Vaccinations in a Nutshell
Disclaimer: Consult your vet before making any decisions about vaccination, non-vaccination, schedule and types of vaccinations.
Vaccinations are important for keeping your cat healthy and protecting them against various diseases. They work by stimulating the cat's immune system to produce antibodies that can recognize and fight off the specific disease-causing agents targeted by the vaccine.
By vaccinating your cat, you can help protect them from potentially life-threatening diseases and reduce their risk of contracting and spreading these diseases to other animals. The specific vaccinations that your cat needs will depend on various factors, including their age, lifestyle, and overall health.
There are core vaccinations and non-core vaccinations, which may differ for different countries.
Let's discuss the core vaccinations that your cat would receive from a Singapore vet clinic.
Core Vaccinations in Singapore
1. Feline Parvovirus Pathogen: Feline parvovirus; feline panleukopenia virus (FPV)
More commonly known as the parvovirus, FPV is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cats. The virus can survive in the environment for long periods of time and is resistant to many disinfectants, making it very difficult to control.
FPV is most commonly spread through contact with infected bodily fluids or faeces. It can also be spread indirectly through contaminated surfaces, objects, food and water bowls. Kittens are most at risk of contracting the virus, as their immune systems may not yet be fully developed. FPV can be fatal in up to 90% of untreated cases. Even with treatment, some cats may not survive or may suffer long-term health issues.
Symptoms include:
Loss of appetite
Vomiting and diarrhea (often bloody)
Lethargy and weakness
Fever
Dehydration
2. Feline Calicivirus Pathogen: Feline calicivirus (FCV)
FCV is a highly contagious virus that affects cats and is a form of cat flu. It is highly contagious and can be spread through direct contact with an infected cat, through contact with contaminated objects or surfaces, or through the air. The virus can also persist in the environment for weeks to months, making it difficult to eliminate.
Symptoms include:
Sneezing and nasal discharge
Oral ulcers: FCV can cause painful ulcers to develop on the tongue, gums, and lips, making it difficult for the cat to eat or drink.
Limping: Some strains of FCV can cause joint pain and inflammation, which can lead to limping or lameness.
Conjunctivitis: redness, swelling, and discharge from the eyes.
Fever
It's important to note that not all cats infected with FCV will show symptoms, and some may only show mild signs of illness or may just be carrier of the virus. However, even cats without symptoms can spread the virus to other cats, making it important to keep infected cats isolated from other cats until they have fully recovered.
3. Feline Herpesvirus Pathogen: Feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1)
FHV-1 is a highly contagious virus that affects cats. It is one of the most common causes of upper respiratory infections (URIs) in cats. Similar to FCV, it is highly contagious and can be spread through direct contact with an infected cat, through contact with contaminated objects or surfaces, or through the air. FHV-1 can also cause severe illness in some cats, particularly those with weakened immune systems. In some cases, FHV-1 can cause lifelong infections, which can lead to recurrent outbreaks of symptoms.
Symptoms include:
Sneezing and nasal discharge
Ulcers: FCV can cause painful ulcers to develop on the tongue, gums, and lips, making it difficult for the cat to eat or drink.
Lethargy: Cats with FHV-1 may appear lethargic and may have a decreased appetite.
Conjunctivitis: redness, swelling, and discharge from the eyes.
Fever
Non-Core Vaccinations in Singapore
1. Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) 2. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) **Please note for FIV vaccinations, the cat will likely appear as FIV positive on future tests, so there is no telling if the cat is actually FIV+ of if it is due to the vaccination.
3. Chlamydia felis
4. Bordetella bronchiseptica
5. Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP)
6. Rabies**Singapore has been rabies free since 1953 - this vaccination is required if you are relocating the cat overseas.
How often to vaccinate?
Many vets in Singapore may use Felocell 4, which is a type of feline vaccine that is designed to protect cats against four different viruses: feline rhinotracheitis virus (FHV-1), feline calicivirus (FCV), feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), and feline chlamydia (Chlamydophila felis).
It is a combination vaccine that is commonly used to protect cats against several of the most common and dangerous feline diseases.
In the past, animals were vaccinated annually but latest research has shown that those who remain indoors and have little to no interactions with other animals besides the ones they live with (i.e. indoor pets) can be vaccinate once every 2-3 years, depending on the vet's recommendations.
Vulnerable cats may be advised to not be vaccinated at all, and cats that live in crowded environments such as catteries or boarding houses are recommended to keep to annual vaccinations.
More information on Singapore vaccination guidelines can be found here.
Commentaires