Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis
Just as with the human common cold, the virus that causes this upper respiratory-tract
infection is easily transmitted from one cat to another, so vaccination is imperative if your pet will come in contact with
other cats. Its symptoms may take the form of moderate fever, loss of appetite, sneezing, eye and nasal discharges and
coughing. Kittens are particularly affected, but this disease can be dangerous in any unprotected cat, as effective
treatment is limited. Even if a cat recovers, it can remain a carrier for life.
Feline Calicvirus
This virus is another major cause of upper respiratory-tract infection in
cats. Widespread and highly contagious, its symptoms of fever, ulcers and blisters on the tongue and pneumonia (inflammation
of the lungs) can range from mild to severe, depending on the strain of virus present. Once again, treatment of this
disease can be difficult. Even if recovery does take place, a recovered cat can continue to infect other animals, as
well as experience chronic sneezing and runny eyes. Vaccination is therefore tremendously important.
Feline Panleukopenia
Sometimes known as feline distemper, this disease is caused by a virus so
resistant, it can survive up to one year outside a cat's body! Therefore, as most cats will be exposed to it during
their lifetimes and inefection rates in unprotected cats can run as high as 90% to 100%, vaccination against this potentially
fatal disease is absolutely essential. Symptoms can include listlessness, diarrhea, vomiting, severe dehydration and
fever. Happily, the vaccine itself is very effective in preventing the disease, as treatment is very difficult and,
even if recovery takes place for a period of time, a once-infected cat can spread the disease to other, unvaccinated animals.
Rabies
This incurable viral disease affects the central nervous system of almost
all mammals, including humans. It is spread through contact with the saliva of infected animals (which can include skunks,
foxes, raccoons and bats) through bites or any break in the skin. Vaccination will provide your cat with much greater
resistance to rabies if he is exposed to the disease, but you must be aware that there is no cure once it occurs. For
this reason, many minicipalities absolutely require that all cats receive rabies vaccinations on a regular basis. Plus,
you will definitely have to prove that your cat is vaccinated if you ever have to travel with him - whether across the provine
or around the world.
Feline Leukemia (FeLV)
Infection with the Feline Leukemia Virus can result in a multitude of serious
health problems for your cat - everything from cancerous conditions such as lekemia to a wide range or secondary infections
caused by the destruction of the immune response system. In fact, it is the leading cause of death in North American
cats. After initial exposure to the virus, a cat may show no symptoms of its presence for months, if not years, yet
all the while infect others. Testing is available to determine the FeLV status of your cat. If he or she has not
yet been infected, but is likely to come in contact with cats that are, vaccination against this potentially fatal disease
is highly recommended.
Feline Chlamydiosis
This bacterial disease is responsible for 15% to 20% of all feline respitory
diseases. It is extremely contagioius, especially in young kittens and the infection rate is very high. It causes
a local infection of the mucous membranes of the eyes but may also involve the lungs. Chlamydiosis can be transmitted
to humans by direct contact. Vaccination is the preferred method for prevention.
