Cat Vaccinations in Oxford
Kittens require their initial vaccination at 9 weeks of age, followed by a second dose at 12 weeks. To ensure ongoing protection, yearly booster vaccinations are highly recommended. At Boundary Vets, we offer expert advice on the essential vaccinations your cat may need to stay healthy and protected.
If you’d like to schedule a cat vaccination appointment or learn more, please get in touch with Boundary Vets.
Cat Vaccinations can help protect your cat against...
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Panleukopenia
Panleukopenia is a virus that is a type of parvovirus. It is very contagious and cats can become infected through contact with other infected cats but the virus can also be spread through faeces and urine and by fleas. Infected cats will develop severe diarrhoea. The virus also causes destruction of the cat’s white blood cells (which fight infection) and so they are left very vulnerable to secondary infections. This is often a fatal disease
Rhinotracheitis
Rhinotracheitis is a virus caused by a herpes virus. It is commonly known as the cat flu virus and is very contagious. Infected cats will develop a range of symptoms including conjunctivitis, sneezing, nasal discharge and fever. They can also go on to develop pneumonia. In some cases, cats will remain infected for life with symptoms flaring in times of stress.
Rabies
Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects cats, transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals. It causes symptoms such as aggression, drooling, paralysis, and seizures, with death occurring within days or weeks of onset. Rabies can be transmitted to humans, making it a serious health risk. While rare in the UK, vaccination is crucial for protecting cats, particularly those travelling abroad.
Calicivirus
Calicivirus is a virus commonly found in cats, though it doesn’t always cause noticeable symptoms. When it does, it can lead to conjunctivitis, nasal discharge, and mouth ulcers. The virus is often linked to feline Rhinotracheitis. Cats can remain infected for life, with symptoms sometimes reappearing during periods of stress.
Feline Leukaemia Virus
A retrovirus known as Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) is transmitted directly between cats by saliva, such as when they share bowls for food, groom, or bite wounds. Since the virus can damage numerous organs, some infected cats may develop a variety of symptoms, while others may not exhibit any symptoms at all. FeLV frequently causes a cat's immune system to be suppressed, leaving them more susceptible to other illnesses. An infection with feline leukaemia can be lethal.
It is important for annual boosters to be taken to make sure immunity remains effective.
Need to book a Cat Vaccination?
Please contact Boundary Vets to book a cat vaccination appointment and protect your cat from harmful diseases.
Cat Vaccinations FAQs
Why are cat vaccinations necessary?
Vaccinations are essential for providing your cat with adequate protection from life-threatening and debilitating diseases. There is the option of Titre testing, which involves blood samples to determine your cat’s immunity. Unfortunately, this can be costly to perform and is not always 100% reliable. Cats staying in boarding or cattery facilities are often required to be vaccinated if you're planning to go on holiday.
Do indoor cats need vaccinations?
Indoor cats still require vaccines, but this may be a reduced course that only includes cat flu and enteritis. However, many indoor cat owners still have a full vaccination course each year just in case their cat decides to go out exploring!
What happens if you don't vaccinate your cat?
Deciding not to vaccinate runs the risk of your cat contracting various harmful diseases. If you also want to travel with your cat or need them to stay in boarding facilities or catteries, most of these require up-to-date vaccination status and will not accept unvaccinated animals. An annual vaccination course can help to protect your cat so they can live a happy and healthy life.
Should you vaccinate an older cat?
As long as your cat is fit and healthy, we would always recommend vaccinations for your cat. These vaccinations provide protection from harmful diseases on a yearly basis when kept up with correctly.
How much does it cost to vaccinate a cat?
To find out more about the costs involved in vaccinating your cat, you can see our Procedures & Pricing page.
At Boundary Vets, we offer out Cat Pet Health for Life plan which helps you spread the cost of your pet's healthcare across the year, whilst ensuring they receive the right treatments throughout the year. Vaccinations are included in our Pet Health for Life Plans. Find out more today and sign your cat up with us.
Can a vet tell if a cat has been vaccinated?
There is no way to tell if a cat has been vaccinated physically; however, if your cat has a vaccination card, previous vet records or microchip details, our team can look into your cat's history where possible
Save money on your pet’s preventative care
Our Pet Health For Life Plan provides comprehensive care across your Pet’s lifetime, with the cost broken down into monthly instalments.
Annual health check, vaccinations, flea and worm treatment, microchipping, 2 vet consults and 2 nurse consults a year and discounted services are included in the plan.
