Vaccinations for cats are vital for pet health
Cat vaccinations protect our feline friends from contracting or passing on infectious diseases and health conditions. Like all pets, cats are susceptible to many life-threatening diseases, but with advancements in veterinary healthcare have dramatically reduced the number of cases. Due to this reduction and by way of them not being highly reported, it is easy to assume that they are no longer a threat to cats, but they still do remain a constant danger, meaning the having the correct and properly timed dog vaccinations is the best way to keep your cat safe.
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Cat Vaccinations - how they work
The type of vaccines Sandhole Vets recommend will be based on your cat's lifestyle, risk factors and current guidance. Modern vaccines give protection to multiple diseases with just one or two injections.
The vaccines for cat vaccinations contain harmless (either weakened or dead) variants of viruses and other infectious agents. When a cat is vaccinated, the immune system responds by generating a protective mechanism by forming antibodies. If your cat becomes exposed to the actual disease later, those antibodies will prevent the disease from developing further.
Booster Vaccinations for Cats
Cat vaccinations don't give lifelong immunity from diseases, so regular cat booster vaccinations are recommended. If your cat is registered with us, we can send your reminders for when they are due, helping you to stay on top of your cat's healthcare. It is also a good opportunity for your cat to have a full health check at the same time.
Diseases that Cat Vaccinations help prevent
- Cat flu (feline herpes virus and feline calicivirus)
- Feline infectious enteritis
- Feline leukaemia virus
Vaccinations for Kittens
The primary vaccination course for puppies helps to overcome the remaining antibody protection that they still have from their mothers. The first vaccination is usually given at eight weeks old, followed by a second two to four weeks later (no earlier than 10 weeks old), allowing for an early socialisation programme. At the second puppy vaccination appointment, we will provide you with your certificate of vaccination.
Annual boosters need to be taken to make sure immunity remains effective.
The team here at Sandhole Vets can provide the following vaccinations for puppies:
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Parvovirus
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Leptospirosis
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Distemper
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Canine Infectious Hepatitis
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Rabies
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Leishmaniasis
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Herpes vaccination
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Kennel Cough
A full health check is booked for every dog and puppy that is having a vaccination to ensure that they are in good health before giving the injection.
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Cat Vaccinations FAQ section
Why does my cat need to have vaccinations every 12 months?
Depending on the disease that your dog is being vaccinated against, the period they are protected will differ. Certain diseases only carry around 12 months of protection, which is why a yearly booster is recommended. Even though your dog might be vaccinated every 12 months, it is not always against the same diseases – your vaccination card will show you which diseases they are getting boosters for each visit. Visiting us every 12 months for vaccinations also means your dog gets a full annual health check, which is equally important!
Does my cat need to be vaccinated if they live inside?
Although your dog may not go outside, it is still possible for diseases to be brought into the house. They could be in soil on a dirty boot or transmitted through wildlife animals that could enter the home.
I have heard that cat vaccines are risky, and to avoid them – is that true?
Any veterinary procedure that is performed can carry some sort of risk; however, in the case of pet and dog vaccinations, it is important to remember that the benefits of being vaccinated greatly outweigh the risks. Vaccination reactions are rare, and where they do occur, they are mostly short-term and mild. Reactions of this nature show that the vaccine is effectively stimulating the immune system.
The team at Sandhole Veterinary Centre is always happy to talk to you about the benefits and risks of vaccinating your dog to help identify the most suitable strategy as part of their wider preventative healthcare programme.
Are there any schemes/offers at Sandhole Vets to help with covering the cost of my cat's vaccinations?
Our Friends and Family Plan offers the best value way to vaccinate your pet to ensure they have the preventative health protection they need over their lifetime. Being a member allows you the opportunity to spread the cost over 12 months whilst also receiving discounts on other services at Sandhole Veterinary Centre.
Please contact us if you would like further information on vaccination programmes for your pet or our Friends and Family plan.
