VACCINATION
Many
serious infectious diseases of cats can be controlled by vaccination. With over
20 million pet cats in the U.S., your cat is quite likely to come in contact
with an infectious disease at one time or another. Even
indoor
cats can be exposed to viral diseases carried in the air, in dust, or on
clothing. Vaccination is inexpensive protection against costly treatment, or
even the premature death of your cat!
Feline Panleukopenia,:
Known
as “cat distemper” is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in young
cats. It is easily transmitted from cat to cat. Signs include depression, loss
of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Feline Respiratory Diseases
include several different infectious agents.
They
are all highly contagious and are widespread. High death rates occur in young
cats and “old” cats. Signs of these diseases include sneezing, fever, nasal
discharges, runny nose, coughing, Conjunctivitis (eyelid infections), mouth
ulcers, and general depression. These diseases include: Rhinotracheitis, Calici Virus and
Chlamydia Sneezing, etc easily spread from upper respiratory infections. Even a stray cat that seems outwardly to be healthy may be a “carrier” infecting your pet, even through a screen window. Protection from all the above diseases is included in one injection. A series of the initial injection is necessary to build the antibody protection needed to help your cat develop a high degree of immunity against these diseases.
Feline Leukemia:
Unknown
20 years ago, but is now considered to be the leading cause of death in cats.
It is a cancer-causing virus that often suppresses the ability to fight other
infections. Kittens can be born with the virus. Cats can have the leukemia
virus for years before showing signs of the disease. Feline Leukemia is not
transmissible to humans or dogs. There
is no successful treatment once signs develop!
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP):
A
progressive and fatal disease. It is now said to be the number 2 killer of cats
in the U.S. Many infected cats also harbor Feline Leukemia. Signs include loss
of weight, labored breathing, enlarged abdomen, and generalized illness. There is no successful treatment once signs
appear!
Rabies:
A
fatal viral infection of the nervous system that attacks all warm-blooded
animals, including humans. Cats have outnumbered dogs in reported cases since
1981. Rabies is a public health hazard and personal risk to you. It is
transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. Even indoor cats may be
infected through contact with a carrier in a basement, garage, or attic. There
is no cure! Vaccination is very important for your safety, as well as the
safety of your pet.