Vaccinate the cat: prevent diseases and infections
Vaccinating your cat helps prevent infections and diseases that can affect your favorite pet. Some vaccinations are mandatory, others recommended.
The type and number of optional vaccinations may vary depending on the age, lifestyle of the cat and the environment in which it lives (less vaccinations are needed if the cat stays indoors; some geographical areas are more prone to diseases than others transmitted by fleas, ticks and sand flies).
The first vaccination of the kitten is usually done between 2 and 3 months of life. Many types of vaccinations also require a booster 2-4 weeks after the first. We must not forget that some of them must be repeated annually.
The vaccination booklet
After the first visit, the vet will decide which vaccines are best suited for your cat, beyond the mandatory ones, which are still to be done. Once the first vaccine has been completed, you will be given the vaccination booklet, which will summarize all the operations (sterilizations) done to your cat, the vaccinations, the recall reminders and the treatments followed.
When traveling with your cat, you must remember to bring also the vaccination booklet with you. You may be required by airlines or ferries.
Vaccinating the cat: what are the mandatory vaccines?
Given the serious health problems they can cause and the ease of transmission of these diseases, the mandatory vaccines for cats are those that prevent the following 3 diseases:
- herpes virus (rhinotracheitis)
- calyxes virus (calicivirosis)
- panlecopenia (viral gastroenteritis)
What are the recommended vaccinations?
Vaccinations that are not mandatory, but extremely useful in preventing sometimes lethal problems, are:
- FeLV (feline leukemia)
- chlamydiosis
- anti rabies
Parasites of the cat
Your cat will also need to receive regular deworming treatment during her initial vaccination schedule. The vet will be able to give you specific information.