Dr. Cornelia Fricke

VETERINARY PRACTICE & PET DENTIST

WHICH VACCINATIONS ARE RECOMMENDED FOR CATS AND WHY

As with humans, there is a Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO in Germany) that provides guidelines on the vaccinations to be given to cats.

Recommended vaccinations for indoor and outdoor cats

There are two diseases that indoor and outdoor cats should definitely be vaccinated against.

Feline influenza

The first transmissible viral disease is so-called feline panleukopenia. It is transmitted from cat to cat through various excretions such as feces, urine, nasal discharge and saliva. Even cats that appear healthy can be carriers of the virus. Cats of all ages can fall ill, but unvaccinated young cats (especially between the ages of 6 and 16 weeks) and cats with a weak immune system are particularly at risk. The death rate can be up to 90 percent. Vaccination against feline enteritis is given in the 8th, 12th and 16th week of life. A revaccination takes place after one year and should be repeated regularly (depending on the manufacturer).

Cat flu

The second disease, which is also important for indoor cats, is cat flu. This is a disease caused by a mix of viruses and bacteria (herpes virus, calicivirus, bordetella, chlamydia, feline herpes virus). An infection usually persists for life and outbreaks of the disease occur, particularly under stress, with rhinitis, inflammation of the eyes, ulcers of the mucous membrane of the mouth with a lack of food intake. Even if recovery occurs, late damage (blindness, heavy breathing, etc.) often remains. Vaccination against cat flu is given in the 8th, 12th and 16th week of life, as with feline enteritis. Vaccinations are repeated after one year and regularly thereafter, depending on the vaccine.

Recommended vaccinations for outdoor cats

Outdoor cats should also be vaccinated against feline leukemia and rabies.

Feline leukemia

The feline leukemia virus is transmitted through contact with other cats. The main source of infection is saliva containing the virus. Transmission can occur mainly through mutual sniffing and licking, for example during grooming, and through bites and scratches. There is a particular risk of infection when cats are allowed to roam freely and are kept in groups, especially with new arrivals/foreign contacts, when food bowls, water bowls and litter trays are shared. Puppies can be infected via the mother during pregnancy (intrauterine), via the mother's milk or during grooming.

Despite infection, cats can often appear healthy for years. However, they excrete the virus and spread the disease undetected. A blood test for the feline leukemia virus should be carried out before vaccination, as the cat in question may already be infected and the vaccination is therefore of no benefit. Vaccination takes place in the 8th and 12th week of life and is repeated after one year. The subsequent interval depends on the manufacturer. Cats older than 7 years should no longer be vaccinated against FeLV, as the risk of vaccination outweighs the benefit.

Rabies

Outdoor cats should always be vaccinated against rabies. An infection with rabies is always fatal. It is transmitted through blood and bite wounds. Germany is currently rabies-free in cats. However, there is a risk that this situation could change due to illegally imported puppies. Vaccinations are given from the 12th week of life, repeated after one year and then every 2-3 years depending on the manufacturer.

Written

Dr. med. vet. Cornelia Fricke  

Specialist veterinarian and practice owner

Additional qualifications in cage, zoo and wild birds and reptiles

Veterinary densist (German Society for Animal Dentistry)

VETERINARY PRACTICE & PET DENTIST

Dr. Cornelia Fricke