Services - Your Cat

Vital Information on Vaccinating Your Cat

Rabies

This is a fatal disease caused by a virus to which all warm-blooded animals are susceptible. The Rabies virus is of particular significance since it is also deadly to humans. Rabies is most commonly spread via animal bites. Your cat must be vaccinated for Rabies to protect it from exposure to possible rabid animals, and to protect other animals and humans were your cat to bite them. The Minnesota Board of Animal Health requires non-vaccinated animals to be euthanized or quarantined for six months or longer if they bite another animal or human. The Rabies vaccine is a small investment in protecting against the deadly effects on both your pet and your loved ones.

PCTC

This vaccine, commonly referred to as the "kitty distemper" shot, offers protection against four feline diseases. Panleukopenia, or feline distemper, is a deadly disease of kittens. Chlamydia, calici virus, and Rhinotracheitis virus all contribute to feline upper respiratory disease and pneumonia. This vaccine is a necessity to your cat or kitten's health since it helps protect against the all-too-common "kitty cold" and against fatal Panleukopenia.

Leukemia

This is one of the most common and destructive of all cat viruses. It is highly contagious and is found in an infected cat's saliva, urine, and feces. It is spread by cat bites, grooming, or other intimate contact. Feline Leukemia can manifest itself in many different ways, including anemia, suppression of the immune system, or cancer. Leukemia can predispose your cat to develop other infections and diseases as well. Leukemia can also be a very deceptive disease, as a cat may carry the virus yet appear perfectly healthy. The death rate is high for infected cats which are sick from the disease. For this reason we advocate a Leukemia test for all cats with unknown Leukemia status, and then yearly vaccination to protect against this serious and eventually fatal disease.

FIP

Vaccination for Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), a less-common but highly fatal disease of cats. There is no treatment for FIP. FIP vaccination is recommended for all outdoor cats or cats in multiple-cat environments as it is spread through saliva, feces, and respiratory secretions under conditions of close contact.

Ringworm

This is a skin fungus that can be transmitted between cats and also to dogs and other animals. Humans, especially children, can also be affected. However, cats are more commonly affected, especially purebred or long-haired cats. The fungi may cause skin problems such as hair loss, scaling, and secondary bacterial infection. We recommend this vaccine for all purebred or long-haired cats, outdoor cats, or cats in multiple-cat households.

Your cat's health is important to us and to you. Preventing future illness will save you and your cat pain and money. Listed below are the vaccinations we at Cannon Valley Vet recommend for your cat, as well as a description of the diseases themselves.

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CANNON VALLEY VETERINARY CLINIC

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