The importance of vaccinating

Hi All,

Libby here.

So, I'm sure you all know this but what's the first thing you do when you adopt a new kitten or puppy?

You vaccinate them! Vaccinations make sure your new pet is protected from any illnesses they could otherwise contract from being around other animals.

Even if you are planning on keeping your cat as an indoor cat and, regardless of whether or not you have other animals in your house, you always need to vaccinate.

How come?

Well for starters, you wouldn't skimp on your own vaccinations, right? Why would you skimp on a pets'?

Let me tell you the sad but true tale of a recent friend I've made at the PPAC who can help me elaborate why vaccinations must not be missed.

A few weeks ago, a woman calls, telling us that she had adopted a little kitten who didn't seem to be very healthy after bringing her home. She brought the kitten in and despite intensive treatment including fluids and antibiotics, the little kitty didn't make it. 

A few days later, the woman's other cat, Little Edie was brought into the PPAC also not feeling well.

Upon further diagnostic investigation, Dr. H. diagnosed something called panlukopenia, otherwise known as feline distemper. The disease wipes out the bodies' white blood cells which protect animals against disease. 

Turns out, although Little Edie (my new buddy) had been vaccinated as a kitten, she had not received something called a booster vaccine at one year. Basically, every cat should get vaccinated in a sequence, beginning at 8 weeks,  and then every 3-4 weeks up until they are around four months old. Then, they need more vaccines one year later, and again every three years after that. I know! It's a whole lot of vaccines but trust me, they're worth it.

When Little Edie missed her boosters, she was no longer protected against feline distemper and when the kitten was brought home, she exposed Little Edie to the virus! So sad!

Fortunately, Little Edie (who happens to currently be living in the cage next to mine!) appears to be doing quite well.

The point of this whole story, is to stress how important it is to keep your pet's vaccinations up to date-it'll make your cat's chances of living a long, healthy, happy life that much greater and, will serve to protect any new animals you bring into your home, too.

And on that note, I'm going to go cry in my litter box for the little kitten.

Til next time,

Libby