Does a cat need a rabies vaccine? Rabies vaccination for cats

Why is this needed?

Your cat does not go outside and does not communicate with other cats, and you think that she simply has nowhere to get infected and therefore she does not need vaccination? Not true!

You can bring the infection into the house on shoes, clothes, hands. Viruses are not visible to the eye and are ubiquitous, where you just passed, a sick cat could run a minute before you. The secretions of sick cats (saliva, urine, feces), and with them pathogens, enter the soil. Particles of this soil in the form of dust and dirt you bring home on your shoes. Some owners bring grass to their cats from the street in the spring ... There are so many ways to get infected - you can’t list them all. Don't rely on luck. Do not think that it is highly unlikely that your cat will be infected this way. When your cat does get sick, it won't matter to you whether the chance of infection was 50% or 0.5%. In some diseases, the mortality rate is very high (for example, 50-70% of cats die when infected with panleukopenia). Rabies is fatal in 100% of cases, including for humans. You can get rabies not only from other cats and dogs, but from almost any animal, including rats and mice, which are frequent prey for cats.

The vaccine contains a specific set of viruses that are weakened or "killed" so they cannot cause disease. But their introduction into the body of a cat stimulates the production of antibodies. They accumulate in the body after the introduction of the vaccine, and when a live virus enters the body, antibodies kill it. If vaccinated animals get sick, they carry the disease easily and in a non-life-threatening form.

Unvaccinated animals do not have these antibodies in their blood, and it takes a long time for the body to develop them. Moreover, the more microbes entered the body, the more antibodies are needed to neutralize them. Often, the animal's body simply does not have time to produce the right amount of antibodies and the cat gets sick. In kittens, the immune system is not yet formed and works very slowly, so young animals are more susceptible to infectious diseases.

What is the best age to vaccinate?

Vaccinations are recommended from 12 weeks of age. This is the age when antibodies received from the mother can no longer fight viruses coming from the environment. It is better not to vaccinate during the change of teeth, and they change from 4-5 months to 6-8 months, the canines are the last to change.

It must be remembered that with the colostrum of the mother, the kitten receives a certain amount of antibodies - but only if the mother was vaccinated in a timely manner and had active immunity at the time of birth. Antibodies obtained from the mother are in the kitten's blood for up to 2.5-3 months (9-12 weeks) and protect the body from viruses. That is why primary vaccination of animals born from vaccinated mothers is pointless before 2-3 months: killed or weakened viruses received with the vaccine will simply be neutralized by ready-made antibodies. There will be no active immunity.

If the mother has not been vaccinated, then vaccination can be carried out 3-4 weeks earlier.

Only an absolutely healthy cat can be vaccinated.

Deworming before vaccination

Anthelmintic can be bought at a veterinary pharmacy or pet store, but in no case in a tent or in the market, where it may turn out to be a fake. Some good deworming medicines are Caniquantel, Polivercan, Cystal-Kat, Drontal.

After the anthelmintic, if the cat does not poop in a day, you need to give vaseline oil. Pour 3-5 ml from a syringe without a needle into the mouth 2-3 times in 1-2 hours and wait for the result.

Deworming should be repeated after 10 days, since the medicine does not act on eggs and larvae of worms. After deworming, you need to wait until the larvae mature, and for the second time, kill the newly born worms. The important thing here is to wait not too long and kill the young worms before they reach puberty and have time to lay new eggs. Sexual maturity in most species of worms occurs in 14-20 days. You should not rush too much - you need to poison when ALL the larvae have already turned into worms. An interval of 10 days is the optimal time.

10 days after the last dose of the anthelmintic, the first vaccination should be done.

Revaccination

If you are vaccinating a cat first time, then 21 days after the first vaccination, it is necessary to fix the vaccination (revaccination). The fact is that kittens receive antibodies from their mothers that protect them from viruses during the first weeks of life. But gradually their effect weakens. The first vaccination is done when antibodies are still present in the body, but they are no longer enough to protect. And the second vaccination is given when maternal antibodies have almost completely disappeared and, accordingly, antibodies from the first vaccination alone are not enough to protect.

But even if you instill first time an adult cat or kitten from an unvaccinated mother - i.e. an animal that does not have antibodies to viruses - revaccination is still necessary. It has been clinically proven that with a single primary vaccination, the proper intensity of immunity is not achieved, and if a large amount of a virus or a very pathogenic strain enters the body, the body may not withstand the load, the immune system will not cope and a disease will occur.

Revaccination against rabies is not required.

What to instill?

There are two types of vaccines - "live" and "dead".

Live vaccines contain attenuated live virus. Live vaccines are prepared from apathogenic pathogens weakened in artificial or natural conditions. Viruses lose their pathogenic properties and lose the ability to cause infectious diseases, but retain the ability to reproduce. An infection artificially caused by the introduction of a vaccine lasts for a certain time, is not accompanied by a clinical picture of the disease and stimulates the formation of immunity to pathogenic strains of microorganisms.

Live vaccines create longer lasting and stronger immunity than inactivated (dead) vaccines.

The following points should be kept in mind when using live vaccines:

spontaneous mutations. During the reproduction of the virus in the body of a cat, unpredictable changes in the genetic structure and the return of virulence (pathogenicity (pathogenicity) of this microorganism) are possible. In this case, the cat will get sick for real.
Co-infection (co-infection) with a "wild" virus. Simultaneous infection with a vaccine virus and wild virus is very dangerous, although unlikely.
If the cat's immune system is weakened, vaccination can lead to the development of the disease.

Due to the fact that live vaccines are made on the basis of living microorganisms, a number of requirements must be observed to ensure the preservation of the viability of microorganisms:

live vaccines should be stored and transported at 4-8°C;
freezing live vaccines does not prove to be on their properties;
live vaccines rapidly lose their immunogenic properties at room temperature;
loss of vacuum (violation of the integrity of the ampoules) can lead to the death of the drug.

Inactivated (dead) vaccines contain a killed whole microorganism. Viruses are killed by physical (temperature, radiation, ultraviolet light) or chemical (alcohol, formaldehyde) methods.

For "dead" vaccines, immunity begins to develop immediately after administration, for "live" vaccines - on the 6-7th day: in the first days, the viruses actively multiply, and only then does an immune response begin to develop.

"Dead" vaccines are not able to multiply in the body: immunity is produced for the small number of killed microbial bodies (or their fragments) that are introduced. In this regard, dead vaccines are safe - they cannot lead to the development of a viral disease. But at the same time they cause less effective and long-lasting immunity.

The safety of dead vaccines can also be called into question: chemicals added to increase the level of immunity produced can cause serious adverse reactions and cause complications in the liver and / or kidneys.

The question of the relative safety and efficacy of "live" and "dead" vaccines remains open.

Dead Vaccines:

Felovax(Fel-O-Vax)
The vaccine contains an inactivated feline panleukopenia virus, two strains of feline calicivirus, an inactivated feline rhinotracheitis virus, and the causative agent of feline chlamydia (Chlamydia psittaci). It contains thimerosal, neomycin, polymyxin B and amphotericin B as preservatives. Manufacturer Fort Dodge Animal Health, USA.
Felovax LV-K(Fel-O-Vax Lv-K) is a vaccine against viral leukemia. Manufacturer Fort Dodge Animal Health, USA.
Multifel- vaccine against panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and chlamydia;
The vaccine contains an inactivated feline panleukopenia virus, two strains of feline calicivirus, an inactivated feline rhinotracheitis virus, and the causative agent of feline chlamydia (Chlamydia psittaci). Manufacturer NPO Narvak, Russia.
JunkCon– vaccine against chlamydia in cats (strain K-1). inactivated vaccine. Produced by JSC Vetzverocenter, Russia.
Nobivak Rabies(Nobivac rabies)
The rabies vaccine contains an inactivated culture of the rabies virus. Producer Intervet Schering-Plough Animal Health, Netherlands.
Rabizin– rabies vaccine;
contains an inactivated rabies virus strain GS-57 WISTAR. Manufacturer Merial S.A.S. (Merial S.A.S.), France.
Leukocel 2(Leukocell 2)
Vaccine against viral leukemia; contains inactivated feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and FOCMA antigen. Manufacturer Pfizer Animal Health, USA.

Live vaccines:

Leukorifelin
contains attenuated feline panleukopenia virus, feline herpesvirus glycoprotein fraction solution and purified feline calicivirus antigen.
square- vaccine against panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and rabies;
contains attenuated feline panleukopenia virus, feline herpesvirus glycoprotein fraction solution, purified feline calicivirus antigen and inactivated rabies virus. Manufacturer Merial S.A.S. (Merial S.A.S.), France.
Nobivac Tricat (Nobivac Tricat)- vaccine against panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus;
contains an attenuated feline panleukopenia virus (Bristol strain), a solution of the glycoprotein fraction of feline herpesvirus (strain G 2620) and a purified feline calicivirus antigen (strain F9). Producer Intervet Schering-Plough Animal Health, Netherlands.
Nobivak FORCAT- vaccine against panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and chlamydia;
the vaccine contains an inactivated feline panleukopenia virus strain MW-1, a strain of feline calicivirus F9, a strain of feline rhinotracheitis virus G 2620A and a strain of chlamydia Baker. Producer Intervet Schering-Plough Animal Health, Netherlands.
Felocel CVR(Felocell CVR) - vaccine against panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus;
contains live attenuated strains of infectious rhinotracheitis virus, calicivirus and feline panleukopenia virus. Manufacturer Pfizer Animal Health, USA.
Purevax Manufacturer Merial S.A.S. (Merial S.A.S.), France.
Purevax RCP- vaccine against panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus;
contains attenuated feline rhinotracheitis herpesvirus, inactivated feline calicivirus antigens and attenuated feline panleukopenia virus;
Purevax RCPCh- vaccine against panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and chlamydia;
contains attenuated feline rhinotracheitis herpesvirus, inactivated feline calicivirus antigens and attenuated feline panleukopenia virus, as well as attenuated feline chlamydophila (the causative agent of feline chlamydia).
Purevax FeLV– vaccine against viral leukemia;
contains a recombinant canarypox virus in the genome of which the FeLV gene is expressed by genetic engineering. Manufacturer Merial S.A.S. (Merial S.A.S.), France.
Primucell FIP- vaccine against infectious peritonitis;
contains attenuated coronavirus. The vaccine is given through the nose. First used in 1990. Manufacturer Pfizer Animal Health, USA.
Katavac Chlamydia– vaccine against chlamydia in cats. Manufacturer Fort Dodge Animal Health, USA.

The effectiveness of vaccination can be significantly reduced due to the use of immunoglobulins, sulfonamides and antibiotics a few days before the introduction of the vaccine and a month and a half after.

Special conditions are necessary for the transport and storage of vaccines. Vaccination with a spoiled vaccine can cause severe illness and even death of an animal. Therefore, vaccines should never be dropped from the hands or on the market.

Vaccinations made are recorded in the veterinary passport. This passport is necessary for participation in exhibitions, when traveling abroad, as well as for proper vaccination throughout the life of the animal.

Vaccines for the treatment and prevention of lichen (trichophytosis and microsporia):

Microderm, Polivak TM for cats, Vakderm - F for cats.

These vaccines create immunity of short duration (2-3 weeks). In addition, there is a high probability that a healthy animal will become ill with shingles after vaccination - vaccines are live. It should also be borne in mind that ringworm is not fatal. It is easily treated and can be avoided with basic hygiene and pet care. Therefore, these vaccines are mainly used for TREATMENT and not PREVENTION of lichen.

From what to vaccinate?

Most vaccines allow you to vaccinate a cat against the three most dangerous viral diseases - panleukopenia, calicivirus and rhinotracheitis (see above). Some of them also protect against chlamydia. The rabies vaccine can be given alone, or a combined quadricat vaccine can be used. There are also separate vaccines for feline viral leukemia and FIP, but the effectiveness of these vaccines, especially the FIP vaccine, has been questioned by many.

Panleukopenia

Panleukopenia (distemper, infectious gastroenteritis of cats, parvovirus enteritis) is an infectious, highly contagious, acute disease. The name of the disease comes from the term "leukopenia", which means a decrease in the total number of leukocytes (white blood cells) in the animal's blood.

The causative agent is a DNA-containing virus of the parvovirus family (Parvoviridae), close to the causative agent of parvovirus enteritis in dogs. In the external environment, the virus is very stable and retains its virulence for more than a year. Most disinfectants are useless against it.

Infection occurs through direct contact with an infected animal, as well as through various objects contaminated with the virus (surfaces of walls, floors, furniture, dishes, fabrics, bedding, etc.), by airborne droplets (aerogenically) as a result of inhaling the virus through the nose with air, intrauterine infection of kittens from a sick mother is not excluded. Blood-sucking insects and mites also contribute to the spread of the disease. Cats that live permanently at home are also susceptible to infection, as the virus from the street can get into the room on the clothes and shoes of the owner of the cat. The probability of infection depends on the age of the animal: kittens from 2.5-3 months old are most susceptible to this virus. and older cats of the age when the body's defenses are weakening. The incubation period lasts from 2 to 14 days, but sometimes longer.

Symptoms
The disease can manifest itself in hyperacute, acute and subacute forms.

Superacute course of the disease observed mainly in small kittens aged 1-3 months. The disease begins suddenly, the kittens refuse to eat and quickly become exhausted. The death of animals occurs within 1-2 days.
Acute course of the disease characterized by general depression of the animal, vomiting and fever up to 40-41°C. Animals are very thirsty, but they do not drink water. After 1-3 days, diarrhea appears, feces are first watery-bilious, and later mucous with an admixture of blood and (or) fibrin. In the case of a favorable course of the disease, cats recover in 5-7 days.
Subacute course of the disease characterized by the same clinical signs as in the acute course, but they are less pronounced and develop gradually over 7-14 days.

Sick animals look for secluded dark, with a fever - cool places, or sit over a bowl of water, but do not drink. Appetite completely disappears.

With an unfavorable course of the disease, significant dehydration of the body occurs, electrolyte imbalance and a sharp decrease in leukocytes in the blood. Body temperature can drop to 37-38 ° C, which is a diagnostic sign of an unfavorable prognosis. General depression of cardiovascular activity, bradycardia and (or) arrhythmia are also noted. There may be secondary bacterial infection.

The disease develops very quickly, and if the sick animal is not provided with timely qualified assistance, it dies. Therefore, at the first signs of the disease, you should immediately contact the veterinary clinic for intensive care. In this situation, every minute counts.

Forecast
In the hyperacute form, it is usually lethal; in the acute, uncomplicated form, it is favorable; in panleukopenia complicated by secondary infections, it is unfavorable or lethal. Mortality in the acute form is 25-75%. Mortality among kittens 2.5-3 months of age reaches 90%. Cats that survive the first 3 to 4 days of illness usually recover.

Cats that have recovered from panleukopenia often remain latent virus carriers. Sick animals and virus carriers shed the virus into the environment with faeces, saliva, urine, and secretions from the nose and eyes.

calicivirus

Calicivirus is a viral disease of cats that affects the respiratory tract.

The causative agent of calcivirosis is an RNA-containing virus of the calicivirus family (Caliciviridae). Vaccination is ineffective against some strains. The virus cannot exist for a long time outside the cat's body, so the external environment, as a rule, is not a constant source of the spread of the virus. The virus is relatively resistant to heat, pH changes up to 4, ether and chloroform. Some strains are also sensitive to high pH, but are destroyed by solutions of bleach and chloramine. In a dry environment, the virus persists for 2-3 days, and in a humid environment for 10 days.

Infection occurs in different ways: through direct contact with a sick animal, through the aerogenic route, through clothing and care items. Many cats are carriers of calcivirus infection (though they may not have had the disease beforehand) and can infect susceptible cats. Cats of all ages are susceptible to calcivirus infection, however, kittens aged 2 months to a year are more likely to get sick. From the moment of infection to the appearance of the first clinical symptoms usually takes 3-5 days. However, the incubation period can be up to three weeks.

Symptoms
Calcivirus is characterized by ulceration of the mucous membranes of the oral and nasal cavities. There are abundant outflows from the eyes, nasal cavity. Ulcers can occur on the tongue, hard palate, lips, nose, and sometimes around the claws. Ulcers and pain in the mouth make it difficult to take food (the animal may be interested in food, but only drink water and liquid food). A characteristic sign of infection is profuse salivation. Sneezing is noted. An increase in temperature to 39.8–40.5 ° C develops when complicated by a secondary bacterial infection. A blood test reveals lymphopenia and a decrease in hemoglobin levels by 25-30%. Diagnosis of calcivirosis is difficult due to the similarity of clinical signs of feline respiratory diseases. In sick kittens aged 1-6 months, the symptoms of the disease are often non-specific and similar to the clinical signs of panleukopenia.

Calicivirus can be complicated by a secondary bacterial infection leading to inflammation of the lungs (pneumonia) and occasionally arthritis. With arthritis, lameness is observed, which completely disappears after 24-48 hours.

The duration of the disease averages 7-10 days. Within two weeks, the mucous membrane at the site of ulcers regenerates. Mortality reaches 30% or more.

Recovered cats can remain carriers of the virus. Virus-carrying cats excrete the pathogen with expiration from the oral and nasal cavities, with lacrimal secretions, with feces and urine, and are contagious. Most cats shed the virus within 30 days of infection, 50% within 75 days. Most cats are free of the virus within a few months. In some cats, the virus persists in the tissues of the pharynx and tonsils for life. Vaccinated cats carrying the virus can also continue to shed the calicivirus virus into the environment.

Rhinotracheitis

Infectious rhinotracheitis of cats is an acute and chronic contagious disease characterized by damage to the upper respiratory tract and eyes.

The causative agent is a virus from the Herpesviridae family. The virus is sensitive to ether and chloroform, and solutions of caustic soda, formalin and phenol (1-2%) inactivate the pathogen in 10 minutes.

Infection occurs mainly by contact and airborne droplets - by contact with sick animals or carriers, through the air, care items, clothes and shoes of people who have been in contact with sick animals. With group keeping of animals (nurseries and shelters), as well as during mass felinological events (exhibitions, breeding reviews, etc.), epidemics are possible. When isolated at home, the disease is relatively rare. The incubation period lasts 2-10 days.

Symptoms
The disease is acute, subacute and chronic.

In an acute course of body temperature rises to 40 ° C or more, conjunctivitis and rhinitis develop. In the first days of the disease, an abundant serous-mucous discharge from the nose is noted. The mucous membranes of the nose, pharynx, larynx swell, swell. Shortness of breath develops (cats breathe with an open mouth), there is abundant salivation, hoarseness, cough. White plaque, necrotic crusts appear on the surface of the nose and on the mucous membrane, under which ulcers form. Eating and drinking is difficult.

In milder cases, the cat sneezes, there is eye involvement with swelling of the conjunctiva and regular clear discharge. In older cats, the disease proceeds more favorably and is usually accompanied by only one sign - rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal mucosa).

In some cases, the disease may be accompanied by damage to the digestive tract. At the same time, vomiting increases, diarrhea appears. If the disease is delayed, then intestinal atony develops, constipation appears. Rhinotracheitis can be complicated by bronchitis and pneumonia. With a prolonged course, the central nervous system is affected, which is expressed in trembling of the limbs, arena movements. Pregnant cats miscarry.

Recovery occurs after 7-10 days from the onset of the disease, however, necrosis of the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity can cause chronic rhinitis and sinusitis. Mortality, despite the severe course of the disease, is low; the exception is kittens or weakened animals. Mortality reaches 5-20%.

Most cats that have had an acute form of the disease become carriers of the virus. Recovered cats can shed the virus for 9-19 months after recovery. The virus is excreted with expiration from the eyes, nose, milk, urine, feces, semen. In stressful situations (diseases, anesthesia, surgical interventions, lactation), the cat's immunity weakens and the virus begins to be released with saliva. Mild respiratory symptoms may develop.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is an acute or chronic disease characterized by conjunctivitis (discharge from the eyes), rhinitis (discharge from the nose), and lesions of the genitourinary system.

The causative agent of the disease, chlamydia, occupies an intermediate position between viruses and bacteria. Chlamydophila felis, affects the mucous membranes of the eyes of cats, causing them to have conjunctivitis. The infection may be accompanied by inflammation of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract - rhinitis (runny nose), pharyngitis (sore throat), rarely - pneumonia. Chlamydophila felis also affects the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract and reproductive organs.

Chlamydia are well preserved at low temperatures, but are sensitive to its increase. When heated to 70-80 ° C, they die after 10 minutes, are inactivated with a 0.5% solution of phenol, 2% solutions of chloramine and sodium hydroxide, and 5% solution of Lysol for 2 hours.

Infection occurs by airborne droplets and contact (through the skin, mucous membranes), sexually, using one tray and, possibly, through fleas and ticks. Recovered cats can remain latent carriers of the pathogen and excrete it with saliva, urine, feces and semen. Carriers of the infection in nature are small rodents: field mice, rats, etc. Chlamydia is able to persist for a long time where several animals are kept that transmit the infection to each other. The incubation period of the disease lasts 7-10 days.

Symptoms
depends on which organ is affected.

Organs of vision: conjunctivitis, often unilateral, but may be bilateral.
Respiratory organs: rhinitis, cat sneezes and coughs, bronchitis may develop. Breathing becomes frequent, heavy, hoarse.
Gastrointestinal tract: The infection is usually asymptomatic in cats. Other animal species may have clinical gastroenteritis.
Reproductive organs: infection of organs in cats occurs without clinical manifestations.

Often, adult cats easily tolerate infection, they have only conjunctivitis. Infection in cats often occurs subclinically, with a clinical manifestation, the disease occurs only when complicated by other microorganisms. Generalized chlamydial infection or feline chlamydial pneumonia is usually fatal. In kittens, the disease often ends fatally.

Cats can become persistent asymptomatic carriers.

Both inactivated and attenuated live vaccines can reduce the severity of the disease. None of the vaccines will prevent infection, but will mitigate the clinical manifestations to a mild course with a quick recovery.

Through direct contact with a sick animal, feline conjunctivitis can be transmitted to humans. However, in humans, this type of conjunctivitis is usually mild and less prolonged than in cats.

feline leukemia virus

Viral leukemia (leukemia) is a viral disease of cats, characterized mainly by damage to the hematopoietic system and malignant neoplasms of lymphoid and myeloid tissues (lymphosarcomas).

The causative agent is an RNA-containing oncogenic virus of the Retroviridae family, genus Oncovirus C (Oncovirus C). Serologically and genetically, three types of the virus are distinguished - A, B and C, and only serotype A is specific for cats. Abroad, it is called FeLV (from the English. feline leukemia virus). The pathogen exists in two forms - endogenous (non-pathogenic) and exogenous (pathogenic). In the external environment, the virus is unstable, it is not resistant to chemical disinfectants.

Infection occurs mainly by contact and aerogenic means, with indirect contact (through veterinary instruments, etc.), as well as in utero. The transmissible route (through blood-sucking insects and ticks) is also not excluded. The incubation period for FLC is from several months to 4 years.

Once in the body, the virus begins to multiply in the tonsils of the pharynx, and then spreads to other lymphoid tissues, especially the bone marrow, where, under the influence of the virus, tumor tissue (lymphosarcoma) is formed. As a result, a large number of immature leukocytes (leukocytosis) appear in the blood of sick animals. The FLV virus is found in the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and digestive organs of a sick cat, in milk, saliva, urine and feces, which becomes an important factor in the transmission of the infectious agent.

Symptoms
Viral feline leukemia occurs mainly in chronic and latent (latent) forms. Anemia, loss of appetite, depression, cardiac dysfunction and gradual emaciation, as well as various reproductive disorders (miscarriages, resorption of fetuses, births of dead or non-viable kittens (kitten wilting syndrome)) are often observed in sick animals. Hydrothorax, ascites, enlargement of the spleen, kidneys develop. The acute course of the disease is often accompanied by fever. In the blood picture, leukocytosis, a significant shift of the leukocyte formula to the left, a decrease in the number of erythrocytes and a gradual decrease in hematocrit are noted. Due to the fact that the clinical stage of VLC is characterized by the development of various forms of malignant neoplasms of lymphoid and myeloid tissues, including predominantly lymphosarcomas, the symptoms of the disease are determined by their localization. The FeLV virus suppresses the immune system and contributes to the development of other diseases that can be the direct cause of the death of the animal. Affected cats are particularly susceptible to other viral as well as bacterial and fungal infections.

The latent (latent) form is not accompanied by the development of clinical signs of the disease and does not manifest itself for a long time (from several months to several years), but exposure to stress factors can dramatically activate the development of the disease. Cats develop a viral form of cancer, most commonly lymphosarcoma. Metastases to the eye, brain, skin, kidneys and other organs are possible, causing a variety of symptoms.

Another type of malignant degeneration of the disease is leukemia. It is characterized by a sharp and uncontrolled increase in leukocytes. The disease can be accompanied by anemia and various types of blood cell disorders. Leukemia in cats is much less common than lymphosarcoma.

The prognosis for infection with the FLV virus is usually unfavorable. Cancer caused by the FLV virus is incurable. Most infected cats die within 3-4 years of infection.

Immunity in VLC is not well understood. The current FeLV vaccine is not as effective as the rabies vaccine, but is necessary to protect healthy cats from leukemia. Many cats over 4-5 years of age who have had contact with the pathogen can develop a fairly stable immunity.

There is no data on the danger of the FeLV virus to humans. However, under laboratory conditions, the virus replicates in human cells. Theoretically, children and people with immunodeficiency are prone to the disease. Therefore, they, like pregnant women, should avoid contact with virus-positive cats.

Infectious Feline Peritonitis, FIP (FIP)

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (ICP, or FIP from feline infectious peritonitis) is a serious infectious disease, most often ending in death.

The causative agent of FIP is an RNA-containing coronavirus (FCoV), or rather its strain FIPV-feline infectious peritonitis virus feline infectious peritonitis virus). Another strain of coronavirus FECV (feline enteric coronavirus), causes coronavirus enteritis. Coronavirus is shaped like a crown, hence the name. FECV and FIPV are closely related strains of the same virus. FECV can mutate into FIPV, i.e. The onset of FIP is preceded by infection with the virus FECV and its subsequent mutation into FIPV).

This virus is fairly stable and can remain active indoors for weeks or even months. But it is easily destroyed under the influence of conventional disinfectants and detergents.

Coronavirus FECV It is transmitted mainly through faeces and by the oral route (through a common tray and common bowls). The spread of the virus by airborne droplets is considered unlikely. There is also evidence of transplacental transmission of infection from mother to kittens. Kittens, young animals up to 2 years old and old cats are most susceptible to the disease due to weakened immunity. The incubation period is 2-3 weeks.

FIPV multiplies in blood cells, not in the intestines, and is not excreted in feces or saliva. Those. FIPV not contagious (but much more dangerous).

Symptoms of FECV Infection
FECV affects mainly the cells of the mucous membrane of the small intestine of the cat and cause diarrhea (diarrhea). First, the virus enters the nasopharynx, hence the cough, snot, and a hoarse voice. But all this may not be. Then diarrhea begins, often with mucus and blood. Diarrhea lasts for several days - about a week. Then everything passes, no symptoms are observed, but the coronavirus is still present in the intestinal mucosa. The chair of such cats is not stable - diarrhea can spontaneously appear and disappear. The vast majority of cats eliminate coronavirus: most of them within a month, others require 9-12 months. 13% of infected cats become lifelong carriers of FCoV. These cats continuously shed coronavirus in their faeces, most of them have no clinical symptoms, but some develop chronic diarrhea.

In 5-10% (according to various sources) of infected cats, the virus FECV mutates into FIPV and the cat develops FIP. Mutation can occur due to stress, adverse environmental influences and other factors that weaken the cat's immune system - vaccinations, previous diseases, surgical operations.

Symptoms of FIPV Infection
Virus FIPV affects macrophages (white blood cells), destroying them and thereby opening the way for infection in the tissues. The virus binds to antibodies, forming immune complexes that accumulate in the walls of small blood vessels, causing immune-mediated vasculitis. The disease then affects various tissues and organs. There are two forms of FIP - dry and wet (effusion). The initial symptoms of both dry and effusive FIP are fairly nonspecific and are often overlooked under normal conditions. The cat may periodically rise in temperature, lack appetite, sometimes there may be mild diarrhea, vomiting, anemia, dehydration, weight loss, respiratory distress.

FIP has been called the "great imitator" because the disease can manifest itself in a variety of ways. It can masquerade as a disease of the brain, spine, digestive system, eyes, cancer, or cardiovascular disease.

In the dry form, granulomatous lesions of various organs develop, and the clinical symptoms reflect these disorders. The liver, lungs, and kidneys are often affected, and the eyes (bilateral granulomatous uveitis, often accompanied by chorioretinitis) and the central nervous system may also be affected. Involvement of the central nervous system is manifested by a variety of neurological symptoms, including impaired coordination of movements, increased muscle tone, paralysis, nystagmus, seizures, and behavioral changes. Sometimes there are complications in the form of focal meningitis and encephalomyelitis.

Effusive (wet) FIP is the most severe clinical form and is rapidly fatal. It is characterized by effusion into the abdominal cavity. Along with this, in 20% of cases there are effusions in the pleural cavity and pericardium, the main clinical symptom in such cases is shortness of breath. There is emaciation, anemia, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, possibly the development of pericarditis, liver failure. Jaundice may occur, especially in the later stages of the disease. Damage to the eyes and central nervous system is observed in 10% of cases of effusion peritonitis. Death occurs within 1-2 months.

Don't Worry About Vaccinations

Do not forget that no vaccine is 100% guaranteed that your cat will not get sick. Vaccines contain a specific set of strains of each virus, but there is always the possibility that you will encounter a rare or new strain as viruses mutate all the time. In this case, the vaccine can "break through" and the cat will get sick. Therefore, despite the fact that your cat is vaccinated, try to limit her contact with foreign animals.

Cats have always been and remain the most affectionate of all pets ever tamed by man. But they, like dogs, should be protected from a number of deadly diseases. A formidable disease not only for the animal, but also for its owner, is rabies in cats. Infection occurs by penetration of the virus through the skin, mucous membranes by saliva or through bites.

If the virus has already begun to progress, then the final is inevitable: the pathogen affects the nervous system with the development of irreversible consequences, leading to painful death. There is a solution: the rabies vaccine. But before we start covering the topic of vaccinations, we will touch on the symptoms of this disease, its forms and stages.

How the disease develops

In order for the disease to develop, the infection must enter the bloodstream. This occurs through the wound surface of the kitten's skin, mucous membranes, or when bitten by an infected animal.

First stage

In the body, the pathogen begins to actively multiply. Vivid symptoms do not happen immediately: until the moment of their manifestation, a hidden, or incubation period passes. Visually, at this time, the cat may experience lethargy, refusal to eat, sometimes coughing and fever. The bitten place becomes inflamed, redness and swelling form around the damaged skin. These phenomena are accompanied by local itching and pain, causing discomfort to the pet.

Naturally, a cat cannot complain about what is bothering her. However, any practicing veterinarian will say that this stage is characterized by muscle pain and nausea.

Second stage

It is characterized by an increase in the symptoms of the disease. The cat begins to behave inappropriately, trying to pounce and bite the owner. At times, a sick kitten shows excessive obsession, which is accompanied by elements of aggression. There may be fear, a desire to run away. Sometimes photophobia is recorded: the cat tends to go into the dark, hide. Symptoms are accompanied by salivation, impaired swallowing and a number of other body functions.

Third stage

The third, last (terminal) stage is the development of convulsions and paralysis. The cat dies as a result of damage to the main centers in the brain that provide vital functions (respiratory, vasomotor, etc.).
Three main manifestations of rabies can be distinguished:

violent, when the cat has all the signs of the disease with aggression, irritation, ingestion of inedible objects, etc.;
paralytic, or quiet: the cat at the same time seems affectionate and intrusive, but there is profuse salivation, difficulty swallowing, drooping of the jaw;
atypically flowing and most difficult to recognize: the symptoms of brain damage are hidden, and the virus manifests itself in the form of diarrhea with blood, vomiting and exhaustion.

Attention! If your pet has characteristic symptoms and has been bitten by a stray animal, contact your doctor immediately! This virus is extremely dangerous not only for the cat, but also for you!

To protect yourself and your pet, there are rabies vaccinations.

The mechanism of action of the rabies vaccine and their varieties

Rabies vaccination is "called" to mobilize the immune forces. Anti-rabies is also no exception. In different types of grafting material, there are maximally attenuated viruses or their products. In response to the introduction of these foreign substances, which are antigens, the kitten's body begins to produce antibodies, i.e., means of protection. This is how immunity is formed.

There are vaccines "live", modified and so-called "dead", or inactivated. As part of live preparations, a virus that is weakened and not capable of harming an animal is used, while the body develops protection against it. Still, vaccines with an inactivated pathogen are considered acceptable, the introduction of which fully guarantees safety.

Applying vaccinations, albeit an insignificant, but still real probability of reactivation of the pathogen remains. However, these are more efficient.

As drugs against rabies, monovaccines are used, containing agents only against this virus, and polyvaccines, which form protection against several dangerous diseases. It should be noted one-component (manufacturer - the Netherlands), from rabies in cats, which is actively used and recommended by many veterinarians. The following drugs are similar:

Rabizin;
Rabikan;
Defensor - 3.

Polyvaccines include "Quadricate": it protects against panleukopenia, rabies, calicivirus and.

Vaccinations are low toxic, well tolerated by cats, provide strong immunity.

Attention! Almost all infected animals die. To protect your pet from mortal danger, you should only vaccinate it in time.

Can the vaccine be dangerous?

Like everything in the modern world, veterinary medicine does not stand still, and its achievements in pharmacology have long stepped forward. A number of safe and effective drugs are produced that encourage the development of intense immunity.

Do not be afraid for your pet: the vaccines have been repeatedly tested on laboratory animals and successfully put into production. After their administration, pets sometimes experience only slight lethargy or apathy, decreased appetite, and rarely, hyperthermia, which in most cases also occurs with vaccination against other viruses. These symptoms are not to be alarmed, they go away without veterinary help.

What events will not be allowed in the absence of a vaccination mark

Protecting your beloved pet from a fatal illness is an undeniable advantage. If you do not part with him even on trips and during various events, then it will be extremely problematic to do without a mark in the veterinary passport. It is needed in the following cases:

if you plan to travel abroad with your pet;
when participating in exhibitions of thoroughbred cats;
for registration of relevant documentation for breeding;
when traveling in public transport, on planes, trains, you will be required to have a veterinary document;
if it is necessary to overexposure the cat during the absence of the owner.

Vaccinations, especially the first ones, should preferably be carried out in a veterinary clinic under the supervision of a specialist. An allergic reaction to the administration of the drug is possible. At home, without the appropriate knowledge and skills, it will be difficult to help the animal.

There are options when a veterinarian comes to the house on a preliminary call. In this case, he will do all the necessary manipulations and put marks in the animal's passport.

First vaccination: when to do and how to act in subsequent stages

Cases of diseases of street animals are periodically recorded in all regions of Russia, so it is very important to complete the entire course of vaccinations on time and correctly.

In a small kitten, immunity is not ready for such a load. But when he reaches three months, the baby is given the first injection against rabies.

Attention! It is not allowed to immunize kittens under 3 months of age. This can adversely affect their health!

Initial immunization occurs in three stages:

the first - at three months or more;
the second - after 14-21 days;
upon reaching one year.

For an adult animal, subsequent revaccinations are performed once a year.

Preparing an animal for vaccination

By the time of rabies, the animal must be completely healthy, otherwise complications may occur after the procedure or vaccination will not have the desired effect. First of all, it is necessary to carry out deworming.

10-14 days before the injection, you need to buy an antihelminthic drug in a veterinary pharmacy (in tablets or in the form of a gel) and give it to the cat 2 hours before feeding. At the same time, strictly follow the instructions, observe the dosage and weight of the animal.

It is important to free the cat from unwanted "guests" on the fur - fleas and ticks. To do this, it should be treated with special insecticidal agents, the range of which is widely represented in Russian pharmacies (gels, aerosols, drops, shampoos).

Before the procedure, the doctor examines the animal. Clarifies whether there have been any recent behavioral abnormalities, whether appetite has worsened. The vaccination should be postponed or canceled under the following circumstances:

the cat is pregnant or lactating (nursing);
the body is weakened by an infectious disease transferred during the last month or there was a surgical intervention;
was treated with antibacterial agents;
for some reason, the temperature rises.

After making sure that the above factors are not present and the cat is healthy, you can proceed with the procedure. At the same time, the veterinarian who carried out the rabies vaccination pastes the vaccine label into the veterinary passport and makes an appropriate entry in it.

Attention! Animals are immunized for the first time at the age of 9 to 15 months. If for some reason this period was missed, vaccination is done only after the change of milk teeth. After a full course of rabies vaccinations, immunity lasts up to three years.

How to care for a cat after vaccination

Immediately after the vaccination, the pet is not recommended to be let out for walks, for two weeks the cat should not come into contact with its “brothers”, as well as other animals. This precaution is allowed so that there is no additional infection that can weaken the body, as well as superinfection from an animal infected with rabies. You should also refrain from swimming.

For several days - monitor the general condition of the cat, its temperature response. The above reversible post-vaccination symptoms usually disappear after three to four days. If this did not happen, and the cat has a fever, rashes, other general phenomena, it is necessary to inform the doctor about this.

Cat bitten by a homeless animal? Contact a specialist!

Unfortunately, cases of rabies in "stray" animals are not uncommon. You obviously have seen how packs of dogs attack pets walking peacefully with their owners: they say, not your territory!

Has your pet been bitten? Don't waste a minute, contact your veterinarian. He will examine the animal and decide on further vaccinations. Perhaps he will vaccinate against rabies without waiting for the due date.

For ten days, the doctor will observe the kitten. At this time, the animal should be isolated. Only after this period it will be possible to lift the strict quarantine.

If symptoms of the disease are detected - alas, your animal is doomed, it will also pose a potential threat to other people and other animals.

If the cat, after 10 days, behaves normally, without revealing signs of inadequacy and aggression, then dynamic observation and isolation are extended to 1.5 months.

The price of vaccination - quality or life

The cost varies widely from 300 to 2000 rubles. It depends on many factors. In state "veterinarians" drugs are used with low cost and less effective. Private veterinarians use purified rabies vaccines from leading manufacturers with the least side effects.

In addition, there are monovalent (only for rabies in cats) and polyvalent drugs (plus for a number of other dangerous infections), which affects the price. The cost is also influenced by the region of residence, the manufacturer and the status of the clinic you applied to.

Keeping your pet up-to-date with the necessary vaccinations will protect your pet from all dangers and save your health!

Any disease is easier to prevent than to treat. One of these diseases is rabies, which is almost impossible to cure, and only a few dogs and cats have a chance to survive after infection. Rabies vaccination is required for cats. Even those pets who never leave the apartment are not protected from this dangerous virus. This simple manipulation can save the life of any fluffy.

Why vaccinate your domestic cat against rabies?

Many owners believe that it is not necessary to vaccinate a cat against rabies if she lives in an apartment. Indeed, the risk of getting sick in such an animal is much lower. But it is difficult to predict what circumstances will develop in the future. A situation in which a cat is at risk of becoming infected can happen quite suddenly.

Ways a cat can become infected:

bite of a sick animal;
contact with the blood or saliva of a sick animal;
eating infected small animals;
bat bite (for example, on a balcony).

It is mandatory to vaccinate a cat against rabies in such cases.:

if there is a possibility of an animal getting into the street;
if the cat will travel with the owners, move to other countries;
if rodents can enter the dwelling;
if breeding is planned;
if there is a possibility of contact with unvaccinated animals, or animals that walk on the street;
if you live in an area with a large number of infected animals and a large number of homeless animals;
if it is planned to leave the animal in overexposure or in hotels for animals;
if you plan to participate in exhibitions.

Also, doctors of many veterinary clinics may refuse to treat and will be against leaving a cat in the hospital that has not been vaccinated against rabies. This will be dictated by the safety of staff and other animals that visit the clinic or are kept in a hospital.

Why is rabies dangerous?

When the symptoms of rabies begin to appear, it is no longer possible to save the animal. From infection to the manifestation of the disease can take from 3 weeks to 2 months. All this time, other animals that come into contact with the cat and its owners are at risk of infection.

After the virus enters the body of an animal through a bite or other contact with infected saliva or blood, it begins to spread through the nervous system, first into the spinal cord and then into the brain. It affects the cells of the nervous system. The rabies virus also infects all tissues and organs, blood, saliva.

There are 3 forms of rabies:

Rough form. The cat becomes inactive, lethargic, refuses food. At first, the animal may be unusually affectionate, but then its mood begins to change frequently and abruptly from shy to aggressive. The cat can behave restlessly, bite itself, attack the owners. Infected cats cannot drink water due to spasm of the throat muscles. The pet may begin to lose his voice, sag the lower jaw, the tongue hangs out of the mouth. In the last stages, the animal experiences paralysis of all the muscles of the body and paws. Then death occurs. The violent form can last from 3 to 11 days.
Silent form. The animal becomes unusually affectionate, is constantly next to the owner, behaves intrusively. Of the external signs, one can note the refusal to drink, difficulty in swallowing one's own saliva, profuse salivation, and a parted mouth. The cat behaves sluggishly and looks depressed. This form lasts from 2 to 4 days, after which a fatal outcome occurs.
atypical form. This form is the most difficult to recognize, since it has signs uncharacteristic of rabies. This form proceeds longer than others - about 3 months. Its symptoms are similar to those of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. It is also accompanied by apathy and depressive behavior of the animal. The cat's condition periodically improves, but then signs such as diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation reappear. With this form of rabies, there is a general depletion of the body.

When and how often should a cat be vaccinated against rabies?

The first rabies vaccination for a cat should occur at the age of 3 months. First, the kitten is given a comprehensive vaccination against panleukopenia, calicivirus, rhinotracheitis, chlamydia. 3-4 weeks after this, revaccination is carried out and at the same time the rabies vaccine is administered. The next time to get vaccinated is at 12 months of age.

There are different views as to what frequency of rabies vaccination should be given to cats. Most veterinarians in the CIS countries recommend doing it, as well as complex, once a year. The International Small Animal Veterinary Association recommends a comprehensive vaccination once every 3 years, and a rabies vaccination once a year. The duration of the rabies vaccine depends on the manufacturer and the specific product.

If there are no additional circumstances that require a cat to be vaccinated (moving to another country, exhibition, mating, risk of infection), then vaccinations should be done once every 3 years.

What vaccines are used for vaccinations?

There are two types of rabies vaccines.:

Live. Contains live virus cells. Help to form immunity quickly enough (1 week). Immunity after such a vaccine is stronger. But there is a risk of complications and infection of the animal.
Dead. Contains dead virus cells. Immunity is formed almost instantly, but is weaker. The body is only able to cope with the amount of antibodies that was in the vaccine. There is no risk of infection.

Live rabies vaccines:

Quadrikat (complex vaccine + rabies).

Dead rabies vaccines:

Nobivak Rabies;
Rabizin;
Rabikan;
Defensor-3.

How to prepare a cat?

The rabies vaccine for cats should only be administered to a completely healthy animal. Therefore, 10 days before vaccination, you need to deworm and remove fleas (if any). Before the introduction of the vaccine, the veterinarian should examine the cat for the presence of congenital or acquired diseases, the presence of infectious or inflammatory processes.

Reasons for postponing the vaccination date:

the cat's teeth are changing;
the animal has undergone surgery;
the pet took antibiotics 2 weeks before vaccination;
the cat has been in contact with sick or street animals.

After vaccination, the cat must be carefully monitored for one day. As a rule, the animal will be a little lethargic and sleepy on the first day. There should be no other symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions. On the second day, the cat will return to its normal state.

The appearance of a fluffy lump in the house will certainly please all household members. However, in order for your beloved pet to always remain healthy, it is necessary to take care of vaccines for kittens in time. Very often cat owners neglect this rule. They have to deal with various diseases that can greatly harm a furry pet.

What viruses do you need to be vaccinated against?

There are a number of ailments that cats are most prone to. Among them it is worth noting rabies, viral leukemia, infectious feline peritonitis.

Most often, cats die from these diseases, so it is important to decide when to vaccinate kittens.

Panleukopenia is the plague. It is worth paying special attention to it. The fact is that this disease occurs in an acute form. In this case, cats have indigestion and heart failure. Most often, this ailment ends with the death of a beloved animal, if the first vaccinations for a kitten were not made on time. In addition, it should be borne in mind that this disease is very contagious, so it can be transmitted from one pet to another. Most often, animals with weak immunity, as well as young kittens, suffer from this disease.

It is also worth paying attention to a disease called calcivirosis. This is a viral illness that a young cat can get from a person, or rather not from the owner himself, but from his clothes, in which he constantly goes outside.

Viral leukemia is also very dangerous for pets. As soon as the virus of this disease enters the body of an animal, it immediately affects the bone marrow. Treatment of the disease is very painful and requires strengthening the pet's immune system. It should also be borne in mind that there is no way to completely cure leukemia, so it is imperative to make the first vaccination of the kitten in a timely manner.

Types of vaccines

Vaccinations for animals are of 2 types: live and inactivated, that is, dead. Experts cannot yet say exactly which type of vaccination is the best.

It involves the introduction of a small amount of a live virus, due to which a fairly strong and long-lasting immunity is formed in cats. However, in rare cases, such vaccination can cause a prolonged development of the disease, which in turn can lead to very unpleasant consequences.

If we talk about the first vaccination for a kitten of an inactivated type, then the vaccine is a virus that is killed by a chemical or physical method. In this case, the effect will be shorter. In addition, after such a vaccination, the work of the liver and kidneys of the animal is complicated.

How kittens are vaccinated

As a rule, the first vaccination is given to a kitten at 8 weeks. If a young cat was born from a cat that was vaccinated, then some of the antibodies were transferred to him along with milk, respectively, such a baby can not be vaccinated for up to 12 weeks.

It is not recommended to give the first injection at an earlier age, since during this period the animal does not develop active immunity, respectively, any injections will simply be useless.

If we talk about the first vaccinations for a kitten, then they are done at the age of 2-3 months. As a rule, these are injections with drugs that contain several viruses at once.

Re-vaccination is carried out in a month. In this case, the same components are used as the first time. The third time the vaccine must be done in a year. At this time, the composition of the drug will be the same, only this time, anti-rabies components will be added to it.

If the pet will often go outside or attend exhibitions, then it is also necessary to vaccinate him against lichen.

When do kittens get their first rabies shot?

Many cat owners are seriously concerned about this disease. This is not surprising, because it is dangerous not only for animals, but also for people. It should be borne in mind that animals die from rabies in 100% of cases, so such a vaccine is required.

If the fluffy pet is constantly in contact with other animals, then the first vaccination for a kitten should be done at the age of 3 months. If the pet sits at home where there are no other pets, then it can be vaccinated against rabies a little later, by 7-8 months, when the body of the young animal is fully strengthened. After that, vaccination is carried out annually (it is desirable to do the procedure at the same time). Do not be afraid if the pet loses its appetite after vaccination, looks weak and lethargic. This is a normal reaction to this type of event.

Features of vaccination of young animals

It has already been said before when to vaccinate kittens. In this case, the doctor must make sure that the animals are absolutely healthy. Pet owners should also watch their pet. A healthy kitten is characterized by a good appetite, normal body temperature, and an active lifestyle. The animal should not sneeze or cough, and you should also pay attention to the presence of discharge from the nose or eyes.

If there is any suspicion that the kitten is sick, then in no case should you give him injections.

It is also worth refusing to vaccinate if the day before the pet was in contact with any sick animal. If an operation was performed on a small pet, then the date of the first vaccination for the kitten is determined by the doctor. As a rule, injections are not given for 3 weeks after surgery.

Owners of fluffy lumps need to know not only when kittens are given their first vaccination, but also what drugs are used.

"Square"

The manufacturer of this drug is the French company Merial. The vaccine contains active ingredients that the animal's body needs to resist panleukopenia, calicivirus, rabies and rhinotracheitis.

The first injection is given to the baby at the age of 8 weeks. In this case, "Leukorifelin" is injected subcutaneously. At the 12-13th week of the baby's life, he is injected with a dose of "Quadricat" and this procedure is repeated when the kitten is 1 year old.

"Nobivak" (Tricat trio)

This drug is manufactured by Intervet. The vaccine includes three active components: Triket, Nobivak and Rabies. Thanks to this composition, you can also protect the animal from 4 ailments at once.

At the age of 8 weeks, the kitten is injected subcutaneously with "Tricket". For 12-13 weeks, an injection of the same drug is given, only in this case, Rabies is added to it. The procedure is repeated when the kitten is 1 year old.

Felovax

The drug is produced by the American company Fort Dodge. This vaccine contains a standard set of strains. However, in addition to the main diseases, this injection will prevent the development of chlamydia in an animal.

At the age of 8 weeks, the kitten is given a subcutaneous injection with Felovax. At week 12, the vaccine is given again, but in this case, the composition additionally includes an anti-rabies drug.

Thereafter, the procedures are repeated annually.

"Purevax"

This drug is manufactured by Merial. The composition of the vaccine includes components that can withstand the most dangerous feline ailments, including chlamydia and leukemia. However, the composition of the drug can be changed depending on the condition, breed and characteristics of a particular animal.

Vaccination is carried out according to a similar scheme. The first injection is given at 8 weeks and repeated at 12 weeks with the addition of additional components.

All the drugs described above are not recommended for use if the cat is pregnant. Therefore, before the injection, it is imperative to make an appointment with a veterinarian so that he can assess the condition of the animal. It is important to find a competent specialist. It is not recommended to vaccinate at home, as the animal may have an allergic reaction to any components of the drug. Therefore, it is better if experienced specialists are nearby.

Vaccination of domestic cats has long been a routine procedure, the need for which is not in doubt. Rabies remains one of the most dangerous infections common to humans and animals. The virus that causes this disease, in natural conditions, persists in the population of wild predators (mainly foxes, wolves, jackals and badgers), as well as stray dogs and cats. Approximately a third of animals bitten by a sick dog become infected and die. Treatment of rabies has not been developed, and sick animals are subject to destruction in accordance with current veterinary legislation. Therefore, if you want to protect not only your pet, but also your family, then you will not wonder if a cat needs a rabies vaccine.

Every responsible cat and dog owner needs to know when to get their first rabies shot, how long immunity lasts, and how often to revaccinate. We will try to answer all these questions in detail, and also talk a little about the disease itself.

How rabies is transmitted

The virus is found in large quantities in the salivary glands of a sick animal. It was found that the virus appears in the saliva of sick dogs already 10 days before the first symptoms of the disease. When saliva enters a bite wound or simply damaged skin, the rabies virus enters the body and travels along the nerve fibers to the spinal cord and brain. The shorter this distance, the faster the signs of rabies develop in an infected animal or person. Therefore, bites to the head or neck are most dangerous.

Nearly 100% of cats with rabies die. People who have been bitten are given preventive vaccination, the principle of which is based on the fact that the vaccine virus spreads throughout the body faster than the “wild” one and the immune system has time to develop protection. You should know that when the first symptoms of the disease appear, vaccination is useless.

Why you need a rabies vaccine

As it has become clear, vaccinating cats against rabies is the only reliable way to prevent infection of pets and family members. In cities, cats and dogs are a reservoir of the virus, and in disadvantaged areas, which, by the way, are very numerous in Russia today, vaccination of cats and dogs against rabies is mandatory.

Does a domestic cat need to be vaccinated against rabies? There is an opinion that an animal living exclusively in the house does not need disease prevention. This is not so, because the vaccine may be necessary, for example, in such cases:

In addition, vaccination is mandatory for animals participating in exhibitions and breeding or left for overexposure. Also, for the safety of staff, some veterinary clinics refuse to deal with an animal that has not been vaccinated against rabies.

When is it necessary to vaccinate?

We list the cases when vaccination against rabies is mandatory.

In all cases, the vaccination mark is placed in the animal's passport and must be confirmed by the signature and seal of the veterinarian. They also indicate data on the vaccine administered or paste a label from the vial into the passport. Since immunity in a cat is not developed immediately, the animal must be vaccinated at least a month before the date of the event (exhibition, export abroad), but not more than 11 months. Quarantine after vaccination against rabies in cats is optional.

Timing of vaccination

The terms of preventive vaccinations in cats have been determined for a long time and practically do not vary. When it is better to vaccinate against rabies for a cat, the veterinarian decides. The following scheme is usually practiced:

monovaccine at the age of three months;
further, annual revaccination.

Sometimes owners decide to wait with the vaccination and vaccinate the kitten after the change of milk teeth (at 4-5 months) - this approach is also quite acceptable.

If the kitten was vaccinated against other feline diseases at 8-10 weeks, then at the age of three months he is usually given a complex vaccine against these diseases (re-vaccination) and rabies.

If for some reason the vaccine was administered earlier than three months of age, then at 3 months the injection is repeated.

How is the vaccination done?

How does the rabies vaccination work in practice? It is necessary to prepare for the event in advance. Preparing for a rabies vaccination for a cat is as follows.

Two weeks before going to the doctor, the animal is given anti-helminth remedies - Drontal, Pirantel, Dekaris, Alben C and others.
They get rid of fleas, bathe the kitten with zoo shampoos.
A few days before vaccination, they carefully monitor the well-being, appetite of the pet, and measure body temperature the day before.

There are contraindications for rabies vaccination for cats:

increased body temperature;
individual sensitivity to the components of the vaccine;
the presence of infectious diseases;
exacerbation of chronic diseases.

On the day of vaccination, the veterinarian is obliged to examine the animal, measure its temperature, and listen to the owner's complaints about the pet's well-being.

Where a cat is vaccinated against rabies depends on the type of vaccine used. Usually the drug is administered intramuscularly in the thigh area, less often subcutaneously in the shoulder blade area. The volume of liquid administered for most vaccines is 1 ml, which corresponds to one dose.

All manufacturers do not recommend the simultaneous administration of vaccines from different companies. It is allowed to administer the rabies vaccine and other drugs from the same company, but in different places from different syringes (for example, in the left and right thigh). There are also rabies vaccines that can be used as a diluent for others, for example, Nobivak Rabies in combination with Nobivak DHPPi, Nobivak DHP.

How often to vaccinate a cat

How long does the rabies vaccine last in cats? All existing vaccines require annual administration. The exception is the preparation of the Dutch company "Intervet" under the name "Nobivak Rabies". In cats and dogs, it forms immunity lasting up to three years. But there is one caveat. In any encounter with official veterinary services - for example, when exporting abroad - you will be required to vaccinate annually, despite the periods indicated in the instructions for the drug.

How often to vaccinate a cat against rabies is up to the owner in this case. If "Nobivak Rabies" is staged "for oneself", then once every three years is enough. Also, some veterinarians recommend using a similar gentle revaccination for older or chronically ill cats.

Reactions to the rabies vaccine

A cat usually feels good after a rabies vaccination. Modern drugs are produced taking into account the characteristics of the cat's metabolism. But earlier in our country, a rabies vaccine was used, the preservative in which was phenol, a compound that is extremely toxic to cats. Therefore, even now you can hear the opinion that vaccinating cats against rabies is an extremely dangerous procedure. Actually it is not. The reaction to the rabies vaccine in cats is either completely absent or manifests itself as a slight inhibition of activity within 2-3 days after going to the doctor. With subcutaneous administration of the drug, a slight swelling may form, which resolves on its own within one to two weeks.

Like the introduction of any biological product, vaccinating a cat against rabies can have a side effect, which will manifest itself as a serious allergic reaction of the body - anaphylactic shock. In this case, the veterinarian provides emergency assistance to the animal. Therefore, after any vaccination, it is recommended to wait 15–20 minutes and leave the clinic only after this time.

Types of vaccines used

What rabies vaccines for cats are used today to prevent the disease? There are quite a lot of them, there are drugs of imported and domestic production. The main difference is in the form of the virus presented. There are live and inactivated (killed) rabies vaccines.

Benefits of live vaccines:

Disadvantages of live vaccines:

give more complications;
for the formation of immunity, a double injection of the virus is required;
not recommended for use in pregnant and lactating cats, debilitated animals.

For these reasons, most veterinarians work with inactivated rabies vaccines.

You also need to keep in mind that each doctor and each clinic has its own preferences in choosing a manufacturer. As a rule, they all work with one permanent supplier company, which guarantees the quality of the drug and its proper storage during transportation.

The following are the names of rabies vaccines for cats:

Summing up, we note the following key points. Rabies is a dangerous disease not only for animals, but also for people. Therefore, it is necessary to vaccinate all cats, even if your pet does not leave the apartment. For vaccination, predominantly inactivated vaccines are used both in monovariant and in combination with other infections. The first injection is given to a kitten at the age of three months, further revaccination is carried out once a year. Cats tolerate modern preparations well, without any obvious complications.