Cat Vaccination Schedule: How Often to Vaccinate and How to Protect Your Feline Friend?
Cat Vaccination Schedule: How Often to Vaccinate and How to Protect Your Feline Friend?
Owning a lively and adorable cat is a dream for countless cat lovers. However, when you actually become a cat owner, you'll find that raising a cat is not as easy as you imagined. Although cats are excellent predators in the wild, pet cats are more susceptible to illness due to their weaker physique, posing a lot of trouble for their owners. To protect your feline friend's health, cat owners choose to vaccinate them, but this brings about a series of questions and uncertainties.
Why Vaccinate Cats?
Kittens usually get their first vaccination at the cat shelter when they are two months old. If you adopt a kitten at four months old, you need to get it vaccinated as soon as possible. This is because kittens lose their immunity from their mothers around 6-8 weeks of age, making them extremely vulnerable to even minor diseases. Just like how adults can fight off colds with their immune systems, but infants need vaccinations to protect them, kittens are similarly vulnerable.
Moreover, kittens haven't been exposed to the environment for long, their bodily functions are not fully developed, and they are unable to produce antibodies against viruses independently. Therefore, when the immunity provided by the mother cat gradually fades away, we must promptly vaccinate them. This is similar to the reason why we vaccinate newborns. After all, we all want our feline companions to stay by our side for a long time, wouldn't you agree?
Differences Between Trivalent and Pentavalent Vaccines
Many first-time cat owners mistakenly believe that "trivalent vaccine" and "pentavalent vaccine" refer to three or five injections, respectively. In fact, both vaccines require only one injection per administration. The terms "trivalent vaccine" and "pentavalent vaccine" refer to vaccines that can prevent three or five infectious diseases, respectively. Apart from combination vaccines, there are also vaccines targeting two or four diseases.
Ordinary Bivalent Vaccine: Made in China, mainly used to prevent feline panleukopenia and rabies.
Trivalent Vaccine: Imported vaccine, the only cat-specific vaccine in China to have received an import veterinary drug registration certificate, can prevent three infectious diseases: feline panleukopenia, feline rhinotracheitis, and feline calicivirus.
Pentavalent and Heptavalent Vaccines: Although they can prevent more diseases, they are not currently available through official channels in China.
Most cat owners opt for the trivalent vaccine, as it can prevent three major infectious diseases and is considered a core vaccine. Although it doesn't protect against rabies, it effectively safeguards a cat's health. In addition, cat owners can choose to vaccinate their cats for rabies separately, providing comprehensive protection.
Vaccination Procedure
1. Number of Injections and Intervals:
Cats need three vaccinations in their first year. For example, if your cat has already received its first vaccination at the shelter, it only needs two more injections. While the same vaccine is used for all three injections, their effects differ.
First Injection: Primarily releases a signal into the cat's body, allowing its immune system to recognize the virus.
Second Injection: When the second vaccine enters the cat's body, its immune system generates antibodies against the viral disease, effectively establishing a viral immune system. However, this process takes 7-10 days to complete. Therefore, it's advisable to avoid bathing your cat for 7-10 days after vaccination to prevent exposure to external infections and minimize the risk of artificially weakening the cat's immune system.
In China, two vaccinations might be sufficient in some cases, while in other countries, three injections are typically administered for reinforcement. Additionally, Chinese pet hospitals often offer trivalent vaccine packages, which are safer and more cost-effective. For optimal results, the intervals between each injection should ideally be 2-3 weeks, aligning with the best clinical practice for trivalent vaccines in cats. After the cat receives its three initial vaccinations in the first year, one annual vaccination is sufficient. This is because the antibodies generated from each vaccination usually last for a year, requiring timely replenishment to enhance immunity.
2. Rabies Vaccine:
There are ongoing debates about whether or not to vaccinate cats for rabies. Some argue that vaccinating against rabies is essential to prevent infection after being scratched or bitten. Others believe that vaccinating indoor cats that don't come into contact with dogs is unnecessary.
My perspective is that vaccinating cats for rabies is highly necessary.
First, cats, as mammals, are susceptible to rabies infection.
Second, the probability of contracting rabies after being bitten by an infected cat is high. Once infected, it can be life-threatening.
Third, I've witnessed firsthand the tragedy of losing someone to rabies. It's a terrifying experience. Currently, medical interventions are almost ineffective in treating rabies, leaving vaccination as the only preventive measure. Therefore, cat owners should never be complacent.
Finally, the rabies vaccine is only required once a year, making it a convenient procedure. Vaccinating cats guarantees the safety of both the owner and the cat, making it worthwhile. Generally, kittens can receive their first rabies vaccination at 3-4 months old, so after the cat finishes its trivalent vaccinations, it can receive the rabies vaccine, with the timing being similar.
Precautions
1. Not all cats are eligible for vaccination. Kittens under 8 weeks old have weak immune systems and cannot be vaccinated. Newly adopted pet cats, stray cats, and cats whose health status is unknown to the owner should also not be vaccinated. If they are sick or have parasites, vaccination can be extremely dangerous, even potentially life-threatening.
2. The week before vaccination is an observation period. During this week, avoid bathing or deworming your cat. It's best to complete these tasks beforehand to ensure your cat's well-being. Sick or unhealthy cats should not be vaccinated. This is because vaccination involves injecting the cat with inactivated virus, stimulating its immune system to fight the virus and generate antibodies. If this process is not successful, the cat might become ill directly.
3. Don't rush to leave the hospital after vaccination. Cats, like humans, have varying immune systems and might experience allergies or other health issues that lead to emergencies. If you leave with your cat and an unexpected incident happens on the way, it can be difficult to get prompt medical treatment. It's recommended to stay at the hospital for about half an hour to ensure the cat is perfectly fine before leaving.
4. It's normal for cats to feel lethargic and have reduced appetite after vaccination. Their immune systems are fighting off the inactivated virus, and this state usually lasts for about 3 days. If your cat's discomfort persists for longer, seek immediate veterinary attention.
Conclusion
Vaccinating cats is a crucial step in protecting their health, effectively preventing various infectious diseases and shielding them from suffering. Hopefully, this article has helped cat owners gain a better understanding of feline vaccination knowledge, enabling them to provide their furry companions with safer and healthier care.
Owning a lively and adorable cat is a dream for countless cat lovers. However, when you actually become a cat owner, you'll find that raising a cat is not as easy as you imagined. Although cats are excellent predators in the wild, pet cats are more susceptible to illness due to their weaker physique, posing a lot of trouble for their owners. To protect your feline friend's health, cat owners choose to vaccinate them, but this brings about a series of questions and uncertainties.
Why Vaccinate Cats?
Kittens usually get their first vaccination at the cat shelter when they are two months old. If you adopt a kitten at four months old, you need to get it vaccinated as soon as possible. This is because kittens lose their immunity from their mothers around 6-8 weeks of age, making them extremely vulnerable to even minor diseases. Just like how adults can fight off colds with their immune systems, but infants need vaccinations to protect them, kittens are similarly vulnerable.
Moreover, kittens haven't been exposed to the environment for long, their bodily functions are not fully developed, and they are unable to produce antibodies against viruses independently. Therefore, when the immunity provided by the mother cat gradually fades away, we must promptly vaccinate them. This is similar to the reason why we vaccinate newborns. After all, we all want our feline companions to stay by our side for a long time, wouldn't you agree?
Differences Between Trivalent and Pentavalent Vaccines
Many first-time cat owners mistakenly believe that "trivalent vaccine" and "pentavalent vaccine" refer to three or five injections, respectively. In fact, both vaccines require only one injection per administration. The terms "trivalent vaccine" and "pentavalent vaccine" refer to vaccines that can prevent three or five infectious diseases, respectively. Apart from combination vaccines, there are also vaccines targeting two or four diseases.
Ordinary Bivalent Vaccine: Made in China, mainly used to prevent feline panleukopenia and rabies.
Trivalent Vaccine: Imported vaccine, the only cat-specific vaccine in China to have received an import veterinary drug registration certificate, can prevent three infectious diseases: feline panleukopenia, feline rhinotracheitis, and feline calicivirus.
Pentavalent and Heptavalent Vaccines: Although they can prevent more diseases, they are not currently available through official channels in China.
Most cat owners opt for the trivalent vaccine, as it can prevent three major infectious diseases and is considered a core vaccine. Although it doesn't protect against rabies, it effectively safeguards a cat's health. In addition, cat owners can choose to vaccinate their cats for rabies separately, providing comprehensive protection.
Vaccination Procedure
1. Number of Injections and Intervals:
Cats need three vaccinations in their first year. For example, if your cat has already received its first vaccination at the shelter, it only needs two more injections. While the same vaccine is used for all three injections, their effects differ.
First Injection: Primarily releases a signal into the cat's body, allowing its immune system to recognize the virus.
Second Injection: When the second vaccine enters the cat's body, its immune system generates antibodies against the viral disease, effectively establishing a viral immune system. However, this process takes 7-10 days to complete. Therefore, it's advisable to avoid bathing your cat for 7-10 days after vaccination to prevent exposure to external infections and minimize the risk of artificially weakening the cat's immune system.
In China, two vaccinations might be sufficient in some cases, while in other countries, three injections are typically administered for reinforcement. Additionally, Chinese pet hospitals often offer trivalent vaccine packages, which are safer and more cost-effective. For optimal results, the intervals between each injection should ideally be 2-3 weeks, aligning with the best clinical practice for trivalent vaccines in cats. After the cat receives its three initial vaccinations in the first year, one annual vaccination is sufficient. This is because the antibodies generated from each vaccination usually last for a year, requiring timely replenishment to enhance immunity.
2. Rabies Vaccine:
There are ongoing debates about whether or not to vaccinate cats for rabies. Some argue that vaccinating against rabies is essential to prevent infection after being scratched or bitten. Others believe that vaccinating indoor cats that don't come into contact with dogs is unnecessary.
My perspective is that vaccinating cats for rabies is highly necessary.
First, cats, as mammals, are susceptible to rabies infection.
Second, the probability of contracting rabies after being bitten by an infected cat is high. Once infected, it can be life-threatening.
Third, I've witnessed firsthand the tragedy of losing someone to rabies. It's a terrifying experience. Currently, medical interventions are almost ineffective in treating rabies, leaving vaccination as the only preventive measure. Therefore, cat owners should never be complacent.
Finally, the rabies vaccine is only required once a year, making it a convenient procedure. Vaccinating cats guarantees the safety of both the owner and the cat, making it worthwhile. Generally, kittens can receive their first rabies vaccination at 3-4 months old, so after the cat finishes its trivalent vaccinations, it can receive the rabies vaccine, with the timing being similar.
Precautions
1. Not all cats are eligible for vaccination. Kittens under 8 weeks old have weak immune systems and cannot be vaccinated. Newly adopted pet cats, stray cats, and cats whose health status is unknown to the owner should also not be vaccinated. If they are sick or have parasites, vaccination can be extremely dangerous, even potentially life-threatening.
2. The week before vaccination is an observation period. During this week, avoid bathing or deworming your cat. It's best to complete these tasks beforehand to ensure your cat's well-being. Sick or unhealthy cats should not be vaccinated. This is because vaccination involves injecting the cat with inactivated virus, stimulating its immune system to fight the virus and generate antibodies. If this process is not successful, the cat might become ill directly.
3. Don't rush to leave the hospital after vaccination. Cats, like humans, have varying immune systems and might experience allergies or other health issues that lead to emergencies. If you leave with your cat and an unexpected incident happens on the way, it can be difficult to get prompt medical treatment. It's recommended to stay at the hospital for about half an hour to ensure the cat is perfectly fine before leaving.
4. It's normal for cats to feel lethargic and have reduced appetite after vaccination. Their immune systems are fighting off the inactivated virus, and this state usually lasts for about 3 days. If your cat's discomfort persists for longer, seek immediate veterinary attention.
Conclusion
Vaccinating cats is a crucial step in protecting their health, effectively preventing various infectious diseases and shielding them from suffering. Hopefully, this article has helped cat owners gain a better understanding of feline vaccination knowledge, enabling them to provide their furry companions with safer and healthier care.
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