Cat Vaccinations

Health should be the top priority as you strive to give your feline friends the best pet care possible. You can protect cats from deadly infections that could compromise health through timely and complete vaccinations.

Our experienced veterinarians at Pet Agrees Wellness Services in Gordonsville, TN, can guide you through the vaccinations for your cat to help smooth out your care efforts. We have included some of the necessary vaccines you should focus on in the article below. 

Feline Panleukopenia (FPV) Vaccine

If you have a young cat, you have every reason to worry about FPV. Feline pneumonia (FPV), also known as feline distemper, is a deadly disease mostly affecting young cats. Its fatality rates are well over the roof. According to a PubMed study, it has a 90 percent fatality rate in kittens.

The FPV virus attacks rapidly dividing cells in the cat's body, causing a decline in white blood cells. As a result, the cat’s immune system is compromised, causing severe gastrointestinal issues such as:

●       Vomiting

●       Diarrhea

●       Dehydration

You can protect your feline companion from all these complications through an FPV vaccine. It is often administered as part of the core vaccine series for kittens. This vaccine series starts when the kitten is around 8 to 16 weeks. Adult cats only need a booster a year after the initial vaccine, then once every three years.

Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1) and Feline Calicivirus (FCV) Vaccine

As a cat owner, you may already know the dangers of respiratory infections in cats. These two viruses, FHV-1 and FCV, are often the major culprits for upper respiratory infections and related complications. The key symptoms of infection in cats include:

●       Sneezing

●       Nasal discharge

●       Fever

●       Pneumonia

The viruses are highly contagious, making vaccination crucial, especially for multi-cat households or neighborhoods. Ensure the FHV-1 and FCV vaccines are administered as early as six weeks to keep your cat safe.

Moreover, you should follow the vet’s recommendations for subsequent boosters to guarantee active immunity. You should also maintain a low-stress environment for your cat and avoid overcrowding as much as possible.

Rabies Vaccine

Rabies is the most well-known pet disease, mainly due to the risk of transmission to humans. It often leads to excessive aggression in cats, meaning that even the most docile pets can easily bite with the slightest provocation. The worst part is it’s almost 100 percent fatal in cats, meaning you may not have a chance to save your beloved pet. Timely vaccination may be your best bet for keeping your pet safe.

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) Vaccine

Feline leukemia is another major cat killer, mainly because of its associated health complications, like anemia, lymphoma, and immunosuppression. If your cat is social and likes to spend time outdoors, you should have it vaccinated against FeLV as early as eight weeks.

The virus easily spreads among cats through close contact, which is hard to monitor if your neighborhood has multiple cats. After the first vaccination, our vet will advise you on the follow-up boosters, typically at 12 and 16 weeks.

Safeguard Your Cat’s Health with Pet Agrees Wellness Services

As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Advancements in veterinary medicine can safeguard your cat against devastating diseases through preventative care and vaccines.

Contact Pet-Agrees Wellness Services at Gordonsville, TN, to book a vaccination appointment. Kitten vaccines are the only surefire way to secure your cat’s health early in life. Call our office at (615) 683-6600 to schedule an appointment.