VACCINATION IN CATS

Recent advances in medical science have resulted in an increase in the number and type of vaccines that are available for use in cats. Diseases cats can be vaccinated against are:-

Feline panleukopenia (= feline infectious enteritis; feline parvovirus)

Feline herpes virus type 1 (= FHV-1; feline rhinotracheitis virus)

Feline calicivirus (= FCV)

Feline chlamydial infection

Feline leukemia virus (= FeLV)

Rabies

Attempts are being made to produce vaccines against other infectious diseases in cats, some are already available in some countries e.g. an intranasal vaccine against feline infectious peritonitis (FIP).

How do vaccines work?

Vaccines work by exposing the body's immune system to a particular infectious agent. This causes the white blood cells to react to fight the infection by producing proteins (antibodies) which are able to bind to and neutralize the infectious agent (antigen). Antibodies work together with other white blood cells (lymphocytes) which are able to identify and kill cells within the body which have become infected by the agent (cell mediated response). After vaccinal exposure the body 'remembers' the particular antigens so that when they are encountered again it can mount a very rapid and strong immune response preventing the cat from showing clinical signs of disease. It is important to realize that most vaccines work by preventing your cat from becoming ill and may not prevent it from becoming infected. This means that if a vaccinated cat becomes infected it may still shed the disease producing organism which can infect unvaccinated animals which will then become ill. This is not a major consideration in the pet cat but may be important in the breeding colony.

What is the difference between the various types of vaccine?

Four major types of vaccine are produced for use in cats.

1. Modified live vaccines - these vaccines contain live organisms that are weakened (attenuated) so that they do not produce disease but will multiply in the cat's body. Live vaccines are generally considered to cause a stronger, longer lasting immunity than inactivated vaccines. It is not advisable to use modified live vaccines in pregnant queens or cats whose immune system is not working properly e.g. cats infected by feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).

2. Modified live intranasal vaccines - currently only one vaccine is available, this is for protection against cat flu. Intranasal vaccines are given as drops up the cat's nose rather than by injection under the skin. They have the advantage of causing a very rapid immune response to a single dose and can, in emergencies, be used to protect very young kittens.

3. Killed (inactivated) vaccines - these vaccines are prepared using fully virulent organisms that have been killed by chemicals, UV light or radiation. Because, on their own, they do not give such a high level of protection a chemical (adjuvant) is added to the vaccine to stimulate a better immune response.

4. Subunit vaccines - these are dead vaccines in which the infectious organism has been broken apart and only certain parts are included in the vaccine. In some cases this is achieved by using genetic engineering techniques.

When should my kitten be vaccinated?

Generally kittens are vaccinated for the first time at between 8 and 10 weeks and a second dose given at 12 weeks. A kitten will not be fully protected until 7-10 days after the second vaccination. Under specific circumstances your veterinary surgeon may advise an alternative regime.

How often should booster vaccinations be given?

Booster vaccination is generally carried out yearly. Some panleukopenia vaccines can be given once every two years where as intranasal vaccination may need to be carried out more frequently than yearly. All cats should be boosted regularly, adult cats are also susceptible to these infections particularly as they grow old and their immune system becomes less efficient.

Will vaccination always protect my cat?

Vaccination will protect the vast majority of cats but under some circumstance vaccine breakdowns will occur. There are many reasons for this including:-

1. Variations between different strains of viruses - this is particularly true of FCV infection which has a large number of different strains not all of which are covered by the vaccines available.

2. Maternally derived antibodies - when a kitten is born it is protected in its early life by antibodies passed from the queen in the first milk (colostrum). These antibodies will also prevent vaccination from working properly. The amount of colostral antibodies that each kitten receives is variable hence the age at which a kitten can be vaccinated will also vary. This is part of the reason that two injections are given in the primary course.

3. The cat was not healthy at the time of vaccination - 'stress' can prevent a good response to vaccination. For this reason it is better to let a kitten settle in its new home for 5-7 days before a vaccination is given.

If you feel your cat has contracted an infection for which it is vaccinated then let your veterinary surgeon know so any tests to try and establish why vaccination has failed to be protective can be undertaken.

What are the risks of vaccination?

Generally the risks of vaccination are extremely low with severe reactions being very rare. Many cats experience mild reactions at the site of vaccination where a lump may occur that can be painful. Generalized reactions are also seen, the cat being quiet and often off its food for 24 hours after vaccination. Occasionally more severe signs occur including vomiting, diarrhea and profound depression. Under these circumstances your veterinary practice should be informed. Vaccine reactions appear to occur more commonly in kittens and following the use of some inactivated vaccines probably due to the adjuvant used.

Which are the most important vaccinations to have?

This is a difficult question and will depend on individual circumstances including the area you live in and the lifestyle of your cat. Your veterinary surgeon will be able to advise you of the most appropriate vaccinations to give your cat.

Feline panleukopenia infection

This is an uncommon disease that causes a severe and often fatal gastroenteritis. Vaccination provides a high level of long lasting protection.

Feline respiratory virus infection

Disease is caused by FHV-1 or FCV and is commonly termed 'cat flu' whilst not usually very serious it is a common disease in unvaccinated cats and can cause long-term problems. Vaccination is less effective as immunity is not long lived. Cats at high risk may needed to be vaccinated twice yearly to provide better protection.

Feline Chlamydial infection

This tends to be a particular problem in colony cats. Chlamydiosis is a bacterial infection causing a painful inflammation and swelling of the conjunctiva (the membrane around the eye) and has been associated with infertility in queens. Infection in colonies of cats can last for long periods as protection against reinfection is relatively short lived. Vaccination can help to prevent infection becoming established in a colony and can be used in conjunction with treatment where infection is already present.

Feline leukemia virus infection

Whilst the majority of cats are able to combat this infection a significant proportion (about 30%) will becoming persistently infected by the virus. The vast majority of persistently infected cats will die from tumors or due to the immunosuppression caused by the virus. Current vaccines provide a good level of protection and do not interfere with routine testing for the virus in breeding colonies. Because the virus tends to take many months before it causes disease infected cats can appear completely normal. For this reason your veterinary surgeon may suggest that your cat has a blood test to make sure it is not infected before vaccination. Despite vaccination a few cats will still become infected with the virus.

Back to Feline Information Index