Vaccination

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If your cat is staying at a boarding cattery, you will need to ensure that it's vaccinations and boosters are up to date. You will also need to provide evidence of this.
Your local vet will be able to help you with vaccinations against the most common diseases such as:-

Your vet will give you a certificate which provides a precise record of your cat's vaccinations against Lukaemia, feline influenza and enteritis. Booster vaccinations will be logged in this certificate so it is important to take it with you when you visit your vet.

The certificate also provides proof that your cat has been vaccinated to enable you to leave your cat at a boarding cattery when you go on holiday; catteries will not accept cats that have not been properly vaccinated. If you are even unsure about vaccinations or whether your cat is protected, consult your vet. Your vet will give you the best advice, so you can always be sure your cat is protected whatever the circumstances.

When should my cat be vaccinated?

The first Vaccination

Vaccines work by stimulating the body to produce its own defence against infection. One of the key components of this "defence" is antibody. This natural defence or protection can be passed temporarily ("passively") from mother to offspring [Maternally Derived Antibody (MDA)].

Whilst there is a high enough level of MDA to protect the young kitten, MDA can actually interfere with successful vaccination. This is because, although a vaccine is a modified harmless form of the disease, it is "seen" by MDA as an invader. MDA therefore assumes its protective role and neutralises the vaccine.

Only when MDA falls to a moderate to low level, will the kitten respond to vaccination and produce its own ("active") antibody levels.

Vaccination at this point simply takes over the mother's role in providing protection.

In general, the earliest age for vaccination of kittens is from 9 weeks old.

It is important to note that the primary course always consists of two or more vaccinations. This is because:-

• timing for effective vaccinations varies from kitten to kitten (because of unknown MDA levels).
• some vaccines such as Leptospirosis need to be administered twice in order to achieve enough level of immunity.

Based upon local experience, your own veterinary surgeon will advise the best schedule to adopt, but the aim will always be to provide your pet with the best possible protection

In order to ensure continued protection, regular boosters are required every one or two years dependent on the disease in question.

For more information contact:-

• Ryan and Calder, Veterinary Surgeons,
  24 St. Margaret Street, Dunfermline, Fife, KY12 7PE
  Tel: 01383 732897
   
• Ryan and Calder, Veterinary Surgeons,
  2 Moray Way North, Dalgety Bay, Fife, KY11 9NH
  Tel: 01383 825316
   
• Inglis Veterinary Centre,
  120 Halbeath Road, Dunfermline, Fife, KY11 4LA
  Tel: 01383 722818
   

http://www.Inglisvets.com