Veterinarians strongly recommend vaccinating pets during childhood. Despite this, many owners refuse this procedure. Some are stopped by the erroneous belief that animals that do not go outside are invulnerable. Others are fully aware of the risks, but are very worried about the reaction to vaccination against rabies and other diseases in cats.
The benefits and harms of vaccination
First, it’s worth understanding the pros and cons of vaccination. With a significant preponderance of benefits, possible complications fade into the background.
How does the vaccine work?
After vaccination, the cat receives immunity, since the administered vaccine stimulates the production of antibodies to fight the virus. The injection solution is based on a killed or weakened pathogen of one or more deadly diseases.
Thanks to a milder effect, the body has time to neutralize the pathogenic agent. Information about it is saved, so in the event of a real infection, the immune system immediately fights back, excluding the death of the animal from complications.
Despite the effectiveness of this method, such immunity does not last forever. It is necessary to vaccinate pets every year, since after this time the “immune memory” weakens. Repeated injection allows you to refresh memories and increase your defenses.
What happens if you don’t vaccinate an animal?
Thanks to immunity, 90% of vaccinated cats immediately fight back the pathogen even at the infection stage. The remaining 10% still get sick, but suffer the infection in the mildest form and quickly recover.
At the same time, an unvaccinated pet is extremely vulnerable. When confronted with a virus, it is sure to become infected and, if its body does not have time to pick up a “master key” against the invader, it dies.
Lack of contact with other animals and suppression of walking on the street do not guarantee protection from pathogenic microorganisms. They can be brought into the house on clothes, shoes and even on unwashed hands.
Refusal to vaccinate worsens the epidemiological situation, increasing the number of infections, and imposes restrictions on overexposure. It is dangerous for owners of unvaccinated pets to pick up strays or take in animals for temporary housing.
It is equally important to note the absence of a veterinary passport documenting all administered vaccines. Without it, it is impossible to move to another country, become a participant in a cat show, or try your hand at breeding.
Why is vaccination necessary?
It is important to have regular vaccinations for the following reasons:
If an animal is not vaccinated against rabies, then when it becomes ill, it becomes potentially dangerous to everyone.
- The diseases against which vaccines are created are deadly for animals. If an unvaccinated cat gets sick, then there is a high chance that everything will end in death.
- A sick cat poses a danger to other pets.
- Some diseases, such as rabies, are dangerous to humans. A cat can infect its owner. This disease is fatal to any living creature.
What diseases are cats vaccinated against?
All vaccinations are divided into mandatory and additional. The first ones do not depend on the place of residence and conditions of detention. These include vaccines against rabies, calcivirosis, rhinotracheitis and panleukopenia.
The latter are recommended only in certain regions and depend on the epidemiological situation. This includes vaccination against chlamydia and leukemia.
Rabies
Rabies is on the mandatory list in all countries of the world. Rabivirus is dangerous not only for animals, but also for humans. The infection it causes affects all parts of the central nervous system and cannot be treated, so if an unvaccinated pet becomes infected, it is euthanized.
Calcivirosis
Calcivirosis is accompanied by conjunctivitis and pneumonia, which reduce the body's defenses. The disease is often complicated by a secondary infection, causing death in 80% of those infected.
Rhinotracheitis
Rhinotracheitis, or herpesvirus, affects the upper respiratory tract, causing the development of bronchial pneumonia. It is especially severe in kittens, dying in 20% of cases.
Panleukopenia (distemper)
The distemper virus attacks the intestines, lungs, skin and central nervous system alternately or simultaneously. Even after recovery, loss of vision, lameness and regular epileptic seizures are noted.
Chlamydia
Dangerous for animals with low immunity: kittens, elderly or weakened by chronic diseases pets. Chlamydia causes inevitable death when brain cells are damaged and can be transmitted to humans, while being very different from the sexual form of the disease.
Leukemia
This cancer provokes the development of lymphosarcoma - a malignant lump formed from lymphatic tissue. The virus is very fragile and dies quickly in the environment, so it is transmitted only through close contact. Vaccination against leukemia is recommended for breeding animals, shelter residents and all cats going outside.
Manufacturers and brands of vaccinations
No vaccine manufacturer guarantees the absence of complications. There are vaccines for which complaints are received more often (Nobivac) and less frequently (PureVax). Other common brands that we do not mention in the article are recommended to a lesser extent. Let's look at the medications that veterinarians usually offer.
Nobivac
Nobivac vaccines (Nobivac, Holland) come in several varieties: Nobivac Tricat against viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia, Nobivac Rabies against rabies, etc. There are many complaints about these vaccines. There are serious consequences. Recently there was information in the English-language news that entire batches of the drug led to deaths. However, so far nothing has been proven on this score and the Nobivac vaccine is used by most veterinarians - as a rule, without consequences. In many localities, it remains one of the few ways to protect the animal.
Felocell
The Felocell vaccine (Felocell, USA) is intended for immunization of cats against viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus infection, panleukopenia and chlamydia. The disadvantage of the quadrivalent vaccine is that it contains a component of chlamydia (it was written above that it is this that causes the main complications). It is better to stick with the trivalent vaccine.
This brand also has a rabies vaccine. As for complications after Felocell, they also occur, but not so often.
Purevax
PureVax (France) is a much less common vaccine. However, veterinarians praise the drug: complications from it rarely occur.
"Purevax" provides immunity from panleukopenia, calicivirus, rhinotracheitis and rabies. It is especially worth paying attention to rabies vaccines, which will be discussed below. In general, Purevax preparations are considered much more environmentally friendly than analogues from other companies.
Disadvantages: higher price and unavailability in many localities. At the same time, ordering the drug via the Internet is dangerous, because... there is no guarantee that it will arrive, as expected, refrigerated.
Other manufacturers
Felinologists warn that allergies and autoimmune reactions are often observed with the Biofel vaccine; the Multifel vaccine is well tolerated, but its ability to develop immunity is questionable. There are also complaints of numerous allergic reactions to the Felovax vaccine.
Vaccine selection
The vaccine allows you to protect against only one (monovaccine) or several (polyvaccine) strains of the virus. The most effective include complex drugs with a weakened viral code, reducing the number of injections and maximally stimulating the production of antibodies. The owner is also asked to choose a manufacturer.
Domestic brands
Injection solutions from domestic brands cost less than their foreign counterparts and are rarely available for sale. They can be purchased at any Russian veterinary clinic or veterinary pharmacy.
Multifel-4
The most popular drug that protects against calcivirosis, rhinotracheitis, plague and chlamydia. Does not cause side effects, except for slight swelling and a mild allergic reaction.
Rabikan
Used to develop immunity against rabivirus (rabies). Often accompanied by complications in kittens and adult cats with low weight.
Leominor
Suitable for immunization against leukemia and can be used in conjunction with Multifel-4. According to the results of clinical trials, vaccinated animals retain adequate behavioral reactions, activity and appetite.
Foreign stamps
Despite the high cost, it is more popular than domestic drugs. This is due to less pronounced side effects.
Nobivac
The Dutch vaccine is suitable even for kittens and is available in several versions: Tricat and Rabies. The first option protects against all infections from the mandatory list, except rabies, and the second – against 4 diseases at once, including rabies.
Quadricat
Recommended for pregnant cats and kittens. Available in 2 forms: liquid (calcivirosis + rhinotracheitis) and dry (rabies + panleukopenia). Before use, they are mixed and administered together.
Felocell
American analogue of the domestic Multifel-4. The complications that arise are associated with the chlamydial component. If your pet is not at risk, then it is much safer to choose a trivalent drug without vaccination against chlamydia.
PureVax
French analogue of Leominor. In addition to injection solutions against leukemia, the manufacturer produces 2 more forms of the drug recommended for mandatory vaccination.
Non-dangerous consequences of vaccination
After vaccination, cats often experience side effects. Such a reaction of the body is typical for any intervention and should not always cause concern to the owner.
Lethargy and loss of appetite
Low fever, passivity and lack of interest in favorite treats are observed for no more than 4 days (depending on the vaccine). They go away on their own after the active production of antibodies, which overloads the body, ceases.
Lump on the withers
In addition to the virus, most vaccines contain an adjuvant, a compound that enhances the immune response. It provides blood flow to the injection site and causes a mild inflammatory reaction. The swelling disappears within a week, but some anti-rabies compounds can provoke the development of a lump that lasts a long time - up to several months.
Temporary lameness
The occurrence of lameness is typical when the nerve is damaged during an intramuscular injection. Due to pain, your pet may limp for about 3 weeks. Otherwise his health remains satisfactory.
What is a rabies vaccination
Rabies is a disease of representatives of the animal world, which occurs in an acute form and is fatal, manifested by damage to the nervous system and hydrophobia.
An infectious disease is transmitted from one animal to another through saliva, blood, eating an infected animal or the bite of a bat. Vaccinating your cat against rabies will completely protect your pet from infection.
The medicine is a weakened virus that is injected into cats for the subsequent production of antibodies, or ready-made antigens. The inactivated vaccine prepares the animal's body to fight rabies.
Types of vaccines
There are different types of rabies vaccine. The medicine must be selected taking into account the age and breed of the animal. It is better to consult a veterinarian on this issue.
Types of drugs for animal immunization:
- “Live” - they contain living virus cells that help form immunity.
- “Non-living” - they contain dead virus cells. Immunity is developed almost instantly, the effect of such cells quickly wears off.
Existing vaccines that are commonly used:
- "Defensor-3" is a complex vaccine for developing immunity in cattle, cats, and dogs. Country of origin: USA. The price of one ampoule is 120–150 rubles. Storage temperature of the drug is from +2 to +7 °C.
- “Nobivac rabies” or nobivac rabies is one of the latest developments by French scientists. Used to prevent the development of panleukopenia and rhinotracheitis infections. The drug can only be used for cats over five months of age.
- The domestic vaccine is called “Rabikan”. It is done free of charge at state veterinary stations. There are no particular complaints about the drug, but according to some owners, the vaccine has a number of side effects and is poorly tolerated by cats.
How and where to get vaccinated
When administering vaccinations, it is important to follow the clear rules and instructions of the veterinarian. The animal must be prepared in advance. The pet should not be debilitated by illness. Contraindications for rabies vaccination in cats:
- increased body temperature;
- diseases that undermine the pet’s immunity;
- loss or change of teeth;
- chronic diseases.
Attention! Vaccination against rabies should not overlap with other vaccinations.
When administering the serum, an intramuscular injection is made in the thigh area. Sometimes the vaccine is placed subcutaneously in the area of the shoulder blade. This depends on the type of drug administered.
Dangerous complications
Most severe side effects are associated with neglect of preparatory measures. If they appear, it is recommended to contact a veterinarian.
Allergic reaction
If there is an individual intolerance to the components included in the composition, a mustachioed patient may experience vomiting, lacrimation, diarrhea, itching, baldness and even anaphylactic shock, which can lead to suffocation. For this reason, doctors recommend not leaving the veterinary clinic for 1 hour after the injection in order to quickly help the animal and prevent complications - especially if the vaccine is used for a specific pet for the first time.
Constant lameness
If a large nerve plexus is damaged, partial or complete paralysis may develop. If your pet does not get up on its paws for more than 2 days, seek help. With timely treatment, limb mobility returns.
Sarcoma (oncology)
One of the most dangerous and rare complications is the appearance of a cancerous tumor at the injection site. If the lump lasts longer than a week, looks too large, or is gradually getting larger, be sure to consult your veterinarian. In addition to the neoplasm, the cause of the swelling may be an abscess caused by the ingress of pathogenic microorganisms.
Kidney diseases
Excessive exposure to PureVax and other products containing feline kidney cells causes an autoimmune disease. Immune cells take up arms not only against the virus, but also against native nephrons, provoking the development of kidney failure.
Mild course of the disease
It is important to clarify here that the vaccine is not a cure, but only a means of prevention. A vaccinated pet will get the same infection as an infected unvaccinated one. The only difference is that the first one tolerates it easier. Sometimes the symptoms are so weak that the owner does not even notice them.
Side effects of cat vaccination
Vaccination on schedule each year saves many lives, both in the feline species and many others, and keeps serious diseases under control, especially in cats that travel abroad or are kept in groups. That's why they are vital.
However, like most medications, they may present a number of side effects or unexpected reactions that should be known. In most cases, the positive effects are much greater than the possible damage. To minimize possible adverse effects, we will always maintain a vaccination schedule appropriate to our cat's age and environment as directed by our veterinarian, and of course always follow appropriate safety precautions.
In this article, we'll go into detail about the side effects of feline vaccines so you can be more informed when vaccinating your feline companion. We classified vaccine reactions depending on their severity into 2 large groups:
Vaccination rules
After receiving the first passive immunity, vaccination is carried out once a year. A longer break (3 years) is typical only for vaccination against rabies, although in Russia it is strongly recommended to vaccinate pets against rabovirus more often - annually. To avoid unpleasant consequences, you should carefully read the basic rules and contraindications.
At what age should I start?
Babies are protected from infections thanks to colostrum containing their mother's antibodies. Passive immunity lasts up to 4 months, but if breastfeeding ends at 2 months, the first vaccination is given at this age.
At 2-2.5 months, kittens are vaccinated against all diseases from the mandatory list, except rabies. After 3-4 weeks they are revaccinated to consolidate the result. If by this time they reach 3 months, then a polyvalent solution containing a weakened rabies virus is used for vaccination.
Preparing for vaccination
Before the procedure, the mustachioed pet is taken to the veterinary clinic for examination and tests to exclude hidden infections. 1.5-2 weeks before vaccination, deworming is carried out to prevent a sharp weakening of the immune system due to sudden infection with helminths. Contact with other animals is temporarily prohibited.
Strict adherence to preparatory measures reduces the likelihood of dangerous complications to 0.5-1%. If alarming symptoms appear, the planned procedure is postponed until complete recovery.
Which ones are needed?
Some people believe that if a cat does not walk outside, then vaccinations are not necessary. But that's not true. An infectious disease that is dangerous for animals can be brought home on shoes. If the animal is accustomed to walking, then it is necessary to carry out a complex of vaccinations. Mandatory vaccinations include distemper, rabies, feline herpes and calcivirus. At the owner's request, the cat is vaccinated against chlamydia.
The first vaccination of a kitten is carried out at the age of 8-10 weeks against rhinotracheitis, calcivirus, panleukopenia. Revaccination - after 3-4 weeks. Rabies vaccinations are given no earlier than 12 weeks and repeated annually. It is recommended to use the vaccine from the same manufacturer each time. Especially if the cat tolerates it well. Quarantine after vaccination lasts 10-14 days, it is during this period that immunity to the disease is developed. It is necessary to limit the kitten from being outside and from contact with other animals, especially unvaccinated ones.
