4 Core vaccinations for cats
Cat vaccines are medicinal preparations which keep some major disorders away from them. They also ensure cats good health. These vaccines are available in two categories, one is the core vaccine category and the other one is non-core vaccine category. Core vaccine is recommended for every cat at some time in his/her life cycle whereas non-core vaccines are not recommended for every cat rather it depends on factors such as their place of living and lifestyle. We have put together a list of core vaccines for the cats. Read on.
1. Panleukopenia
Panleukopenia is disorder of cats caused by parvovirus attack and is also named as feline distemper. It is fatal disease especially in young cats. Routine vaccination can protect the cat from the attack of this viral infection. Vaccinations are the only protection against panleukopenia. The first Panleukopenia (FPV) vaccine is injected when the kitten is of six to eight weeks. In an infected area, veterinarian recommends it when the kitten reaches the age of six weeks and is given in series at an interval of every three to four weeks which is continued till the kitten acquires the age of 16 weeks. After 16 weeks of age, a final vaccination is given at the age of 1 to 2 years to strengthen their immune system. Normally a blend of Panleukopenia vaccine and feline viral respiratory disease complex vaccines are injected in a single dose.
2. Viral Respiratory Disease Complex
A vaccine containing the blend of calicivirus and herpesvirus is injected in the kitten to prevent feline viral respiratory disease complex. They are also mixed with panleukopenia vaccine and is given at least twice. This combination of vaccination may be given at an early age of 6 weeks with the last vaccination not before 16 weeks of age. A booster is also recommended when the kitten completes one year, followed every three years. As Viral Respiratory Disease is a serious complexity, this vaccine may not provide complete protection due to which the occurrence of the infection is seen even in vaccinated cats.
3. Virulent Systemic Feline Calicivirus
It is a recently introduced vaccine ( 2007 ) which will help the kitten fight with calicivirus. It is recommended for the healthy cats (8 to 10 weeks of age) followed by a second dose in three to four weeks. Annual boosters are also recommended to to minimize the occurrence of the infection. As it is freshly introduced vaccine, its effectiveness will only be proved in coming years. This vaccine is recommended for cats living only in those areas where the presence of VS-FCV is confirmed.
4. Rabies
Rabies is a complex disorder caused by retro viruses. Rabies vaccines are available in three forms including recombinant, nonadjuvanted canary pox vectored, and killed adjuvanted. Veterinarian mostly recommend a single dose of killed or recombinant rabies vaccine when the kitten completes the age of 8 or 12 weeks. In the case of recombinant vaccines, boosters are recommended annually followed by a vaccination after three years. Now a days, vaccinating cats with anti rabies is made obligatory by the law.
