No-Poke Cat Vaccines: Essential Shots to Avoid!

Below are some introductions to various feline diseases:

Leukemia Virus in Cats:

This virus is transmitted through saliva and nasal secretions, making it possible for cats to contract it through prolonged contact with infected cats, bites, or from mother to kitten. The virus can be extremely severe for cats, with up to 20% of infected cats not surviving more than three years. Due to its impact on the immune system, affected cats may suffer from anemia, cancer, and various infections. Cats that frequently go outdoors and may come into contact with infected cats should be vaccinated, ideally before they are four months old. However, the vaccine is not always effective, so keeping cats indoors is the safest option. To determine if a cat is carrying the FeLV virus, a test can be conducted.

Feline AIDS:

Similar to human AIDS, this virus can remain dormant in cats for years before causing symptoms that lead to the loss of their immune system, making them susceptible to infections from bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi. The virus is also transmitted through fighting and biting, so keeping cats indoors can reduce the risk of infection. A test can be used to detect the presence of the virus in a cat, just as with FeLV. Vaccination may be considered for cats living with other infected cats, although its effectiveness is not guaranteed.

Chlamydial Infection:

This disease is caused by Chlamydia bacteria and can include symptoms such as conjunctivitis, runny nose, and sneezing. Young cats between 5 weeks and 9 months are more susceptible, especially if they live with cats that have a history of respiratory diseases. While vaccination does not completely prevent infection, it can reduce the severity of symptoms. Vaccination may not be necessary unless the cat is living with other cats that have the disease.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis:

This is a deadly disease caused by a variant of the coronavirus. Only about 15% of cats infected with the virus will develop FIP, a disease that is difficult to diagnose and often fatal. It is a challenging condition, and although a vaccine is available, its effectiveness is questionable.

Bordetellosis (Bordetella bronchiseptica Infection):

This is a respiratory disease caused by the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica. Infected cats may exhibit symptoms such as coughing, runny nose or tears, sneezing, and occasionally fever. The symptoms are similar to those caused by herpesvirus and calicivirus infections. Vaccination can prevent or reduce the severity of the disease if a cat is living in an environment where other cats have been diagnosed with the infection.

Giardia:

This is a tricky intestinal parasite infection that can occur in cats that are not kept in isolation, especially in households with multiple cats. Giardia is a singlecelled organism that can live in a cat's intestines for a long time, causing diarrhea, soft stools, or even watery, smelly feces. Since it is transmitted through the fecaloral route, other cats can easily become infected if they share litter boxes. Accurate diagnosis requires veterinary care, and treatment involves medication, along with cleaning the environment and isolation. Vaccination may not be effective since infected cats may not show symptoms.

There is also a vaccine for fungal infections that some cat owners in Hong Kong choose to administer, but its effectiveness depends on the environment.

The above are noncore vaccines that are generally not required, as their reliability and safety are still questionable, and some are even not recommended unless the cat is in an environment with specific risks. Cat owners should consult with their veterinarians to discuss whether vaccination is necessary.