Category Archives: vaccinations

Why do indoor cats need rabies shots and other vaccinations for contagious diseases?

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Clearly, a decreased contact with other cats is a powerful way of reducing the exposure of a cat to pathogens. And if a cat is kept indoors full-time under careful caregiving and they are the only cat in that home … continue reading…

What is the feline distemper vaccine called?

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As I understand it, the feline distemper vaccine is normally part of a combination vaccine which is commonly given and which is called FVRCP. It is a core vaccine. Various pharmaceutical companies produce this vaccine. The photograph shows one. It … continue reading…

Can cats be vaccinated for toxoplasmosis?

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No, at the moment, cats cannot be vaccinated for toxoplasmosis. There is a fairly recent study published online on the Science Direct website which provides some insights into the possibilities of a vaccination against this widespread disease. It is entitled, … continue reading…

Can cat vaccinations cause diarrhoea?

Yes, cat vaccinations can cause diarrhoea. Sometimes cats have an allergic reaction to a vaccine. These are called type I hypersensitivity responses or anaphylaxis. It is a well documented adverse response associated with vaccine administration in companion animals.

The hypersensitivity reaction usually occurs within minutes and shows in symptoms of diarrhoea, vomiting, upper respiratory issues such as sneezing and coughing. Other symptoms include anaphylactic shock, issues with the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system and skin. There may be cardiovascular collapse. It appears that in very rare cases the reaction may prove fatal.

The treatments include the administration of anti-inflammatory agents such as antihistamines, corticosteroids or epinephrine. Cats suffering from an allergic reaction need to be monitored for at least 48 hours because a relapse might occur.

Source: Brooks R. Adverse reactions to canine and feline vaccines. Australian Veterinary Journal, 68:342-344 (1991) as referred to in Linda P Case’s The Cat.

Note: I am not a vet. I have a studied biology and am a careful researcher.

Some more on cat vaccinations

Indoor cat

Why do indoor cats need rabies shots and other vaccinations for contagious diseases?

Clearly, a decreased contact with other cats is a powerful way of reducing the exposure of a cat to pathogens ...
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Combination core vaccine for cats

What is the feline distemper vaccine called?

As I understand it, the feline distemper vaccine is normally part of a combination vaccine which is commonly given and ...
Read More
Core vaccinations at animal shelters

What vaccinations does my cat need in the UK?

Here's the information in plain language from an excellent source but note that I am not a veterinarian. To the ...
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Core vaccinations at animal shelters

Can cats be vaccinated for toxoplasmosis?

No, at the moment, cats cannot be vaccinated for toxoplasmosis. There is a fairly recent study published online on the ...
Read More
Cat vaccinations

Percentage of adverse reactions to vaccines in cats

The percentage of suspected adverse reactions to vaccines in cats was assessed in the largest British published survey as referred ...
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Anti-vaccination pet owners are putting their pets at risk. Discuss.

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In the UK, veterinarians believe that millions of dogs, cats and rabbits are being put at risk to potentially fatal diseases because their guardians/caretakers are increasingly reluctant to have them vaccinated. The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) suggested that … continue reading…