- Feline panleucopaenia
- Feline infectious enteritis
- Feline parvovirus
Before the development of an effective vaccination, this disease was a common cause of death, particularly in kittens and young cats. It causes severe vomiting and diarrhoea leading to fatal dehydration within two to three days of infection. It is a viral disease which is spread in cat faeces and can survive in the environment for long periods of time. Protection against the disease is provided by a primary vaccination course and then booster vaccinations every 12 months.
Cat flu (Calicivirus and Herpesvirus)
Cat flu is still a very common condition in populations of unvaccinated cats. The viruses are passed by direct contact between cats but can also be transmitted on clothing. These viruses cause respiratory disease characterised by sneezing, runny noses and eyes and, in some cases, mouth and eye ulcers develop. Fortunately the disease is rarely fatal and often resolves with supportive treatments and nursing care. Young cats, elderly cats and cats with other diseases tend to be affected more severely and can die. Once infected the individual will carry the virus, often on a permanent basis, and potentially transmit it to any cat they meet. Some of these carrier cats may be symptom free but others can suffer recurrent or persistent runny noses, mouth ulcers, gum inflammation or eye ulceration. Protection against the disease is provided by a primary vaccination course and then booster vaccinations every 12 months. All cats should be vaccinated against cat flu, even those who do not have access to the outside environment.
Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV)
This is a very important viral disease which is spread by close contact with an infected cat. Any cat going outside is therefore at risk. Once affected the disease is almost always fatal. Treatment can only help to control the symptoms not cure them. The disease destroys the cat’s immune system and can cause cancerous growths. Protection against the disease is provided by a primary vaccination course and then booster vaccinations every 12 months.
Rabies
It is possible to vaccinate against rabies, but it is not necessary for patients who do not intend to travel outside the UK. If you do wish to travel to Europe with your cat it is necessary to administer a rabies vaccination and to fulfil several other requirements in order that we may issue your cat with a pet passport. This pet passport will allow your cat to travel abroad in Europe and return to the UK without having to spend time in quarantine. In most cases a single rabies vaccination every three years is required, but the frequency may need to be increased depending on the requirements of the countries that you intend to visit. If you do wish to travel to Europe with your cat you must seek advice from your veterinary surgery at least nine months before your intended date of travel to enable time to complete the requirements of the pet passport scheme.