In the recent years, there have been many discussions among veterinarians, breeders, and cat owners on the necessity, value and safety of cat vaccines. These rumors mixed with odd facts (Vaccine-Related Sarcoma) have caused concern among cat lovers. Their primary question was: Does my cat really need to be vaccinated every year? Do vaccines more harm than help the animals? Unfortunately, there is no answer applicable to all cats. Having a better understanding of the facts will ensure you are able to work with the veterinarian to establish a vaccination scheme that will provide the safest protection for your beloved cat.
Paying the price of kitten vaccinations ensures that your cat won’t be suffering, in time, from:
Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper) – This disease is the most widespread and contagious in cats. It can be transmitted through many ways (blood, urine, feces mucus). Symptoms of Feline Panleukopenia include fever, diarrhea, loss of appetite and vomiting.
Feline Rhinotracheitis (FVR) – FVR attacks the upper respiratory tract, and it is highly contagious to cats of all ages. The symptoms of Feline Rhinotracheitis are sneezing, inflammation of eyes and fever.
Feline Calcivirus – This disease attacks the lungs of the cat and lower respiratory tract, causing almost a half of all respiratory illness in cats. It is highly contagious and spreads by sneezing. Feline Calcivirus is often accompanied by other infections.
Feline Pneumonitis (Chlamydia) – Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that causes conjunctivitis and upper respiratory infections. It is known to be highly contagious and is also contagious to humans. Symptoms include inflamation and watery of eyes, sneezing and coughing.
Feline Leukemia – This viral disease attacks the immune system of the animal and lowers the cat’s ability to fight against diseases. It is spread by saliva, most commonly when the cat is wounded by a bite from other cat. Symptoms of Feline Leukemia include chronic and recurring illnesses, the cat loose weight, have trouble in breathing and a pale yellow color appears around the cat’s mouth and eyes.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a disease caused by a mutated corona virus that is spread from cat to cat, directly, as well as from contact with places and surfaces that have been contaminated. FIP is most commonly shed through flatulence while using the litter box. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, weight loss, anemia, constipation and/or diarrhea, pot bellied appearance, or difficulty breathing due to fluid in the chest. Be aware that this vaccine is not trusted by many researchers, veterinarians, or breeders, being controversial.
Feline Giardia – The Giardia parasite can be found in water areas (rivers, streams and ponds), but also including pools, puddles and outside water dishes. It is spread through feces from infected cats that contaminate water sources. Symptoms include persistent diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and weight loss.
Feline Bordetella Bronchiseptica – Research have been revealed that over three quarters of all cats have come into contact with Bordetella. This disease is extremely speeded. Most vets or boarding facilities will no longer house cats that have not been treated for Bordetella. Symptoms of Bordetella include coughing, fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, sneezing, discharge from the eyes and nose and swollen lymph nodes.
Rabies attacks an animal’s brain and central nervous system and it is easily transmitted to humans through scratches or bites. Rabies is very dangerous, being almost always fatal. The vaccination for Rabies is given when the kitten receives the last set of vaccinations and then this vaccine is administered again every 3 years.
Price of kitten vaccinations
Having a cat can be a little treatment for happiness to many people. But, to be a responsible owner of a cat implies also some financial obligations. If you are not in a position, or are not willing to meet these costs, it may be better not to take home a cat. It may be tough to resist that silky cute kitten staying fearful in the box, or that friendly stray on the street who wants to come home with you, but if you can't afford to give it the minimal necessities, you are probably not doing a favor to that cat or kitten.
If your cat hasn't been vaccinated when you obtained it, you will need to organize it through your vet. Vaccinations are a good chance to meet your vet and introduce him to your new cat. Generally, medium price of kitten vaccinations is about of $60.
Kittens require three vaccinations in their first year. But be aware that vaccinations are not recommended for kittens being under six weeks, except in extreme situations (orphaned kittens, or kittens in a high-risk environment).
Traditionally, cats have been received a "trivalent vaccine", which contains agents against herpes virus, feline panleukopenia (FRCP) and feline calicivirus. All of these agents are included in one shot of vaccine. These are considered "core" vaccines, being essential for all cats. A 4-way vaccine, which adds Feline Pneumonitis (Chlamydia) is also available for cats at risk of contracting the latter (primarily show cats).
Typical costs
The average price of kitten vaccinations ranges from $45 to $85 and up in the first year of life, and from $10 to $35 and up per year in the following years.
The cost varies, depending on which vaccinations are given and whether they are done at a veterinarian's office or at a clinic which practices low-cost vaccination (generally, these clinics are run by a local government or a humane organization).
What should be included
Apart of an adult cat vaccination, kittens usually receive a combination vaccine for feline distemper, rhinotracheitis and calcivirus at seven weeks, 10 weeks and 13 weeks from birth, with an independent rabies vaccine at 12 or 13 weeks from birth. After that, they will receive boosters annually, although veterinarians sometimes recommend vaccinating cats less often (at every 3 years), especially for indoor cats, which are not exposed to other cats.
Additional costs
If the kittens live primarily outdoor or they are exposed to many other cats for a period of time, receive vaccines also for Feline Leukemia and Feline Infectious Peritonitis. Each extra shot of these vaccines will cost about $5 to $10.
Discounts
Most humane societies and shelters include the first rounds of vaccinations in the adoption fee.
It is possible to order vaccines online and vaccinate the kitten yourself, but it is important to order from a reliable company. At Doctors Foster & Smith Website (www.DrsFosterSmith.com) will find a guide on how to vaccinate a pet.
I you call the Humane Society, then they could offer discount vouchers you can purchase for the rabies shot (and also for spay/neutering costs). Just call your Humane Society for information. You just go in and purchase the vouchers directly from them. They will give you a list of vets that accept them, facilitating the process of finding a good veterinarian.
Shopping for cat vaccination
To find a good veterinarian, you could ask fellow cat owners, breeders or humane associations. Or, you can check the American Veterinary Medical Association to find a referral at your state's veterinary medical association.
To be sure you found a good vet, ask the veterinarian how long he/she has been practicing and how much continuing education he/she receives each year. After that, visit the clinic to look how clean it is, what attitude has the personnel and ask about policies and price of kitten vaccinations. Veterinary Partner Website (VeterinaryPartner.com) offers a guide on how to find a veterinarian and a list of questions to ask.
If your cat hasn't been vaccinated when you obtained it, you will need to organize it through your vet. Vaccinations are a good chance to meet your vet and introduce him to your new cat. Generally, medium price of kitten vaccinations is about of $60.
Kittens require three vaccinations in their first year. But be aware that vaccinations are not recommended for kittens being under six weeks, except in extreme situations (orphaned kittens, or kittens in a high-risk environment).
Traditionally, cats have been received a "trivalent vaccine", which contains agents against herpes virus, feline panleukopenia (FRCP) and feline calicivirus. All of these agents are included in one shot of vaccine. These are considered "core" vaccines, being essential for all cats. A 4-way vaccine, which adds Feline Pneumonitis (Chlamydia) is also available for cats at risk of contracting the latter (primarily show cats).
Typical costs
The average price of kitten vaccinations ranges from $45 to $85 and up in the first year of life, and from $10 to $35 and up per year in the following years.
The cost varies, depending on which vaccinations are given and whether they are done at a veterinarian's office or at a clinic which practices low-cost vaccination (generally, these clinics are run by a local government or a humane organization).
What should be included
Apart of an adult cat vaccination, kittens usually receive a combination vaccine for feline distemper, rhinotracheitis and calcivirus at seven weeks, 10 weeks and 13 weeks from birth, with an independent rabies vaccine at 12 or 13 weeks from birth. After that, they will receive boosters annually, although veterinarians sometimes recommend vaccinating cats less often (at every 3 years), especially for indoor cats, which are not exposed to other cats.
Additional costs
If the kittens live primarily outdoor or they are exposed to many other cats for a period of time, receive vaccines also for Feline Leukemia and Feline Infectious Peritonitis. Each extra shot of these vaccines will cost about $5 to $10.
Discounts
Most humane societies and shelters include the first rounds of vaccinations in the adoption fee.
It is possible to order vaccines online and vaccinate the kitten yourself, but it is important to order from a reliable company. At Doctors Foster & Smith Website (www.DrsFosterSmith.com) will find a guide on how to vaccinate a pet.
I you call the Humane Society, then they could offer discount vouchers you can purchase for the rabies shot (and also for spay/neutering costs). Just call your Humane Society for information. You just go in and purchase the vouchers directly from them. They will give you a list of vets that accept them, facilitating the process of finding a good veterinarian.
Shopping for cat vaccination
To find a good veterinarian, you could ask fellow cat owners, breeders or humane associations. Or, you can check the American Veterinary Medical Association to find a referral at your state's veterinary medical association.
To be sure you found a good vet, ask the veterinarian how long he/she has been practicing and how much continuing education he/she receives each year. After that, visit the clinic to look how clean it is, what attitude has the personnel and ask about policies and price of kitten vaccinations. Veterinary Partner Website (VeterinaryPartner.com) offers a guide on how to find a veterinarian and a list of questions to ask.
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