Vaccination of kittens. What do pet owners need to know? Why vaccinate kittens? When is the first injection given? What is the vaccination schedule? What to expect? What complications can occur after the procedure?

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Your new kitten deserves the best. This means maintaining good health to ensure your pet's growth and development. Vaccines are an important part of your kitten's veterinary care plan.

Basic vaccinations are necessary to prevent your kitten from getting sick and to avoid spreading the disease. So to speak, stratify the risks of the kitten dying from dangerous viral diseases.

Why vaccinate a kitten?

When kittens are born, their immune systems are not fully developed and they cannot fight off infectious diseases on their own. Luckily, they can get protection from their mothers. Breastfeeding mothers pass on immune protection through antibody-rich milk called colostrum. These maternal antibodies give the kittens temporary immunity against disease. The length of this immunity varies among kittens. Protection from maternal antibodies usually wanes significantly between 9 and 18 weeks of age. And after this time, outbreaks of dangerous infections are observed, which often end in death.

There is no easy way to know exactly when a kitten is vulnerable to a particular disease. To strategically protect kittens from disease, veterinarians vaccinate kittens at regular intervals. The vaccine is designed to trigger an immune response in kittens and prevent future infection from this disease.

All kittens need certain core vaccines

, which provide immunity against the most dangerous and common diseases. Basic vaccines are considered necessary for kittens in most countries of the world. Depending on your location and your kitten's environment, some additional non-core vaccines may also be recommended by your veterinarian. Talk to your veterinarian about your kitten's risk of contracting these diseases.

Why do cats need vaccinations?

Vaccinations for cats differ little from human vaccinations and any other vaccinations. The animal is injected with a drug containing weakened bacteria and viruses. When they enter the body, they provoke the production of specific antibodies, which in turn form a stable immune defense against harmful microbes and various diseases.

It is noteworthy that a cat must be vaccinated, even if the animal is constantly at home. The fact is that viruses that can infect a pet are literally everywhere. They can be found in the air, water and food of a cat, and a person can also carry the bacteria on his clothes.

The first vaccinations for a kitten are given at a very early age - 2 months. This helps to form a strong immune system and protect the baby from external harmful influences. Vaccination is carried out strictly in accordance with the approved schedule; before the injection, double deworming must be carried out with a break of 10 days. You also need to treat fleas and ticks on the animal’s body.

Immediately before the vaccine is administered, the pet is examined by a veterinary doctor, and additional tests are prescribed if necessary.

VACCINATION ALGORITHM

The tactics of preventive vaccination of dogs and cats are the SAME

PRIMARY PREVENTIVE VACCINATION OF CHILDHOOD ANIMALS

• THREE TIMES, starting from 8 weeks, with an interval of 3 - 4 weeks.
• Rabies: ONE TIME, in the last (third) vaccination of the childhood cycle.
• When the interval between revaccinations increases to six or more weeks, the cycle of childhood vaccines begins anew (two-fold complex).
• The next vaccination after the childhood cycle is carried out AFTER one year
  (complex with rabies), then - ANNUALLY (complex with rabies).
• It is optimal to recommend vaccination against leptospirosis 6 months after completing a set of childhood vaccines and then every six months.
• Cats: RCP 8 - 9 weeks; RCP 12 - 13 weeks; RCP + R 14 – 16 weeks

ANNUAL PREVENTIVE VACCINATION OF ADULT ANIMALS

• ANNUALLY, complex with rabies.
• In case of missing the next vaccination, even if the last vaccination was performed several years ago, we vaccinate ONCE

PREVENTIVE VACCINATION OF ANIMALS WITH AN UNDETECTED VACCINAL HISTORY

• QUARANTINE 14 days!!!
• During this time, anthelmintic therapy was administered twice.
• Primary TWICE vaccination with an interval of 3 - 4 weeks if the animal is older than 3 months.
• Primary THREE vaccinations with an interval of 3 - 4 weeks if the animal is younger than 3 months.
• The rabies vaccine is administered ONCE during the second (or third) vaccination.

LEPTOSPIROSIS

• We strongly recommend vaccination every 6 months, especially for hunting dogs.

CONTRAINDICATIONS TO PREVENTIVE VACCINATION

• Clinical signs of infectious/invasive disease
• Chronic viral infections in cats
• Pregnancy
• Immunosuppressive therapy
• Vaccination is not advisable at less than 8 weeks of age and within 2 weeks after the use of immune sera
• Deworming is important, especially for children's animals. However, the lack of deworming is not a contraindication to vaccination, especially for adult animals.
• Dermatophytosis and demodicosis are NOT contraindications to vaccination.

EMERGENCY VACCINATION AGAINST RABIES

• It is carried out if an animal that has applied for an appointment, which has NOT been vaccinated against rabies within the last year, has been bitten by another animal with an unknown history; or if the vaccination history of the bitten animal is unknown.
• There are no contraindications.
• It is advisable to perform if the injury period does not exceed 48 hours.

SELECTION OF INJECTION SITE

• SUBCUTANEOUSLY, in the CHIB area
• SUBCUTANEOUSLY, in the WITHERS area
• Subcutaneously in the tail area?
• Change of pelvic limb for EACH
• No change of injection site is required. subsequent vaccination
• Mandatory marking of the injection site in the vet. passport (letters L or R)

POST-VACCINAL SARCOMA OF FINES

• We inform owners about the possibility of such a complication!!!
• If a lump forms at the injection site, follow-up for 2 months.
• If the tumor persists or grows during the observation period, see a therapist and undergo a fine-needle biopsy.

What to pay attention to after vaccination

Often, vaccination does not cause any harm to the cat's body. But within 2-3 days the pet may seem lethargic, eat little and sleep a lot. This is a normal reaction that should not cause concern to the owner.

There are a number of points that you need to pay attention to after injection of the vaccine:

• Lack of appetite. If this condition continues for more than 2 days from the moment the vaccine was administered, then this is a signal to contact a veterinarian.
• Vomiting and loose stools. You must immediately contact a specialist. This reaction indicates infection of the body.
• Anaphylactic shock. Very rare, but it happens. This may be an individual reaction to the components of the drug. This condition usually develops within 15–20 minutes after administration of the drug. It is recommended not to rush home after vaccination, but to spend this time in the clinic. If after 20 minutes everything is fine with the animal, then you can no longer expect the development of anaphylactic shock and can safely go home.
• Swelling at the injection site. Typically this reaction goes away within 15 days. If swelling lasts longer, you should visit a doctor. It can develop into sarcoma, which is very dangerous for the pet’s health.
• Allergy. It can manifest as itching, redness of the skin and rashes around the lips, on the neck, and around the eyes. Some allergic manifestations may include vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and fainting. This will require professional care. Self-treatment is not allowed.
• Slight increase in temperature. This is the norm. The cat may suffer from aching joints, which will manifest itself through lameness. When vaccinated against chlamydia, fever is possible.

Any symptoms should not last more than 2 days. Otherwise, this is a signal that something went wrong. In this case, you should immediately consult a doctor.

How do vaccines work in kittens?

Kitten vaccines are usually first given at six to eight weeks of age and repeated approximately every three weeks until 16 to 18 weeks of age.

Some vaccines may be given together in one injection, called a combination vaccine (association vaccination). At your kitten's first veterinary exam, your veterinarian will discuss a vaccination schedule, as well as other treatments such as therapeutic deworming and a further parasite prevention regimen.

The vaccine injection itself is usually not painful. Your kitten may feel a little offended and depressed, but many pets do not react at all to the injection.

At your first visit, your veterinarian will examine your kitten before vaccination. Vaccines should never be given to a kitten with a fever or signs of overt illness, as the vaccine will not be effective. Giving a vaccine to a sick kitten may actually make the underlying disease worse.

Immunity does not develop immediately after the vaccine is administered. It takes five to 10 days for the immune system to take effect. However, kittens with remaining maternal antibodies will also be protected during this period. That is why you should not delay the first vaccination, but do it as early as possible from 2 months. It is impossible to be sure that the kitten still has maternal antibodies, so prophylactic exposures after injections are necessary. True immunity remains uncertain until the kitten is 16 to 18 weeks of age or has completed all preventive periods. Avoid exposing your kitten to unknown animals until all vaccinations are completed.

Preparation for the procedure

Before the injection is given, the animal must be prepared for vaccination. The first thing to do is deworming. Moreover, to cats that have never been wormed, medications should be given according to the following scheme: taking the drug against worms - taking the drug again after 5-7 days - vaccination. For animals that take anthelmintic drugs once every 3 months, the procedure is carried out once.

Only healthy animals can be vaccinated. The pet is examined by a professional veterinarian.

It is necessary to examine the kitten yourself: for conjunctivitis (sour eyes), skin irritations, fleas. However, after the procedure you should carefully monitor the little prankster.

Adult cats are not vaccinated:

• during pregnancy and feeding of kittens, a month before the planned mating;
• in stressful situations (travel, moving, the appearance of a new animal in the house);
• after previous illnesses (vaccination is done 30-40 days after treatment with antibiotics).

Kittens under one year of age are not vaccinated only in case of illness. Before the procedure you must:

• examine the animal in person and be examined by a veterinarian;
• treat for worms;
• treat for fleas and ticks.

There are combination drugs for parasites. But it is imperative to treat the animal against this unpleasant phenomenon.

Types of vaccines for kittens

Rabies is a deadly virus that can affect both cats and humans. This is the main vaccine that is usually required by law due to the severity of the disease. All kittens and adult cats must be vaccinated against rabies. Feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia. This is the primary vaccine considered necessary for all kittens. Calicivirus and rhinotracheitis are common feline viruses known to cause upper respiratory tract infections in cats. Panleukopenia, commonly called feline distemper, is a highly contagious and often fatal disease that affects rapidly growing and dividing cells, such as those in the intestines, bone marrow and developing fetus.

Feline leukemia virus is a vaccine that is considered a non-essential vaccine in cats. However, it is highly recommended for all kittens. Adult cats that will spend time outdoors should receive this vaccine annually. Feline leukemia is one of the most common infectious diseases in cats. It is most often spread through bite wounds or prolonged close contact with infected cats. Infectious leukemia can cause a variety of health problems in cats, including cancer and immune system disorders.

Feline Immune Deficiency Virus (FIV) stands for feline immunodeficiency virus, a common virus spread most often by bite wounds. This vaccine is non-core and is only recommended for cats at very high risk of exposure to FIV. Although many FIV-positive cats can live normal lives, those that are affected will suffer from various diseases due to immune system dysfunction.

What dangers do infectious diseases pose?

All vaccinations are divided into mandatory and recommended. Vaccinations against the following diseases are mandatory:

• Panleukopenia (feline distemper). A dangerous, difficult to treat, viral disease that affects the digestive organs, respiratory organs and heart, and also causes general dehydration of the body. If veterinary care is not provided in a timely manner, death occurs in 90% of cases. The disease is especially dangerous for kittens and older animals.
• Rhinotracheitis. The cause of the disease is feline herpes virus (FHV-1). When the disease occurs, fever, nasal congestion, tracheitis (damage to the upper respiratory tract), and conjunctivitis are observed. The disease is difficult to diagnose, often becomes chronic, and the herpes virus persists in the cat’s body even after treatment. The chance of death ranges from 5% to 20%.
• Calcivirosis. One of the most common dangerous viral diseases. Infection occurs through direct contact with a sick animal, from mother to kittens, while walking while sniffing the secretions of other animals, by air, and also through human shoes or clothing. The main symptoms of the disease are an increase in temperature to 40°C and above, the appearance of ulcers on the oral mucosa, conjunctivitis, excessive salivation, coughing and sneezing, bad breath, pneumonia. The disease does not pose a danger to humans, but in cats it leads to the death of the animal in 30% of cases.
• Rabies. A fatal disease characterized by damage to the brain (meningoencephalitis) and spinal cord. It is dangerous not only for animals, but also for humans.
• Owners who truly care about their pet’s health also vaccinate against the following diseases:
• Feline chlamydia. The causative agents of the disease are intracellular parasites (chlamydia). The mucous membrane of the eyes (conjunctivitis), respiratory tract, digestive organs and genitourinary system are affected. There is a small risk of human infection.

Approximate kitten vaccination schedule

• 2 months - panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirosis
• 3 months - panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirosis (revaccination) + rabies at the age of 1,2, 3…. etc. — revaccination against panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and rabies + additionally against leukemia, dermatomycosis (optional).

Recommendation of non-core vaccines depends on the geographic location, epidemiological situation, and your kitten's environment. Talk to your veterinarian about your kitten's potential exposure.

Each veterinarian has specific preferences regarding the order and frequency of additional procedures such as examinations, deworming and testing. Talk to your veterinarian about the best schedule for your kitten.

Schedule: how long does the vaccine last?

It is worthwhile to dwell in detail on the time of vaccine administration.

1. The first injection is given to a kitten after 8 weeks of life. The animal is vaccinated against panleukopenia, calicivirosis, rhinotracheitis, rabies, leukemia (at the owner’s request).
2. Revaccination is carried out at the 13th week of the animal’s life, when the milk teeth are replaced by permanent ones.
3. 12-week-old kittens are vaccinated against chlaimdia and re-vaccinated at 17 weeks.
4. A year after the first injection, revaccination is carried out to stimulate the production of antibodies.

The timing of vaccination and revaccination is postponed if the animal is sick.

Risks of vaccination

Although there are some risks associated with vaccination, they are relatively rare.

Vaccine reactions and side effects are usually minor and often resolve on their own. These may include pain and swelling at the injection site, lethargy, or mild fever. Severe allergic reactions are less common but can be fatal if left untreated. If your kitten develops hives, swelling of the face, or difficulty breathing, contact your nearest open veterinary clinic immediately.

Because vaccines stimulate the immune system, there is a small risk of developing an autoimmune disorder.

This is extremely unusual considering the number of animals affected compared to all animals that were vaccinated. However, autoimmune disorders can be serious and difficult to treat. Conditions that may occur include blood disorders, neuromuscular problems, and even skin problems.

Most veterinarians and pet experts agree that the benefits outweigh the risks when it comes to vaccines, especially for young animals. When it comes to adult cats, many veterinarians follow protocols that require vaccinations less frequently. Once given annually, some vaccinations for adults are more often recommended every three years, other than the mandatory annual rabies vaccination.

Possible complications and side effects

Most cats tolerate rabies vaccination well. The formation of lumps or redness at the injection site is considered normal.

Possible complications and side effects of vaccination include:

• the appearance of discharge from the eyes and nose;
• decreased appetite;
• blanching of the oral mucosa;
• an increase in the size of the lymph nodes;
• apathy, lethargy and drowsiness;
• increased temperature (more than 39 degrees);
• loss of control over urination and bowel movements;
• seizures similar to epileptic;
• mild muscle spasms and tremors of the limbs;
• pain in the area where the vaccine was administered;
• an allergic reaction in the form of a rash and severe itching.

A serious complication after vaccination that can lead to death is anaphylactic shock. In this condition, the cat develops severe shortness of breath, heart rhythm disturbances, and drooling profusely. If the animal is not helped, it begins to have muscle cramps, swelling of the larynx develops, which is why the pet cannot breathe and begins to choke. For anaphylaxis, the cat is given an injection of adrenaline.

If an animal has upset stool or vomiting, it is deprived of food for 20 hours. The animal is provided with a bowl of clean drinking water and given medicinal decoctions based on St. John's wort, oak bark, and chamomile. You can also offer your pet wet medicated food (Hills A/D, Hills I/D, Purina Pro Plan EN, etc.).

There is also one complication after vaccination, which is less common than others. It is sarcoma. An inflammatory process develops at the site of vaccine administration, resulting in a malignant, rapidly growing tumor. This disease can kill a pet in just a few months. Sarcoma is treated with surgery and subsequent chemotherapy.

Before administering the drug, you should make sure that the pet is completely healthy. Rabies vaccines can cause many negative consequences, but if you do not neglect preparation for the procedure, your cat will tolerate it without complications.

First-class kitten vaccinations

When kittens are fed by a cat's milk and colostrum, the mother's antibodies help protect them from infections. But after about six weeks from birth and transition to solid food, it is time for them to be vaccinated. Kittens need several vaccines during their first year to protect them from serious diseases. After this, they will only need annual booster vaccinations.

The specific veterinary advice your kitten will receive will depend on where you live, whether your cat will roam around the neighborhood or stay indoors, and whether you have other cats. Always follow your veterinarian's advice.

Vaccination of breeding cats and male cats

Separate requirements apply to animals allowed for breeding. In this case, the owner is responsible not only for his pet, but also for future offspring.

Vaccinations for stud cats should be done annually against the following diseases:

• panleukopenia;
• rhinotracheitis;
• rabies;
• calcivirosis;
• chlamydia.

Cats are also vaccinated against the same diseases no later than a month before mating. It is not advisable to vaccinate pregnant cats with live vaccines. As a last resort, the introduction of inactivated (killed) biological products is allowed. This decision should be made by a veterinarian, weighing the risks for the mother and kittens.

To summarize, we note that there are many vaccines for cats, imported and domestic, both against one disease and complex ones - against three or four infections. The timing of vaccination, as well as the choice of a specific drug, is best left to the discretion of the veterinarian. The general rule is to vaccinate kittens at 8-12 weeks of age after weaning, with booster vaccinations as directed (usually 3-4 weeks later). Subsequently, cats are vaccinated once a year to maintain high levels of protective antibodies.

Recommended vaccination schedule for kittens

First visit to the clinic (6 to 8 weeks).

• Analysis of feces for parasites
• Blood test for feline leukemia
• Vaccination against rhinotracheitis, calcivirus, panleukopenia and chlamydia
• Discuss nutrition and care with your doctor
• Second visit (12 weeks). Examination and clinical testing for parasites. Second vaccination against rhinotracheitis, calcivirus and panleukopenia. First vaccine against feline leukemia
• Third visit (time as recommended by your veterinarian)
• revaccination against feline leukemia
• rabies vaccine
• Six months. Planned sterilization of a cat or castration of a cat

Vaccinations for Scots and Britons at 2 months

Little Scots and British babies at the age of two months receive a comprehensive vaccination that will help babies avoid three such dangerous diseases as rhinotracheitis, calcivirosis and panleukopenia.

After three to four weeks, your pet should receive a booster shot, to which a rabies vaccine will be added. After this vaccination, the kitten is isolated from society for a month. He should not be allowed to approach other animals or their owners. Visiting a veterinary hospital is also prohibited. If necessary, it is better to call a veterinarian at home.

Some veterinarians recommend revaccination of British and Scottish kittens not at 3, but at 6 months. You should check with your doctor about the date of re-vaccination.

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Vaccination rules - what you shouldn’t forget

Before you go to the doctor or vaccinate yourself, you need to make sure that the baby is completely healthy and alert:

The pet must be active and cheerful; He must certainly have a good appetite; The cat's body temperature should be normal (in cats, normal body temperature is considered to be 38-39 degrees Celsius); The animal should not sneeze or cough; During a visit to the veterinary clinic, the doctor should once again check the cat’s health. Talk to your veterinarian about when to give your first vaccination. This depends on several factors, so only a professional can give you the right advice; Before injections, the kitten must be given anthelmintic drugs. You can vaccinate 10 days after this

It is important to choose a high-quality, proven vaccine; inexpensive, but untested options can irreparably harm your pet’s health.

It is best to vaccinate kittens in veterinary clinics, where specialists can take responsibility for the life and health of the animal.

Vaccination rules:

Only completely healthy kittens can be vaccinated; It is forbidden to give injections to pets after contact with a sick animal; After vaccination, the pet cannot undergo surgery for 21-25 days; After surgery, the cat cannot be vaccinated for 3 weeks; After taking antibiotics, vaccination is allowed only after 14 days; The vaccine should not be given while teeth are changing; It is important that the vaccine does not expire; You cannot vaccinate an animal less than 8 weeks old; The kitten should not be in a stressful state - it should not break free from your hand, scream, etc.

After vaccination, you need to monitor the kitten’s condition: is it active, what is its appetite?

After any injection, the pet may suddenly become lethargic, lose appetite, and its body temperature may rise.

The effects of vaccination disappear within a few hours, this time depends on how strong the baby’s body is at the time of vaccination.

The most common vaccines and their features:

• Nobivac Tricat is a dry combination vaccine. It is areactogenic and creates immunity in the cat against diseases such as panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus infection. Administered subcutaneously or intravenously at at least 12 weeks of age.
• “Leukorifelin” is a vaccine consisting of two parts - dry and liquid, which are mixed before administration. It is highly immunogenic. From 3 months you can administer the same drug, which also induces immunity against rabies, it is called “Quadricat”.
• “Felovax-4” is a complex vaccine that does not provide immunity against rabies. Given to kittens aged 8-12 weeks. It allows you to create immunity for a period of no more than 12 months, so you need to strictly monitor the timing of revaccinations, which should be carried out once a year.

Forgetting about vaccinations is strictly prohibited, especially if they form immunity against dangerous diseases such as rabies.

Remember that no one will vaccinate your pet better than an experienced veterinarian who knows which drug is right for your pet, how best to administer it and what dose to take.

He will tell you at what age kittens are vaccinated and will be able to carry out the vaccination correctly.

Self-medication can seriously harm your pet.

Forgetting about vaccines is also strictly prohibited, especially if they form immunity against dangerous diseases such as rabies.

Every owner must remember that vaccination cannot be carried out on a sick animal or a cat that has not taken anthelmintic drugs.

May your pet always be healthy and energetic and give you joy every day!

When to vaccinate kittens: vaccination rules

Every kitten owner should know when to vaccinate kittens, what diseases a kitten is vaccinated against in the first months of life, and what you need to know before vaccination.

Vaccine prices

In different parts of the country, the cost of vaccination can vary significantly, despite the fact that identical drugs are used. Veterinary clinics will also offer you different price options, but here it depends on the prestige of the institution. In the capital, as a rule, vaccination will cost the owner more than in a simple provincial town.

The best solution is to call all organizations and compare their offers with each other. This way you can find the most economical option.

Why do cats need to be vaccinated?

Throughout their lives, our smaller brothers, regardless of breed or age, are susceptible to infectious diseases. It is worth noting that viruses and bacteria are ubiquitous in the environment. Moreover, even if your cat does not leave the threshold of a house or apartment, this does not mean that he is completely safe. You can bring pathogens of infectious diseases into your home on clothes, shoes, and household items. The infection can also be caused by other pets, for example, dogs that walk along the street or come into contact with their relatives.

Vaccines for cats

Some viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections pose a real threat to the life and health of furry purrs. Therefore, we strongly recommend not to neglect preventive vaccinations.

Review of popular vaccines

Please note that in most cases, the veterinarian will prescribe the vaccine based on the general condition of the cat and the results of tests, if required. Check in advance whether your veterinary clinic accepts self-purchased medications.

Check in advance whether your veterinary clinic accepts self-purchased medications.

The stickers on the vaccine must be in perfect condition, without scuffs or smudges, since in many cases they need to be pasted into the veterinary passport. Each sticker must be confirmed by the signature of a specialist, and also canceled with the seal of the clinic or doctor, if he is engaged in private practice.

It is highly not recommended to vaccinate an animal yourself!

Rabies vaccine for dogs and cats Nobivac Rabies

Packaged in glass bottles, hermetically sealed with rubber stoppers. Each bottle contains one dose of the drug (1 ml). Contains inactivated rabies viruses of the Pasteur RIV strain.

Nobivac Rabies is considered one of the best rabies vaccines

The vaccine forms an immune response after 21 days. Immunity lasts for three years. Revaccination is carried out once every 1–3 years, depending on a number of factors, including the epidemiological situation in the region.

Swelling may occur at the injection site. Some animals exhibit hypersensitivity after the procedure. Individual intolerance to the drug is possible.

This vaccine was recommended to me during my first vaccination course. After the injection, swelling actually appeared, and in addition, the cat behaved quite nervously for a couple of days. However, that time she was vaccinated at a veterinary hospital, and she doesn’t react well to such trips, so I’m inclined to attribute her behavior that time to stress. Now we call the veterinarian to the house. Usually Irma demonstratively grieves for another half hour after the injection, but no more. The seals never appeared again.

The drug is suitable for kittens older than three months.

Virbac SA Feligen CRP

Polyvalent vaccine against panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus infection. A two-component preparation: one bottle contains live cultures of viruses (1 cubic cm), the other contains a solvent (1 ml). They are mixed before injection.

Feligen protects against three dangerous infections

Allowed for kittens older than two months. The first vaccination takes place in two stages with a break of 3-4 weeks, then once a year

It is important not to miss the next vaccination date, since immunity in this case will quickly weaken

In rare cases, an anaphylactic reaction is possible.

Narvak Polivac-TM against dermatomycosis of cats

Inactivated vaccine against microsporia and trichophytosis. Contains 8 varieties of fungi that cause these diseases. If prescribed by a veterinarian, the product can be used as a remedy.

This drug can be used both as a vaccine and as a medicine

Packaged in vials or ampoules for one or two doses. One dose is 1 ml. Immunity develops in 20–30 days and remains strong for up to a year.

Swelling may appear at the injection site, which then disappears spontaneously. If the animal had an incubation period for microsporia or trichophytosis, after administration of the vaccine the clinical picture will appear faster.

Purevax FeLv

Recombinant vaccine against leukemia. The gene for the causative agent of the disease is embedded in the canarypox virus. It is packaged in 1 ml glass bottles, which is one dose regardless of the age and size of the animal.

Before vaccination, a test for a latent form of leukemia in a cat is necessary.

Kittens are vaccinated for the first time after 8 weeks, then again after 3-4 weeks, then annually. Immunity is formed in 14–30 days, the effect lasts for a year.

Sometimes swelling at the injection site is possible, and in rare cases, an anaphylactic reaction.

Primucell FIP

At the moment, the only existing vaccine is against viral peritonitis. Contains a live strain of the DF2-FIPV virus. Used for nasal use. The set includes two plastic bottles: with a dry strain of the pathogen (1 ml) and with a solvent (0.5 ml). The vaccine is instilled into the animal's nose using a sterile syringe, 0.25 in each nostril. The immune response is formed after 4 weeks. Allowed for kittens after 16 weeks of age.

Primucell FIP vaccine is intended for nasal administration

Opinions regarding the drug differ sharply. Some experts insist on its use, especially when cats live in crowds, while others consider it ineffective.

Country of origin: USA. The vaccine has not yet been tested in a number of European countries and is not recommended for use.

How to prepare an animal for vaccination

A kitten or adult cat needs to be prepared before vaccination. About two weeks later, anthelmintic treatment is carried out (a tablet or a drop on the withers), as well as cleaning from other parasites (for example, fleas). Before primary vaccination, it is better to carry out anthelmintic treatment twice at intervals of a week. According to the same scheme, the cat is prepared before each subsequent revaccination.

Contraindications to vaccination:

• cat pregnancy;
• lactation period;
• age up to two months;
• teething;
• postoperative period;
• presence of parasites.

Before the procedure, the pet must be healthy and active, have a good appetite and normal bowel movements.

Important! Before primary vaccination, it is advisable to provide the kitten with quarantine conditions

Review and selection of drugs

The drugs can be divided according to the type of vaccine.

Contains inactivated virus strains:

• Felovax (Fel-O-Vax) - for calcivirosis, rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia and chlamydia, manufactured in the USA;
• Multifel is a Russian analogue of Felovax;
• Nobivac rabies - for rabies (Netherlands);
• Defensor-3 (Defensor 3) - rabies vaccination with repetition of the procedure after 1 year, all subsequent revaccinations are carried out every 3 years.

Containing “live” pathogens:

• Quadricat for the “big four” - calcivirosis, rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia and rabies (France);
• Nobivac Tricat Trio - for calcivirosis, rhinotracheitis and panleukopenia;
• Nobivac Forcat - from the three listed plus chlamydia.

The listed drugs are the most popular among veterinarians, breeders and pet owners. In addition, the choice of drug depends on the type of vaccination - primary or repeated.

Anyone who keeps cats at home should know about the importance of vaccinating their four-legged pets. An inexperienced owner should ask a veterinarian what vaccinations are given to kittens and at what time: the health of the animal, and, possibly, the person himself depends on this.

The need for vaccination - myth or reality

Many owners are negative about mandatory vaccinations for cats; they believe that their pets have nowhere to get various infections. But you can catch a life-threatening disease without ever leaving your home.

Any vaccination will not give a 100% guarantee that the cat will be free from all diseases.

And if the animal is taken to the country, goes outside, appears at exhibitions, then there is no need to talk about the need for the event:

• In the countryside or on the street, it is not difficult for a cat to catch the infection through contact with other animals, when sniffing the feces of a sick animal, or when eating caught prey.
• There is a risk of infection when eating grass or lying on warm sand or dirt.
• Of course, when a cat sits at home and does not leave it, the risk of infection is much less, but the animal can be completely protected only after the kittens are vaccinated.

Types of vaccines for cats

There are two types of vaccines - “live” and “dead”. “Live” contain a weakened virus, devoid of pathogenic properties, but capable of multiplying. During the fight against the pathogen, the animal develops long-term and lasting immunity 6-7 days after the injection or intranasal administration.

Dead or inactivated vaccines contain a pathogen that has been killed by chemical or physical means. An immune response to such vaccines is produced immediately, but it is considered less effective when compared with “live” vaccinations.

Note! There is still an ongoing debate among veterinarians about the comparative safety of vaccination with “live” and inactivated pathogens.