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Vaccinations and Neutering

The most common diseases for which there are vaccinations are briefly described here, starting with those diseases that are almost always fatal

Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) caused by a virus FIP is usually fatal within 6 months. Symptoms vary, an infected animal may have an enlarged abdomen, or fever, weight loss and eye sores. Instead of a shot, drops are placed in the nose. Two doses, are given three to four weeks apart, with a yearly booster after that. Note: Some people believe this vaccine actually increases the probability of a animal getting the disease if exposed to it. Seek your vet's opinion.

Leukemia Virus (FeLV) this virus suppresses the immune system, leaving the animal without protection from other diseases. Some animals develop cancer. A few recover from FeLV, however it is most often fatal. There is no connection between leukaemia and human leukaemia. The vaccine is given in two doses, three weeks apart and then a yearly booster.

Panleukopenia (FPL) also known as Distemper is one of the most widespread of all pet diseases, it is highly contagious and causes the death of many pets. Three-fourths of young animals that get this disease die, as do about half of older infected animals. Symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, weakness, tremors, and in coordination. Vaccines should be given at 6 to 12 weeks of age then once a year.

Chlamydia Psittaci (Pneumonitis) a respiratory disease, passed by coughing or sneezing, may lead to pneumonia. Symptoms are similar to FCV and FVR (see below), sneezing, fever, loss of appetite, nasal discharge, inflamed eyes.

Calcivirus (FCV) a respiratory disease, passed by coughing or sneezing, may lead to pneumonia. This disease often occurs along with FVR (see below). Symptoms are fever, loss of appetite, nasal discharge, and ulcers on the tongue. The vaccine for this disease is usually combined with the vaccine for FVR, and may be injected or given as nose drops.

Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) a highly contagious respiratory disease, passed by coughing or sneezing, may lead to pneumonia. FVR is often more severe than FCV (see above) and may cause miscarriages ("spontaneous abortions") in pregnant animals. Symptoms include sneezing, loss of appetite, fever and eye inflammation, discharge from eyes and nose. The vaccine for this disease is usually combined with the vaccine for FCV, and may be injected or given as nose drops.

Again, please ask your own vet what he/she recommends.

After each vaccination watch your pet for possible negative reactions. After receiving there booster shots at age two, Do not let a possible negative reaction keep you from vaccinating your pet, the diseases are far worse, but do be aware that any medication may have side effects.

Neutering

If 2 cats are allowed to produce 8 kittens per year, they could be the start of 174,760 cats in 7 years!

Females: A common myth is that female cats need the experience of motherhood and should have at least one litter. This is absolutely false.

Spayed female cats are typically:

• More affectionate

• Calmer

• More social

• More predictable

• Healthier.

The greatest behavioural benefit of spaying is that your female cat will not come into heat and engage in the twice-yearly ritual of seeking a mate.

Spaying also provides some medical benefits to your cat. Spayed cats do not run the risk of uterine infections and ovarian tumours and the many potential complications associated with pregnancy and giving birth. Additionally, spayed females have a lower incidence of mammary tumours.

Males: Compared with their unaltered counterparts, castrated male cats are typically:

• Less prone to wandering

• More affectionate

• Less aggressive

• Less territorial

• More social with other felines

• Healthier.

Tomcats are notorious fighters and wanderers. In addition to contributing to the overpopulation of cats, tomcats are at a very high risk for infectious disease and injury due to their behaviour. Neutering your male cat considerably reduces these risks.

Neutering males also decreases their desire to spray and mark everything within their territory. Keeping a non-castrated male cat in the house is almost impossible.

Facts About Neutering
The term neutering refers to the removal of the reproductive organs of the male or female animal, while spaying is specific to female cats and castration to male cats.

Castration: Neutering a male cat is a minor procedure. During this operation, the testicles are removed through a small incision in the scrotum. The spermatic cords and their associated blood vessels are tied off to prevent haemorrhage. External stitches are not used.

Spaying: The medical term for spaying is an "ovariohysterectomy." It is a more involved operation than that performed on the male cat. This procedure involves abdominal surgery.

Your veterinarian may utilize external skin sutures that are typically removed in about ten days. The clinic will provide post-surgery instructions that you should follow carefully.

Both procedures render the animal sterile & unable to produce kittens and less prone to sexually motivated behaviours. While both operations are "routine," they do involve a general anaesthetic.

When to Neuter
No exact time is correct for spaying or neutering your cat. Experts agree that the operation can be safely performed on cats as young as six weeks of age. Most veterinarians advise their clients to plan surgery at six months, although the operation can be done successfully on older cats that you might adopt. Talk with your veterinarian about the best age and time to perform the operation for your individual cat.

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