Besides the deworming Periodic care and specific care, care for cats includes annual vaccinations, as with dogs. Vaccines prevent fatal diseases for cats, increase the longevity of animals and improve their quality of life. To offer clarification on the subject, VetBR, the most complete distributor of animal health products in the country, selected essential information on the most effective types of vaccines that can save the pet cat’s life.
According to VetBR’s technical consultant and veterinary doctor Gleyci Fernanda Camanho da Silva, there are five main diseases that affect felines and that can be avoided with vaccination. “Immunization is the best way to prevent diseases such as rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, chlamydiosis, panleukopenia and feline viral leukemia, which can be avoided if immunization is started at the birth of the pet and carried out annually throughout its life”, she says.
Two types of vaccines are recommended. The quadruple avoids rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, chlamydiosis and panleukopenia. The first dose must be applied in the first nine weeks of life; after an interval of 21 days the animal must be immunized with the second dose. The quintuple vaccine also immunizes the pet against feline viral leukemia. The first dose should be applied after eight weeks of life and the second also 21 days after the initial immunization. Both vaccines need a booster every year, with just one dose.
The veterinarian recalls that even if the animal stays at home more, vaccination is of paramount importance, as the guardian may end up taking viruses and bacteria from the street. In addition, she observes that the choice of vaccine will vary according to the cat’s lifestyle. “Generally, the quadruple is indicated for more domesticated animals and the quintuple for animals that have a life outside the home, such as those that usually go out for a walk at night. But it is essential to consult the veterinarian to understand which type of vaccine is best suited to the needs of each pet ”, she advises.
Check out more details about the diseases that can be prevented by vaccinating cats.
rhinotracheite
It is one of the feline respiratory diseases. It can affect cats of all ages and is caused by three agents: feline herpesvirus, feline calicivirus and Chlamydophila felis bacteria. The sick animal is usually the main transmitter of the disease. Among the main symptoms are herpes in the throat, nose, mouth and respiratory tract, conjunctivitis and eye injuries, in addition to sneezing, nasal discharge, lack of appetite and apathy.
Calicivirose
It is also a respiratory disease considered serious, which affects the lung and respiratory tract of cats at any age. The disease is caused by feline calicivirus, a resistant pathogenic agent. Transmission usually occurs through contact with saliva or nasal secretions from infected animals. Mouth ulcer, secondary bacterial infection, fecal alveolitis, joint damage and arthritis are the main symptoms of contamination.
Clamidiose
Zoonosis (an animal disease that can be transmitted to humans) is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia felis, popularly known as chlamydia. This is a very common infection in cats and is associated with diseases of the feline respiratory system. It is important not to let the pet come into contact with or stay in the same environment as another contaminated animal, as it is an extremely contagious disease. The main symptoms are conjunctivitis and mouth ulcers, persistent nose and eye discharge, sneezing, difficulty breathing, fever and lack of appetite.
Panleucopenia
Known as feline viral infectious enteritis, it is caused by the feline panleukopenia virus (FPV). It is considered a serious viral disease that affects domestic and wild felines. The cat can be infected by feces and vomit of other sick animals. Among the most common symptoms, vomiting and diarrhea. After being contaminated, the animal may die from dehydration. The disease is more common among puppies.
Feline viral leukemia
It is one of the most serious illnesses for cats. The feline leukemia virus is transmitted mainly through secretions, such as the saliva of cats that have already been infected. When the animal is contaminated, immunity drops and it becomes more susceptible to other diseases, which aggravates the situation. It is a disease that is difficult to detect, as symptoms appear slowly – as with internal tumors. It is common for tutors to seek specialized help when it is already too late. The disease has no cure, but treatment can improve the pet’s quality of life.
If the animal has not been vaccinated and presents some of the symptoms mentioned, it is important to consult a veterinarian urgently to start the treatment in the most appropriate way and avoid more serious problems. Immunization should be started when the pet is healthy or only when the pet no longer shows any clinical signs of any disease described above.
About VETBR
VETBR is one of the largest distributors of animal health products for the agricultural and pet markets in Brazil. The company is invested in by Aqua Capital, the largest private equity investment fund manager specializing in agribusiness in Latin America. It is recognized for its partnership with the main veterinary drug industries and its strong sales structure through multi-brand channels.
