Why Should I Vaccinate My Pet?

Why should I vaccinate my pet? “Core Vaccines” can protect your pet against many common, highly contagious diseases. We strongly recommend vaccinating your pet against these common diseases to prevent severe infection or even death. Rabies  What is it? Rabies virus targets the nervous system and causes swelling of the brain. Initially animals may have a fever and exhibit changes in behavior. As the disease progresses animals may develop paralysis or aggression. Animals rarely survive more than 10 days after onset of clinical signs.  How is it spread? Most commonly, the virus is transmitted in saliva from the bite of an infected animal. In confined spaces the virus can also spread through aerosolization. Note: Rabies can be transmitted to humans through animal bites and is almost 100% fatal after the onset of clinical signs.  What cats are at risk? Unvaccinated cats and mammals are susceptible to rabies. However, outdoor cats are more likely to come into contact with wildlife that may harbor the disease.  When should you vaccinate your pets? Kittens – after 12 weeks of age Adults – annual vaccine for 1st one, every 3 years for follow up vaccinations as long as vaccinations remain current Note: In Washington State, rabies vaccination is mandatory in all dogs greater than 3 months

Panleukopenia:  What is it? Feline planleukopenia is caused by a parvovirus that targets the gastrointestinal tract. Signs will often manifest quickly and can include depression, loss of appetite, vomiting, profuse bloody diarrhea, or dehydration. If signs are severe, death can occur within 12 hours. In a pregnant cat, the virus can be transmitted to her gestating kittens. When the kittens are born they may exhibit problems with coordination and mobility due to cerebellar brain damage.  How is it spread? All secretions from a sick animal are highly contagious and can infect unvaccinated cats.  What cats are at risk? While all cats are at risk, unvaccinated cats and kittens less than 4 months old are at the greatest risk for contracting the virus.  When should you vaccinate your pets? Kittens – vaccination at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 16 weeks Adults Previously Vaccinated – annual vaccination

Rhinotracheitis:  What is it? Feline Rhinotracheitis is an upper respiratory infection in cats caused by feline herpesvirus. Cats may show signs of ocular/nasal discharge, fever, reduced appetite, oral ulcers, or corneal ulcers.  How is it spread? Respiratory secretions from an infected cat can transmit the virus. Caretakers and objects that come into contact with a sick animal can also spread the virus. Affected cats may become chronic carriers and shed the virus intermittently.  What cats are at risk? While all cats are at risk, unvaccinated cats and kittens less than 4 months old are at the greatest risk for contracting the virus.  When should you vaccinate your pets? Kittens – vaccination at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 16 weeks Adults Previously Vaccinated – annual vaccination

Chlamydia:  What is it? Chlamydia bacteria are a major cause of upper respiratory infection in cats. Affected cats may develop conjunctivitis and fever. In some cases, cats may not respond to treatment and experience persistent infections.  How is it spread? Chlamydia can be transmitted by inhalation of respiratory secretions or contact with contaminated objects.  What cats are at risk? While all cats are at risk, unvaccinated cats and kittens less than 4 months old are at the greatest risk for contracting the virus.  When should you vaccinate your pets? Kittens – vaccination at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 16 weeks Adults Previously Vaccinated – annual vaccination

Calici:  What is it? Feline calicivirus is a major cause of upper respiratory infection in cats. Affected animals may exhibit signs of fever, sneezing, loss of appetite, depression, oral ulcers, salivation, limping and pneumonia.  How is it spread? Calicivirus can be transmitted by inhalation of respiratory secretions or contact with contaminated objects. Once shed into the environment, the virus can persist for long periods of time.  What cats are at risk? While all cats are at risk, unvaccinated cats and kittens less than 4 months old are at the greatest risk for contracting the virus.  When should you vaccinate your pets? Kittens – vaccination at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 16 weeks Adults Previously Vaccinated – annual vaccination

Feline Leukemia:  What is it? FeLV is a disease that causes severe immunosuppression in affected animals. Since the immune system cannot function normally, animals may die from secondary infection. Some cats may also develop leukemia or other types of cancer.  How is it spread? The virus is transmitted through direct contact with an infected animal’s saliva or blood.  What cats are at risk? Unvaccinated outdoor cats and kittens less than 4 months old are at the greatest risk for contracting the virus. Outdoor cats may engage in catfights and are more likely to contract the virus through bite wounds.  When should you vaccinate your pets? Kittens – vaccination at 12 weeks and 16 weeks Adults Previously Vaccinated – annual vaccination depending on indoor/outdoor status