Our furry friends need as much protection from illnesses as we do. This article features the types of vaccines cats need throughout their lifetime, along with the timeline. These can be administered at local veterinary clinics - our recommendations are BestCare and PetVet. The general prices of the vaccines are mentioned, but these will slightly vary with the veterinary hospital. The vaccines to ensure the health and long term survival of your cat are as follows.

1. Rabies - Rs.650-750 x 2 doses

This vaccination is to prevent the transfer of the rabies virus, which is transferable through bites, scratches and saliva. It must be given first at 6 weeks of age, then at 16 weeks.

There are two forms of rabies. Furious rabies is characterized by extreme behavioral changes, including overt aggression and attack behavior. Paralytic rabies, also referred to as dumb rabies, is characterized by weakness and loss of coordination in the cat, followed by paralysis.

In the early symptom stage of the infection, the cat will show only mild signs of Central Nervous System abnormalities. This stage will last for one to three days. Most cats will then progress to either the furious stage, the paralytic stage, or a combination of the two, while others succumb to the infection without displaying any major symptoms.

Some symptoms include;

• Pica

• Fever

• Seizures

• Paralysis

• Hydrophobia

• Jaw is dropped

• Inability to swallow

• Muscular lack of coordination

• Unusual shyness or aggression

• Excessive excitability

• Constant irritability/changes in attitude and behavior

• Paralysis in the mandible and larynx

• Excessive, dripping salivation [hyper salivation], or frothy saliva (Source: PetMD, 2017)

2. Tricat - Rs.1700-2300 x 3 doses

The vaccine prevents Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Feline Calicivirus and Feline Panleukopenia. It must be given at 8 weeks of age, then at 12 weeks, followed by another vaccine at 16 weeks. Cat flu can spread to other unvaccinated cats easily, through nasal as well as eye discharge, contact with infected food bowls, bedding and through humans, as the discharge can be carried through surface touch.

Cats that have been infected with Cat Flu can also become carriers of the disease and spread it to other cats, even after their 'flu' symptoms have passed. Infected cats [especially kittens] can suffer lasting damage to the eyes and even death. There are no specific treatments for either virus of cat flu except nursing the cat back to health with the supervision of a vet. It is recommended cats that have been infected are raised as indoor cats or are only allowed out in a completely enclosed garden. 

Symptoms include;

• Fatigue

• Eye discharge

• Nasal discharge

• Sneezing

• Cough 

• Weightless

• Fever [Source: Cats Protection UK]

It is a rising problem even in Sri Lanka - many kittens brought from the streets are infected. It is important to take quick action to separate the infected cat from the other cats and animals in the household till the illness is treated, sanitizing surfaces they have been on and constantly cleaning their bedding. 

On a personal note, my cat has also contracted the virus, along with most of the unvaccinated cats in the neighborhood. It was a week-long procedure of taking her to the vet and giving her saline, vitamins and other prescribed medication, as she was very frail and was not eating anything. Luckily, it was treatable as it was in the first stages; cats who were neglected were not as lucky. Therefore, vaccinate your cats, before it is too late.

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