Kitty vaccines are an essential part of kitty care. In this article, our Clanton Malphus Hodges Vet Hospital veterinarians in Thomasville, GA, will share what you need to know. Keep your cats happy, healthy, and long-lived through the required vaccinations.
Boost Feline Immunity
Kittens receive some immunity to bacteria and viruses from their mother's breast milk, but this immunity only lasts about 20 days. For mother's milk to effectively protect against disease, the cat must be vaccinated, dewormed, and well-fed. Kitty vaccines bolster your kitten's immune system against potentially deadly infections.
Kittens need to be treated for worms before they get their first vaccinations. Kitty vaccines help already-healthy kittens stay healthy. If your kittens get sick before their first shots, our vet will focus on treatment, not prevention.
Georgia State Law Requirement
In Georgia, cats are at greater risk for rabies than dogs. That's why the State of Georgia requires all cat owners to get preventative cat care for rabies every three years.
Cats also need protection from feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia with the FVRCP vaccine, which they should get every year. The feline leukemia vaccine is also recommended if your cat spends time outdoors where other cats can contact your pet.
Vaccination may be scary for your cat, but it won't hurt. Modern vaccines are effective in doses as small as 0.5 mL.
Can Keep Side Effects to a Minimum
Some cats will have a mild reaction to vaccinations. They may be less playful and more inclined to nap for a day or two. Cats don't reveal illness, but your cat may act strange for up to 48 hours after vaccination.
One in 10,000 and one in 30,000 cats, vaccinations can trigger a series of reactions that lead to fibrosarcoma, a potentially deadly side effect. Our vet takes an important precaution to ensure this rare complication can be treated. Cats get their shots in a hind leg, rather than on their backs or necks.
Throughout life, cats need to get any injectable steroids or penicillin by injection into a hind leg for the same reason.
Experts in Cat Care
Clanton Malphus Hodges Vet Hospital in Thomasville, GA, offers everything your cat needs to stay happy and healthy. Call us at (229) 226-1914 today to schedule your cat's next wellness appointment.
