Cat vaccinations

In light of it being 'Immunisation Awareness Month', here is some information on the diseases we vaccinate our feline patients against.

Feline Leukaemia Virus 

Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) is a serious infection that affects the immune system and blood cells of cats. It can cause anaemia, cancer, infections and death. FeLV can be spread by contact with infected saliva, blood, urine or milk, or by bites from infected cats. FeLV can also infect kittens in the womb or through the mother's milk. FeLV can affect cats of any age, but young, sick or outdoor cats are more at risk. Vaccination can protect your cat from FeLV and prevent the transmission of this life-threatening disease to other cats. If your cat goes outside, even just your garden, we recommend vaccinating your cat against FeLV as part of their core vaccinations.

Feline Cat Flu (Upper Respiratory Tract Disease) - feline herpes virus and feline calicivirus 

Feline upper respiratory tract disease covers various infections affecting the nose, throat and eyes of cats. The most common causes are feline herpes virus and feline calicivirus, which can cause sneezing, runny nose, conjunctivitis, ulcers and fever. Feline upper respiratory tract disease can be spread by contact with infected cats or by contaminated objects. Feline upper respiratory tract disease can be very unpleasant and painful for cats and can lead to chronic problems or complications. Vaccination can protect your cat from feline upper respiratory tract disease and reduce the risk of spreading the infection to other cats.

Feline Panleukopenia 

Feline panleukopenia is a viral infection that affects the bone marrow and intestines of cats. It can cause severe diarrhoea, dehydration, anaemia, immune suppression and death. Feline panleukopenia can be spread by contact with infected faeces, blood, saliva or fleas, or by exposure to contaminated food, water or bedding. Feline panleukopenia can affect cats of any age but is more likely to be fatal in kittens and pregnant cats. Vaccination can protect your cat from feline panleukopenia and prevent the outbreak of this highly contagious and deadly disease among other cats.