It’s important to vaccinate your cat when he or she is a kitten, so that your kitty can live a long, healthy life. You should start your kitten’s vaccine regime when it is 6 to 8 weeks old. There are must have vaccinations and optional vaccinations.
Must Have Vaccinations
- FPV: Also known as feline distemper vaccination, this vaccination protects your cat from one of the most devastating diseases for felines: feline enteritis or parvovirus. If your kitten contracts this virus, it will die.
- FHV: This is an upper respiratory infection that can be fatal to your kitten. Sneezing and watery eyes, symptoms of a cold, are the usual first signs. However, this is no ordinary cold.
- FCV: Similar to FHV, this is also an upper respiratory infection that can be deadly. If your kitten is infected, it may get pneumonia and die.
- Rabies: Most pet owners know of this dreaded disease. There is no cure for rabies. It must be vaccinated against. Moreover, the law requires this vaccine and a booster at year one (if your cat is younger) and every three years following.
Optional Vaccine
- Feline Leukemia:This is considered an optional vaccine, but it is highly recommended that you inoculate your kitten against this disease. According to Pet Place, it is the leading cause of death for cats, and it is highly contagious.
Professional Care at an Animal Hospital
How often should you take your cat to the vet or to an animal hospital? First, if your cat is in need of immediate medical attention and it is after your veterinarian’s office hours, you should take it to an animal hospital. Otherwise, regular check ups at a veterinary clinic are recommended
You should ideally take your cat to the vet once every six months. You want to keep your cat in optimal health and this is a good way to catch early signs of trouble and treat if needed. Cats age faster than humans, so two times per year is not taking your cat to the vet too often.
Whether your cat is young or old, a visit to the vet every six months will keep your cat in good health and give you peace of mind. A physical exam along with blood work will be your vet’s primary tools to diagnose any medical issues in your cat. The physical exam includes weighing your cat, checking it’s skeletal structure, ears, eyes and mouth. The blood work is designed to detect abnormalities and thus get ahead of any serious medical issue.
Be sure to keep a journal, a list, or make notes regarding your cat’s health. Keep the record of your cat’s health somewhere visible. This will also help you remember to take the item with you when you visit the vet. Having a health record will prove valuable to your veterinarian. Your cat’s good health is worth it!