Puppy cat vaccine: which one and when to do it but especially why
Vaccinating your cat is one of the most important decisions a human who loves his kitty can make.
Kitten vaccines, especially, are essential: because kitten cats are more vulnerable to disease and infection, they need adequate protection from the earliest months of life.
Unvaccinated kittens can contract serious and in some cases, even fatal diseases.
The trivalent cat vaccine
Also known as FVRCP, it is the so-called“trivalent” and protects cats against three viral diseases: feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirosis, and panleukopenia.
– viral rhinotracheitis (FVR) is a respiratory infection caused by Feline Herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) and is widespread: about 80% of infected cats, regardless of the onset of more or less severe clinical symptoms, remain carriers of the virus.
– Calicivirosis (FCV) manifests itself through ulcers, excoriations, and blisters in the oral cavity, which are so painful that they cause the cat to stop eating, resulting in weakening.
– feline panleukopenia (FPV): parvovirus is a very environmentally resistant virus, and the infectious risks are aimed not only at unvaccinated cats in shelters, but also at house cats if unvaccinated, as the disease is carried by inert elements such as our shoes.
Depending on your cat’s background and lifestyle, your Veterinarian may recommend other vaccines also available in monovalent form.
The monovalent vaccine against FELV
Opting for monovalent vaccines allows for a more personalized approach, aimed at covering only the specific risks to which the cat is exposed.
A monovalent is the one against feline leukemia virus (FELV).
A FeLV test should be performed before vaccination to verify that the cat is seronegative (i.e., not infected).
Otherwise, in fact, vaccination would be absolutely useless.
Cat vaccination: first inoculation and recalls
The vaccination schedule for puppy cats is typically divided into several phases:
- First vaccination (6-8 weeks): puppies receive their first trivalent vaccination.
- Recalls (12 weeks): proceed with a second course of trivalent, often accompanied by monovalent against feline leukemia.
- Final vaccination (16 weeks): at this age, the cat receives the last dose of trivalent and, if necessary, that against feline leukemia.
Trivalent recalls are recommended every 1-3 years based on veterinary guidelines and the animal’s individual risk.
How much does it cost to vaccinate the cat
The cost of cat vaccines may vary depending on the region and the veterinary facility or clinic, but they are more than affordable.
These figures, which some consider high or unnecessary, must be compared with the inestimable value of an animal’s life and the potential costs of veterinary care for preventable diseases.
Therefore, it is extremely irresponsible and short-sighted to believe that saving money on vaccines is a viable option.
Remember that every euro saved today could turn into enormously higher expenses in the future, as well as cause the animal to suffer if not even die.
Only the Veterinarian can vaccinate
Vaccination is not a simple procedure, but an essential part of preventive medicine that requires the expertise and approval of a veterinary physician.
In fact, before vaccinating, the veterinarian conducts a thorough clinical examination to ensure that the animal is in good health.
This step is critical, as vaccinating an already sick cat may not be effective or even harmful.
Next, the Vet customizes the vaccination plan based on factors such as age, lifestyle (whether he lives only indoors or goes outdoors) and the geographical area where the cat lives.
To perform the fecal check, an absolutely essential act before proceeding with vaccination, and to establish the vaccine prophylaxis plan for your cat, contact the veterinary doctors on our staff who are always at your disposal.
We would also like to remind you that Clinica La Veterinaria is always open h24 every day including holidays and with First Aid service from 8 pm to 8 am.
