Vaccinations are a liquid suspension of weakened or killed microorganisms, generally bacteria or viruses that are given to your cat to prevent or reduce the risk of infectious disease. Weakened (attenuation) is a process that decreases the virulence of organisms, meaning it reduces the ability of the organism to multiply and cause illness. Inactivated (killed) vaccines are made from infectious microorganisms that are dead. Vaccines that are live generally cause a quicker, more effective and longer-lasting immunity than inactivated vaccines.
What Are Core Cat Vaccines?
Core cat vaccines are vaccinations that most veterinarians in Edmonton deem absolutely necessary in order for your cat to have continued good health. Core vaccines provide protection
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Booster shots at varying intervals are also recommended. Although the exact protocol for cat vaccines may vary according to geographical location, your cat’s age and health status and the decision between you and your veterinarian, the most common core vaccines include:
Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV, Distemper & Parvovirus)-panleukopenia is a viral disease that can be potentially fatal. It causes dehydration, vomiting, fever, diarrhea and often sudden death. Young cats are especially susceptible to contracting this disease. Kittens that are born to an infected mother may suffer with permanent brain damage-if they survive the infection. The vaccine is extremely effective against this disease. Feline viral respiratory disease complex (FVRDC)-this vaccination helps prevent against the feline herpes virus and calicivirus, which infect a cat’s airway. The symptoms generally include runny nose and eyes, sneezing, reduced food intake, oral ulceration and a general discomfort for the cat. This is a highly infectious virus that is spread through direct cat-to-cat contact, spray from sneezing and contact with an infected surface. Although the FVRDC vaccine may not always completely prevent the infection, it generally reduces the severity of the