Cat Vaccination Schedule: A Comprehensive Guide
In China, common cat vaccines include the Trivalent Vaccine and the Pentavalent Vaccine. Additionally, there are also individual vaccines such as the Rabies Vaccine, the Feline Panleukopenia Vaccine, and the Recombinant Feline Leukemia Vaccine.
The Trivalent Vaccine for cats is designed to protect against the three most common and severe infectious diseases in kittens: feline distemper, herpes, and calicivirus. These diseases can be deadly for kittens, but the vaccine can prevent these illnesses in up to 90% of cases.
The Pentavalent Vaccine builds upon the Trivalent Vaccine by adding protection against Chlamydia and incurable feline leukemia. However, this vaccine can sometimes lead to tumors at the injection site, which is why it's recommended to administer it subcutaneously in the leg.
Rabies: China is a rabies endemic area, and it is a legally required vaccine as it can infect humans. The symptoms in cats include hydrophobia and photophobia.
Kittens receive antibodies through their mother's colostrum, known as transitional antibodies, which gradually diminish around 50 days. Therefore, it is generally advised to start immunizations for kittens around 60 days old.
Important Note: Vaccination is a medical procedure, and it is crucial to choose a legitimate and authorized veterinary facility for these services.
What to Consider Before Vaccination? First and foremost, ensure that your cat is in good health, as vaccinations can temporarily weaken their immune system. New kittens should be allowed to acclimate to their new environment for at least one week without showing signs of illness, such as sneezing, runny nose, excessive tearing, eye discharge, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, or poor spirits.
What to Expect After Vaccination? Kittens may experience a decrease in appetite and a change in mood for 23 days after vaccination. Some may also have a slight increase in body temperature, which is normal. If these symptoms persist for more than three days, please contact a veterinarian. In rare cases, some cats may exhibit acute allergic reactions, such as facial swelling and vomiting. In such situations, it is essential to bring the cat to the hospital immediately. Although the likelihood of acute allergies is low, prompt treatment is crucial.
After vaccination, avoid taking your cat out, bathing them, or introducing new pets to the home for at least one week. This is because vaccination temporarily reduces the cat's immunity, and it takes a few days for it to gradually recover.
Besides regular vaccinations, pet owners should also focus on providing their cats with a balanced diet and adequate nutrition to strengthen their immune system, ensuring that their cats can accompany us healthily and happily.
