Vaccination of cats is an important part of maintaining their health. Proper vaccinations for your cat, including vaccines against feline distemper and feline influenza, are recommended annually to protect cats from serious diseases. Cats can be exposed to infections from other animals both outdoors and indoors, and vaccination is therefore essential for their protection.
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What vaccines does the cat need?
When it comes to vaccination of cats The needs vary from cat to cat. A standard basic vaccination program usually protects against feline distemper and cat flu something recommended for all cats.
There may be situations where your cat needs extra protection and additional vaccination. For example, the area where you live and the cat's activities may play a role. If your cat has a lot of contact with other cats in places such as animal boarding or shows, vaccination against feline chlamydia may be beneficial. For travel abroad, a rabies vaccine is also required.
Feline plague
Distemper is a serious and contagious disease of cats in Norway caused by the parvovirus feline panleukopenia virus. It can be fatal, especially in kittens. Symptoms of distemper include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and lethargy. The virus is spread mainly through droplets or feces and can be transmitted via surfaces or clothing, making it challenging to get rid of if it enters the home.
Even indoor cats can be at risk of infection as the virus can be transmitted via shoes, clothing or other objects. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent feline distemper. If the cat is already infected, prompt treatment is important and the diagnosis is made by stool sample and rapid test.
Cat flu
Cat flu refers to a respiratory infection caused by various viruses and bacteria, most commonly the rhinotracheitis and calicivirus viruses. Common symptoms include sneezing, runny nose and eyes, and fever. Transmission can occur through contact with other cats, but the viruses can also survive for a short period without a host and be transmitted via contaminated objects or through the air.
Klamydia
Feline chlamydia, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia felis, is common in cats and can lead to upper respiratory tract infections. The infection is usually transmitted through direct contact, most commonly seen in cats in close environments such as animal boarding or multi-cat households. Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, eye infections and coughing with the potential to progress to pneumonia in severe cases.
Rabies
Rabies is fortunately a rare viral disease in Norway and is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals with the possibility of infection to humans. Although it is not common to vaccinate Norwegian cats against rabies as part of the basic vaccination, it is necessary when traveling abroad and the vaccine must be given no later than 21 days before departure.
When should the cat be vaccinated?
We recommend vaccination at 12 weeks of age for both cats and dogs. Until this time, the animals are protected by the mother's antibodies that are transferred via breast milk. Here at A-Vet, we recommend that both dogs and cats receive a basic vaccination twice, 4 weeks apart. It is important that there is not too much time between the vaccines as this will not provide sufficient immune defense.
If the cat is over six months old, it is vaccinated with 1 primary vaccine. Cats that have been vaccinated with the primary vaccine are then vaccinated annually against cat flu. The vaccine against feline distemper is given every three years. It is important that the cat is healthy when vaccinated and we recommend that both dogs and cats are treated with worming before vaccination.
Side effects of cat vaccination
Most cats usually experience few side effects from vaccination, but sometimes the cat may become a little extra tired and lethargic for a couple of days after receiving the vaccine. Some also experience a mild reaction in the form of swelling and tenderness around the injection site or a slight fever.
Serious reactions are rare and may include breathing problems, vomiting and diarrhoea or collapse. These symptoms typically occur shortly after vaccination, so it may be a good idea to keep an extra close eye on your cat for half an hour after vaccination. Contact your veterinary clinic immediately if your cat shows any signs of becoming unwell.
Price vaccination cat
Contact us if you have any questions in connection with the vaccination of your dog or cat. You can find an overview of our vaccine prices here. At A-Vet, every 4th vaccination for dogs and cats is free provided that our vaccination program is followed annually.
