Cat care and advice | Kitten Advice

Sneezing cats: Hay fever or something else?

Understanding sneezing in cats

Cats can have episodes of sneezing, much like people. Even if it happens frequently, it's crucial to comprehend the fundamental reasons to protect your feline companion.

How Much Stimulation Does Your Cat Need?

Cats, those mysterious animals, frequently appear to be happy to sleep all day.

Maintaining the health of your cat through continuous flea treatment is a necessary and ongoing procedure. Regrettably, there are no instant solutions available. The primary issue with fleas lies in their ability to survive for months without a host.

Diabetes in Cats can be seen in felines of all ages, breeds and sexes, however, at Blythwood Vets, we understand that it is more commonly seen in overweight cats and senior cats.

Vaccination is the only safe way to provide immunity against a number of dangerous diseases that continue to infect cats in the UK. When kept up to date, as recommended by your vet, regular vaccination can keep your pet protected for life.

Immunity and cat vaccination

Immunity is the body’s natural ability to fight infection. Vaccination confers immunity by exposing the body to a small but entirely harmless dose of the disease in question.

Immunity in kittens

Kittens are usually protected during the first few weeks of life by an immunity passed through the mother’s first milk (colostrum). However, this immunity fades rapidly, leaving the kitten susceptible to disease within a few weeks. At this point, vaccination can take over in providing protection.

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What diseases do we vaccinate against?

Cat ‘flu (feline upper respiratory tract disease)

Common in the UK and can be very serious, especially in kittens and older cats. It is spread between cats by direct contact or through sneezing. Symptoms include a runny nose and eyes, high temperature, and extreme lethargy. Regular vaccination is the most effective means of preventing the disease.

Infectious enteritis (feline panleucopenia)

This unpleasant, often fatal disease is now relatively rare, with vaccination proving extremely successful in controlling its spread.

Feline leukaemia

A viral disease, transmitted when cats fight each other or even during grooming. It can take months to develop after infection, but then it will begin to suppress the cat’s immune system, causing secondary infections, tumours and death. Vaccination is gradually bringing this disease under control.

Chlamydophila felis

It can cause conjunctivitis and is mainly seen in kittens and multi-cat households.

Rabies

A fatal disease not found in the UK. Vaccination is mandatory if you plan to travel abroad with your cat.

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Kittens first vaccination

When your kitten is first vaccinated, they usually receive a course of four injections. The first three are given 4 weeks apart, with the final vaccine administered at around 26 weeks of age. This primary course can be given as early as 8 weeks of age – but if you acquire a kitten that is already older, consult your vet about vaccination timings. The vet will also give your kitten a general health check at the same time.

Vaccination doesn’t work immediately; it takes a few days for immunity to develop. Your vet will advise you on when it is safe to let your kitten interact with other animals.

Immunity to a disease may gradually fade, leaving your cat at risk. Depending on the disease, boosters may be needed. An annual visit to the vet will allow for a general health check and any necessary boosters to be given.

You will be given a vaccination card which contains a record of the vaccination and tells you when the next booster is due. Catteries will need to see this, so keep it in a safe place and bring it with you on your cat's annual check-up.

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Spread the cost of essential healthcare for your pet

To spread the cost of pet vaccinations, Blythwood Vets offers the Pet for Life Health plan, which includes vaccinations for your pets, including kennel cough for dogs.

Click here to find out more and to sign up online

New kitten?

Getting your kitten vaccinated is essential for your new pet’s health and plays a pivotal role in their preventative healthcare throughout their life. Register your pet with us online today to book an appointment at Blythwood Vets.

Congratulations on becoming the proud owner of a new kitten. At Blythwood Vets we know that you want the best for your pet, and we are able to provide the highest quality of care throughout what we hope will be a long and healthy life.