Ulysses Veterinary Clinics Cairns Kitten & Cat Vaccinations

It’s essential that all pets are adequately vaccinated to help protect the pet population as a whole. Responsible pet care requires kittens to be given their initial course of vaccinations, with ongoing vaccinations provided to cats throughout their lifetime.

Kitten Vaccinations

Initial vaccination programs for kitten should provide at least 2 vaccinations, given 3 to 4 weeks apart against some or all of the following: feline panleukopenia virus, feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus, Chlamydia felis and feline leukaemia virus at or after 8 weeks of age. Three vaccinations, 2 to 4 weeks apart, against feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are recommended at or after 8 weeks of age for cats who will have any form of outdoor access.

Adult Cat Vaccinations

The immunity from kitten vaccination weakens over time and your pet can again become susceptible to disease. Annual health checks and booster vaccinations will provide the best protection for the life of your pet.

Infectious Diseases Of Cats We Vaccinate Against

• Feline Panleukopenia Virus (also known as Feline Enteritis or Feline Parvovirus). This is a very contagious disease with a high mortality rate, especially for cats aged under 1 year. Symptoms include loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea, often with blood and severe abdominal pain.
• Feline Respiratory Disease (Cat Flu). 90% of ‘cat flu’ cases are caused by feline herpesvirus (also known as feline rhinotracheitis) and/or feline calicivirus. Feline respiratory disease is highly contagious and causes sneezing, coughing, runny eyes, nasal discharge, loss of appetite and tongue ulcers. While the mortality rate is low, the disease is distressing for cats and their owners.
• Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). This virus is almost always transmitted by bites from infected cats. FIV attacks a cat’s immune system and symptoms can include fever, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, lethargy and swollen lymph nodes. As the disease progresses, symptoms worsen. FIV is fatal.
• Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV). Common symptoms include lack of appetite, weight loss and apathy, pale or yellow gums, vomiting, diarrhoea, reproductive problems and increased susceptibility to other infections.
• Chlamydia felis. This is a bacterial disease which is responsible for up to 30% of conjunctivitis in cats, and causes severe and persistent signs. Kittens are more commonly affected by Chlamydia felis when also infected with Cat Flu, and Chlamydia felis can be shed for many months.