As a cat owner in Australia, you should know how important vaccinations are for keeping your pet healthy and safe from diseases. In this blog post, we will discuss what Australian cat owners need to know about their cat’s vaccination.
Why Vaccinations Are Important for Cats:
Vaccinations help protect your cat against potentially life-threatening diseases, including feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus, feline enteritis, and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Vaccinations help stimulate your cat’s immune system to build resistance to these diseases and reduce the risk of serious illness or death.
Vaccination Schedule for Cats in Australia:
The following is a general vaccination schedule recommended for cats in Australia:
- First Vaccination: Kittens should get their first shots against feline enteritis, feline herpesvirus, and feline calicivirus when they are six to eight weeks old.
- Booster Vaccinations: A booster vaccination should be given every three to four weeks until the kitten is 16 weeks old. After the initial vaccinations, booster vaccinations are required to maintain immunity. Depending on the type of vaccine, booster vaccinations may be required annually or every three years.
- FIV Vaccination: The FIV vaccination is recommended for cats that are at a higher risk of exposure to FIV, such as outdoor cats or cats living in multi-cat households.
Things to Consider When Vaccinating Your Cat:
- Talk to Your Vet: It’s important to talk to your vet about making a vaccination schedule for your cat that fits its needs. Your vet can also provide advice on how often vaccinations should be given.
- Timing: Vaccinations should be given at the right time, as over-vaccination can cause adverse reactions in cats. Your vet can advise on the appropriate timing of vaccinations.
- Potential Side Effects: Vaccinations can cause side effects such as lethargy, fever, and swelling at the injection site. It is important to be aware of the potential side effects and contact your veterinarian if your cat shows any adverse reactions.
- Record Keeping: Keep a record of your cat’s vaccination history and bring it with you to every vet visit. This list can help you make sure your cat gets the right shots at the right time.
In conclusion, your cat needs vaccinations to stay healthy and safe from diseases that could be life-threatening. By following a recommended vaccination schedule, talking to your vet, thinking about the timing of vaccinations, being aware of possible side effects, and keeping records, you can help make sure your cat stays healthy and happy for years to come.