Just as you would discuss your health with your physician, you should be just as considerate
with your other family member - the cat. Starting as early as 6-8
weeks of age, your kitty needs to have certain vaccinations to help boost her immune system so she will be
protected against certain diseases. Here is a list of common feline diseases:
Feline Panleukopenia. Also called Feline Distemper. This
disease is extremely contagious and the most widespread disease of cats. Symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, vomiting,
and diarrhea. It can be transmitted to other cats via nasal secretions, blood, urine, feces and fleas from an infected
cat. Unfortunately there is a high death rate among kittens.
Feline Rhinotracheitis.(FVR) This disease attacks the upper
respiratory tract and is highly contagious. Symptoms include fever, loss of apetite, and eye inflamation. All cats and
kittens are at risk, but the death rate is higher for kittens.
Feline Calicivirus. This disease attacks the lungs and lower respiratory tract.
It is highly contagious and is transmitted by sneezing. Ulcers may be seen on the lips and tongue.
Feline Pneumonitis. Also called Chlamydia. This highly contagious bacterial respiratory
infection produces conjunctivitis, an eye infection. Symptoms are inflamed eye(s) with tearing, coughing, sneezing and
salivation. Conjunctivitis can be passed on to humans. Always practice good handwashing hygiene .
Feline Leukemia. ( FeLv) This viral disease is spread through
saliva. (Cat bite from another infected cat). It attacks the immune system and increases the susceptibility
to other diseases. Symptoms are weight loss, recurring or chronic illness, yellow color around the mouth and whites
of the eyes. Eventually fatal.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis. (FIP) This disease is caused by a coronoavirus
and is spread by direct cat to cat contact (Fighting) or sharing of food and water dishes. There is no cure
and the disease is fatal.
Rabies. This disease attacks the central nervous system and
brain. It is almost always fatal and is transmitted to humans through a bite or scratch of an infected animal.
Your veterinarian will recommend the type and number of vaccinations that are required to keep kitty healthy.
