
- Calicivirus (FCV): Another common respiratory virus, calicivirus can lead to symptoms such as fever, ulcers in the mouth, and limping syndrome.
- Rabies: A fatal viral infection that affects the nervous system of mammals, including humans. Vaccination against rabies is not only crucial for your cat’s health but also required by law in many regions.
Vaccination time
The first flu vaccine should be given after the cat is 3 months old. A booster dose should be given within 21-28 days after the first vaccination. It lasts for 1 year after the booster dose. So vaccination should be done every 1 year. Rabies is a serious and life-threatening infectious disease of cats. ‘Rabies vaccine’ protects cats from rabies. It has different tenures of 3 years, 1 year, 6 months.
Vaccination Schedule:
multiple doses to ensure adequate protection. Here’s a general guideline for the vaccination schedule:
- 6-8 Weeks: Initial vaccination for FVR, FCV, and panleukopenia.
- 10-12 Weeks: Second dose of FVR, FCV, and panleukopenia vaccines.
- 14-16 Weeks: Final dose of FVR, FCV, and panleukopenia vaccines, along with the first rabies vaccine.
- Annually: Booster shots for FVR, FCV, panleukopenia, and rabies vaccines to maintain immunity.
It’s essential to adhere to this vaccination schedule to ensure your cat receives optimal protection against preventable diseases.
Potential Side Effects:
- Soreness at the injection site: Your cat may experience mild discomfort or swelling at the injection site, which usually resolves within a few days.
- Lethargy: Some cats may feel tired or sluggish for a day or two after vaccination.
- Mild fever: A slight increase in body temperature is not uncommon and typically resolves without intervention.
Signs of an allergic reaction include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, vomiting, or diarrhea. If you notice any kind of allergenic symptom immediately contact a veterinarian
Costs of Cat Vaccinations:
The cost of cat vaccinations can vary depending on factors such as your location, the veterinary clinic you visit, and the specific vaccines administered. On average, the initial round of core vaccines for kittens may range from $50 to $100. This cost typically includes the examination fee, vaccine administration, and consultation with the veterinarian.
Booster shots for adult cats are usually less expensive, ranging from $10 to $30 per vaccine. Some veterinary clinics offer vaccination packages or wellness plans that include routine vaccinations, examinations, and other preventive care services for a discounted rate.
Conclusion
While the upfront cost of vaccinations may seem daunting, it’s important to consider the long-term benefits. Vaccinating your cat not only protects their health but also prevents the spread of contagious diseases within the feline population.
It is possible to ensure the good health of pets through proper and adequate vaccination. This allows both other family members and pets to have a nice hassle-free time.