Feline vaccinations
A vaccine is a suspension of either a virus or bacteria that is injected into your cat. The virus or bacteria has been altered or killed so it does not cause harm but instead stimulates an immune response ready to fight infection. It is like showing the immune system a 'photo fit' of the disease.
Vaccines are divided into core and non-core. Each patient is different and our veterinarians will discuss with you what we recommend is best for your pet at your pet’s annual check-up.
Core vaccines
Feline herpes virus
Feline herpes virus causes flu-like signs and can result in severe eye ulcers if left untreated. Cats often present with nasal congestion, sneezing and red, sore, watery eyes. In some cases the surface of the eye is damaged, causing ulceration and often secondary infection. The virus has the ability to remain latent (hidden) for years after infection and can return whenever your cat feels stressed. This can result in vaccinated cats showing symptoms of the disease; however, these individuals are unlikely to present with full-blown infections.
Feline calicivirus
Feline calicivirus also causes signs similar to herpes virus inducing a flu-like state. Often it is difficult to determine whether your cat has herpes virus or calicivirus. It also causes sneezing or nasal congestion but while herpes produces more severe eye signs, calicivirus tends to produce more severe oral signs such as mouth and tongue ulcers. Together with herpes virus, cats infected with calicivirus are said to be infected with cat flu. Infection is spread via aerosol – i.e. sneezing, coughing – or close contact between cats. If one cat is infected in the household then it is very likely the other house cats will start to show signs. There are different strains or herpes and calicivirus and the vaccines don’t cover them all. Instead they protect against the most virulent strains. This means that even vaccinated cats can still get 'head cold' but they are unlikely to develop more serious signs like pneumonia that an unvaccinated cat might.
Feline panleucopenia (feline parvovirus)
Feline infectious enteritis is a gastrointestinal disease caused by feline parvovirus. Affected animals often present anorexia, with severe brown pasty diarrhoea and vomiting. Kittens appear to be mostly affected and they often present very underweight and significantly dehydrated. It is transmitted by faecal to oral route and can be passed by infected material such as bedding and toys. It is a much stronger virus than the cat flu viruses and can last longer in the environment even after disinfectant.
Treatment is symptomatic with rehydration, often via intravenous fluids, antibiotics and the reintroduction or oral nutrition.
Non-core vaccinations
Feline immunodeficiency virus
Feline immunodeficiency virus is a virus that affects the immune system of the cat and its ability to fight disease. The virus is generally passed by cats fighting as the virus can attain high levels in a cat's saliva. Once infected the virus may remain latent and unnoticed for several years before it starts to exert it crippling effects on the immune system. Infections that would normally be easily dealt with in a non-infected cat can become life threatening in affected cats.
Australia has one of the highest incidences of FIV infections in the world. If your cat is one who leaves your property and gets into fights then the vaccine is strongly recommended. The vaccine covers only about 80% of the various sero types but that is still 80% more protection than the unvaccinated cat. Kittens can have the vaccinations at the same time as they are having their core vaccines at eight, 12 and 16 weeks. Adult cats need to have an FIV test first, which is done in clinic while you wait. If the result is negative we can proceed with the FIV vaccine series, one a month for three months.
We do a lot of work with animal welfare groups and routinely test stray cats as part of the health screen when they are being considered for introduction to re-homing. Many of these cats, especially entire males who have multiple scars on them from fighting, test FIV positive. These cats are found all over Sydney and represent a reservoir of infection if they come in contact with your cat.