Vaccines for Cats: Why are They Important?

Vaccines for Cats: Why are They Important?

Vaccines for Cats: Why are They Important?: Ensuring your pet’s health is a crucial aspect of their overall well-being. By making sure your pet receives the necessary vaccinations at the appropriate intervals, you can protect them from common illnesses and enhance their overall health and lifespan. Here is some additional information regarding the essential and suggested vaccinations for your kitten or cat.

Essential Vaccines

Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital provides a comprehensive range of three core vaccinations. The vaccines for feline rhinotracheitis and feline calicivirus are effective in preventing a respiratory disease commonly known as ‘cat flu’. This illness can be transmitted from one cat to another through coughing or sneezing, and it can impact cats of all ages. However, young kittens are especially vulnerable to it. It is recommended to receive an annual vaccine boost to ensure ongoing protection against re-infection.

More Vaccines

Additionally, we provide the option of vaccines for feline leukaemia. This is a condition that weakens your cat’s immune system and makes them more vulnerable to infections. We also offer vaccines for feline immunodeficiency virus This is a slow-acting infectious disease that also impacts the immune system.

When is the ideal time to vaccinate my pet?

Vaccinations for kittens typically start when they are between 6-8 weeks old and will need to be given regularly during their initial months. It is crucial to ensure that vaccines are administered to young kittens at the appropriate time. And this is because they gradually lose the protection provided by maternal antibodies against diseases.

Your veterinarian will provide guidance on the recommended frequency of vaccinations for adult cats, taking into consideration their age and lifestyle. Ensure your pet receives comprehensive coverage for all preventative care by choosing one of our wellness packages. These packages conveniently combine vaccinations and other preventative treatments into an affordable bundle.

Should I Get Vaccinations for My Indoor Cat?

Even though your furry friend may spend most of their time indoors, it’s still important to make sure they receive the necessary vaccines. This includes the core vaccinations for feline rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus, and feline panleukopenia.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that these illnesses can be life-threatening, emphasizing the need for total protection. When your inquisitive feline ventures outside, there is a risk of them ending up in a shelter or encountering other cats, which could potentially expose them to harmful diseases. It’s important to be aware that kittens can unfortunately acquire diseases at a young age, either before you bring them home or even while they are still in the womb. This means that there is always a chance of these diseases resurfacing in cats who are not adequately protected.

Understanding the Risks of Vaccination

Typically, common vaccines pose minimal risks. Your pet may experience a mild reaction at the injection site, but rest assured that serious side effects are unlikely. Ensuring the utmost protection for your kitten involves keeping them indoors until ten days after their final vaccination. Annual boosters are crucial for ensuring the effectiveness of vaccines.

If you’re interested in scheduling vaccinations for your pet, feel free to reach out to Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital at 08 9524 6644 or visit our contact page for additional contact options.

Also visit – Go West Handbook

Shortage of cat vaccination

There is a current shortage of cat vaccinations in the veterinary industry at the moment, with an estimated return of stock beginning to mid 2024.

What this means for you;

  • We have a limited number of vaccinations in stock. These will be reserved for those cats who are most at risk, kittens and 1st adult vaccines.
  • Cats going into catteries, you will need to contact your local catteries for advice on what their plans are for animals who’s vaccination is not up to date.
  • We will advise those owners who’s pets are due for vaccines as soon as supply is available.

If you have questions or concerns regarding the vaccine shortage, please do not hesitate to contact Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital on (08) 9524 6644 or email us on admin@portkennedyvet.com.au.

Alternatively refer to the following link outlining the Feline Vaccine Shortage and the current recommendations.

https://www.ava.com.au/news/feline-vaccine-shortage/

Special Vet Care for Kittens

It’s important to make an appointment with your vet as soon as possible after adopting a new kitten. After all, you’re bringing a new family member into your home. You should arrange a thorough health check to make sure your kitten is healthy but also to ensure they aren’t bringing any infectious diseases or parasites with them that could affect other pets or people.

The First Check Up

Your kitten’s first check up will start with a comprehensive physical exam. This will involve a visual check on the health of their eyes, ears, fur and teeth, as well as measuring your cat’s temperature and weight. Your vet will listen to their heart and lung health and feel for any abnormalities in other internal organs to make sure kitten’s life gets off to the best possible start. Faecal and blood tests may also be taken at this time.

Vaccinations

Kittens are particularly at risk of contracting a number of diseases as they gradually lose the antibodies passed on by their mother and are left with no protection. There are three essential ‘core’ vaccines for your kitten – rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia. These vaccines can begin to be administered around 6-8 weeks of age and then boosted over the following few months. Your vet will provide you with a schedule of vaccinations to follow in order to ensure your cat gets the best possible protection against infectious disease.

Microchipping

Microchipping is a legal requirement in Western Australia and should be completed in the first few months of your kitten’s life. The process is as simple as a small injection in the back of the neck and it means your pet has a very high chance of being returned to you if it gets lost.

Flea Prevention

All pets will be exposed to fleas at some stage once they are outside and interacting with other animals. Kittens can begin to receive preventative treatment against fleas from 2 months of age, and all pets in your household must be treated at the same time.

Worm Prevention

Kittens need to be treated to protect against heartworm and intestinal worms regularly from a very young age. When you purchase our kitten wellness package, this includes 12 months of protection against these harmful parasites.

Desexing

All male cats outside of breeding colonies must be desexed and it is highly recommended to desex females as well. Pets who have been spayed or neutered are healthier, more relaxed, less likely to roam or fight, and ultimately better to live with. Your kitten should be desexed before 6 months of age at the latest.

Total Wellness

All of the treatments listed above are available in the Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital kitten wellness package, designed to give the best possible chance of preventing, detecting and managing any illness your pet may develop. The wellness package provides an excellent start to your kitten’s long life of health and happiness.

If you’d like to purchase one of our popular wellness packages for your kitten, call Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital now on 08 9524 6644 or visit our contact page for more ways to get in touch.

Important Vaccines for Cats

Important Cat Vaccinations for Pets

Important Cat Vaccinations for Pets: Preventative treatment is a vital part of your pet’s health. By ensuring your animal gets all the vaccines they need at the right times, you can prevent them from contracting common diseases and maximise the quality and longevity of their life. Below we provide more information on the necessary and recommended vaccinations for your kitten or cat.

Core Vaccines

At Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital, we offer a set of three core vaccinations. The feline rhinotracheitis and feline calicivirus vaccines both prevent a common respiratory disease, often simplified as ‘cat flu’. This disease is easily spread between cats through coughing or sneezing and can affect cats of any age, but kittens are particularly susceptible. This vaccine should be boosted annually to prevent re-infection.

The third vaccine in our core set is for feline panleukopenia, which is a highly contagious and deadly viral disease. Fortunately, the vaccine is very effective at providing immunity and the disease is no longer very common.

Additional Vaccines

We also offer optional vaccines for feline leukaemia – which suppresses your cat’s immune system leaving them susceptible to infections – and feline immunodeficiency virus, which is a very slow-acting infectious disease, also affecting the immune system.

When Should My Pet Be Vaccinated?

Kitten vaccinations begin at between 6-8 weeks of age and will be boosted regularly during their first few months. Young kittens will inherit maternal antibodies to give them protection against disease, but this fades as they grow so it’s vital to arrange vaccines at the right time. For adult cats, your vet will advise you on how often they need to receive vaccinations as this will depend on their age and lifestyle. To make sure your pet is fully covered for all preventative care, you can purchase one of our wellness packages, which include vaccinations and other preventative treatments in one simple, affordable bundle.

Does My Indoor Cat Need Vaccinations?

While it may seem counterintuitive, indoor kittens and cats will still require vaccines, especially the core vaccinations against feline rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus and feline panleukopenia.

It’s important to remember that these diseases can be fatal, making complete protection absolutely necessary. If your curious cat wanders outdoors, ends up in a shelter or comes into contact with another cat, they may be exposed to dangerous diseases. Many kittens also contract diseases at a young age before you meet them or even in utero, meaning the possibility of a disease recurring in unprotected cats is always possible.

What Are the Risks of Vaccination?

In general, there are very few risks associated with common vaccines. It’s possible for your pet to experience a mild reaction at the site of the injection, but more serious side effects are unlikely. When caring for a kitten, it’s important to keep them inside until ten days after their final vaccination to ensure they are fully protected. Vaccines are only effective when necessary boosters are given annually.

If you’d like to arrange vaccinations for your pet, call Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital now on 08 9524 6644 or visit our contact page for more ways to get in touch.

Also visit – Go West Handbook

The Importance of Health Checks

Regular health checks give pets and their owners the best chance of preventing, detecting and treating any possible illnesses, both immediately and in the future.

A full exam allows your vet to take a closer look at your pet and gives you the opportunity to ask about any unusual behaviour. Below you’ll find more information on the importance of health checks and how to manage your pet’s veterinary care.

 

Early Disease Detection

A key benefit of regular health check-ups for your pet is the potential to detect illnesses early on. There may be subtle changes in your pet’s behaviour that you don’t consider remarkable, but your vet may pick up on these as warning signs of something more serious. If your pet is diagnosed with a disease, the earlier the treatment starts the better the prognosis will generally be. This treatment could involve anything from surgery and medication to a simple change in diet, but whatever it is, you’ll want to get the ball rolling.

 

Preventative Treatment

There are many animal illnesses that can be easily prevented with treatment from your vet. Younger pets, in particular, will need a variety of vaccines to combat preventable diseases, along with treatments to deter parasites and worms. Your vet will help you construct a preventative healthcare plan for your pet over the next few years with scheduled treatments over time. At each check-up, the vet will also examine your pet’s weight and be able to warn you if they are becoming overweight, enabling you to make the necessary changes to avoid obesity.

 

Important Checks

During an annual health check, your vet will complete a thorough nose-to-tail examination of your pet. They will check ears for mites and infection, and examine eyes to make sure your pet has no issues with vision such as cataracts or glaucoma, which can lead to more serious issues. Internal organs will be checked using a stethoscope and physical manipulation to make sure there are no abnormalities. Another essential area of investigation is your pet’s mouth. Tooth or gum decay can cause your pet pain without you even realising it. This can lead to more serious abscesses or even tooth loss.

 

Total Wellness

At Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital, your pet’s health is our primary concern. In order to give you the best possible service and value for money, we’ve developed a range of wellness packages to provide excellent preventative care for your dog, cat, puppy or kitten. The plan includes regular health checks as well as parasite treatments, essential vaccinations, deworming and discounts on further consultations. Explore either our dog and puppy or cat and kitten packages to find out more, and keep your pet healthy for less.

If you’d like to purchase a wellness package for your pet then call Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital now on 08 9524 6644 or visit our contact page for more ways to get in touch.

What Happens When You Don’t Vaccinate Your Pet?

Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital Vaccinations

Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital VaccinationsMany Australian pet owners have misconceptions about vaccines, which significantly impacts the health of our pets. If you’ve made the decision not to vaccinate your canine or feline friend, it’s important that you have a full understanding of what this may mean for their health and wellbeing.

We’ve put together some helpful information for pet owners who are still confused about pet vaccinations and are unsure about whether to book their cat or dog in for their shots.

Read on to find out more about the importance of vaccinating your pets and some practical information on the most common core vaccines.

 

What You Need to Know about Vaccinations

Vaccines work by exposing your pet’s immune system to an infection. This causes the animal’s white blood cells to start producing antibodies. The antibodies bind to the infection and neutralise it, working to kill off cells that have been infected.

Your pet’s body will remember this process and if their system is ever struck by the same infection, they’ll automatically produce the same strong immune response to fight it off.

Why is it Important to Vaccinate Your Pet?

Vaccinations are a very important part of your pet’s preventative health care. To provide them with the best possible protection, both cats and dogs need to be vaccinated while they are still young. By making sure your puppy or kitten is vaccinated early, you provide them with the best chance at a long and healthy life.

Diseases such as rabies, hepatitis, parvovirus, feline leukaemia and FIV can be very serious and even fatal, especially in puppies and kittens. It’s important to take preventative healthcare measures to make sure your cat or dog is protected against these diseases in the first place, rather than attempting to treat them at a later date.

Important Vaccinations for Cats

Feline Enteritis (also known as Feline Panleucopenia)

Feline Enteritis is very contagious, with symptoms of depression, loss of appetite, uncontrollable vomiting and diarrhoea, often with blood and severe abdominal pain. The disease has a high death rate, especially in kittens.

Feline Respiratory Disease (Cat Flu)

90% of cases of cat flu are caused by the feline herpes virus or feline calicivirus. Cat flu affects cats of all ages, but especially young kittens and Siamese and Burmese cats. It is highly contagious and causes sneezing, coughing, runny eyes, nasal discharge, loss of appetite and tongue ulcers.

Feline Leukaemia (FeLV)

Feline Leukaemia virus attacks the immune system, causing lack of appetite, weight loss and apathy, pale or yellow mucous membranes, vomiting, diarrhoea, reproductive problems and tumours.

Chlamydia (also known as Chlamydophila)

Feline Chlamydia causes a severe persistent conjunctivitis in up to 30% of cats. Kittens are at particular risk of Chlamydia when also infected with Cat Flu.

Important Vaccinations for Dogs

Canine Parvovirus

Canine Parvovirus is a serious and potentially fatal disease that attacks the intestines, causing bloody stained diarrhoea, uncontrollable vomiting and severe abdominal pain. Dogs often die from severe dehydration and overwhelming infectia through this disease.

Canine Distemper

Distemper is a serious and highly contagious viral disease that causes fever, coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite and depression. Muscle tremors, fits and paralysis usually occur later in the disease.

Canine Hepatitis

A viral disease that’s extremely contagious amongst dogs and often fatal. Symptoms include high fever, depression, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, and acute abdominal pain.

Canine Cough

A highly infectious disease most commonly spread through puppy schools, boarding kennels or dog parks. Dogs develop a dry hacking cough which can persist for several weeks and they may be at risk of pneumonia as a consequence of infection.

Canine Leptospirosis

A serious disease that is spread by the urine of rats, leptospirosis is usually transmitted to dogs by contaminated food and water or rat bites. It can cause high death rates in dogs and t can be passed to humans, who may then suffer a persisting flu-like illness.

Include Dog or Cat Vaccinations in Your Pet’s Wellness Program

Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are always up-to-date. Talk to your vet about creating a wellness package that covers all the necessary core vaccines that they need to stay healthy.

Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital offers a range of affordable wellness packages for cats, dogs, kittens and puppies that provide regular preventative care for the health of your pet.