Cats can be vaccinated against many different diseases; panleukopenia (infectious enteritis and feline parvovirus) a disease causing severe and often fatal gastroenteritis. Herpes virus type 1 and calicivirus, commonly termed “cat flu”, whilst not usually serious, it can cause long term problems including sneezing and eye problems. Leukaemia virus; whilst the majority of cats can combat this infection, 30% will become persistently infected by the virus. These cats could die from tumours or due to immuno-suppression caused by the virus. Some affected cats can appear normal and we can offer a blood test to ensure your cat is not infected before vaccination.
Generally kittens are vaccinated between 8 and 10 weeks and a second dose is given 3 weeks later. A kitten will not be fully protected until fourteen days after the second vaccination.
A booster vaccination is generally carried out yearly. Some panleukopenia vaccines can be given once every three years. All cats should receive a booster annually as adult cats can be susceptible to these infections as they grow old and their immune system becomes less efficient.
Chlamydial infection which is a particular problem in colony cats, causing painful inflammation and swelling of the membrane around the eye and has been associated with infertility in queens.