In every cat parent’s life, there comes a moment of panic, when unexpectedly their cat misses a meal or sleeps for longer hours than usual or they do not seem happy enough or feel less excited to play. To pet owners, a slight change can cause great concerns. The fact is that numerous severe diseases in cats come on without major symptoms. This is precisely the reason why the cat vaccination means everything in the life of your pet.
Vaccination of your cat is not something you put in a checklist. It is preventative, calmness of mind and providing your feline with the most opportunity to live a long and healthy life. However, not all cat parents in India are knowledgeable about the prices of cat vaccination, proper cat vaccination schedule, and the question of whether indoor cat vaccination is necessary at all. This is a guide that simplifies everything such that you will be able to make the right decisions without the stress.
What Is Cat Vaccination and Why Does It Matter?
Cat vaccination works just like human vaccination, which essentially means giving them the ability to defend their immune system against deadly diseases. It helps train the system of the cat to be able to identify and forfeit certain bacterias and viruses which are unwanted before they transform into something far more serious and severe.
The cats are just like human beings, they do not have immunity to most of the diseases in their nature. Immunity of kittens is also immature and this makes them particularly vulnerable. Vaccinations offer initial protection and it is boosted during adulthood.
Vaccinations are even more necessary in India where cats can be exposed to stray animals, insects or polluted surroundings. Viruses may get into the house via shoes, clothing, and visitors even with the indoor cats, thus they are not entirely safe.
Types of Vaccines Your Cat Needs
The knowledge of the kind of vaccines will enable you to plan the healthcare of your cat better and cost-estimate the costs of vaccinating cats in India.
Rabies Vaccine
Rabies is a viral condition which is fatal and has an impact on the nervous system. It is transmitted by bites or scratches with infected animals, as well as cats to humans. Due to its severe health consequences to the population, the rabies vaccine is a mandatory one in most regions of India.
It is a vaccine against a disease that cannot be cured once the symptoms start. It is one of the most necessary vaccinations that your cat will ever have.
FVRCP Vaccine (Core Combination Vaccine)
FVRCP is a standard vaccination that is suggested to all cats. It insures against three very contagious and dangerous diseases:
Feline Rhinotracheitis (FHV-1) that results in serious respiratory infections, sneezing, fever, and mucus of the eye.
Feline Calicivirus which is a pathogen that can cause respiratory disease, mouth ulcers, lameness, and fever.
Feline Panleukopenia or feline distemper is a fatal illness that develops out of an attack on the immune system and leads to excessive vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration.
These diseases combined have a high percentage of severe feline infections particularly among kittens and unvaccinated cats.
Feline Leukemia Vaccine (FeLV)
Feline leukemia virus suppresses the immune system and may lead to anaemia, cancer and chronic infections. It is transmitted by oral fluid, grooming, bites and food bowls.
This vaccine is highly advised in outdoor cats or those cats that cohabit with other cats. Although indoor cats might not be at a high risk, FeLV vaccines are usually recommended against cats by the veterinarians as a precaution.
Read More at: How Much Does Dog Vaccination Cost in India?
Cat Vaccination Schedule in India
Proper cat vaccination schedule will provide the protection of your cat at the appropriate life stages.
Vaccinations are normally done to kittens at the age of 6 to 8 weeks. During this period, the initial FVRCP vaccine is administered in order to initiate immunity.
The second dose of FVRCP is done at 10-12 weeks and it is often combined with the initial rabies vaccination.
The final kitten dose of FVRCP is given around 16 weeks for long term protection.
FVRCP last kitten vaccination is administered at approximately 16 weeks to enhance long term protection.
When your cat is old enough to be an adult, you will need to vaccinate him against FVRCP and rabies once a year. In other instances, the veterinarians might change the schedule according to the lifestyle and the state of the health of your cat.
The gaps in immunity that can be caused by skipping vaccinations or delaying their administration leave your cat at risk of infections.
Cat Vaccination Cost in India
The most popular issue among pet parents is the comprehension of the price of cat vaccination. Although the prices may differ according to the city, clinic, and vaccine itself.
Usually, the rabies vaccine will cost you around Rs. 300-500 whereas a FVCRP vaccine will range between Rs. 500-1000 per dose. The Feline leukemia one costs between Rs. 400-800. These are generally the price ranges these vaccines fall under.
Such prices can vary based on the veterinarian, extra costs of consultation, or home visit services. The initial expense might be a big one, but it is much cheaper as compared to paying to treat severe illnesses in future.
Why Vaccinating Your Cat Is Essential
Vaccination is the most effective method of ensuring that the overall well-being of your cat is safe.
Vaccines prevent life-threatening diseases that may in most cases lack a cure, as well as those that are costly to treat. Rabies and feline panleukopenia can be cited as some of the diseases whose prevention is significantly superior to cure.
They boost the immune system of your cat making the cat more efficient in fighting infections. Although a cat which is vaccinated becomes exposed to a virus, the symptoms are not as severe and the recovery process is quicker.
Diseases are also prevented when they are vaccinated and passed on to other cats. This is of particular concern in multi-pet households or in neighbourhoods where there are stray cats.
Rabies vaccination is mandatory in most of the areas. Unvaccination may cause problems in case your cat bites someone or contacts wildlife.
Above all, vaccinated cats have better and longer lives. Preventive care also minimizes stress, hospitalization and unforeseen medical cases.
Do Indoor Cats Need Vaccinations?
This is a question that is asked by numerous Indian cat parents. The answer is yes.
The cat that stays inside the house may not move around, yet the viruses can find their way into the house either with human clothes, shoes, insects, or with open windows. Vaccination is even more important should you ever put your cat on board the plane, or should you travel with them or bring a new pet.
Vaccines provide a safety net, which means that your cat is insured even under the unforeseen circumstances.
Common Concerns About Cat Vaccination
Other pet owners are concerned with adverse effects. Majority cats do not show any kind of reactions. It is also possible to experience mild lethargy or a minor amount of swelling at the injection site but this normally vanishes in a day or two.
The side effects are not severe and the advantages of vaccination are much more than the risks. Ever since vaccination, always seek medical attention (veterinarian) in case of unusual behaviour.
Making Vaccination a Part of Responsible Pet Parenting
Monitoring your cat vaccination is a vital responsibility towards caring about your pet. Keep reminders, keep records of vaccination, and see your vet on a regular basis.
Vaccination does not only concern the protection of a single cat. It assists in making the surrounding a healthier place to live in.
Final Thoughts
There is no need to make the understanding of cat vaccination in India difficult. You can confidently plan your pet's health with the knowledge of the right vaccines, the correct timeline, and the cost that you should expect of the cat vaccination. Vaccines are not just advised for the sake of it. They protect your cat from serious diseases, make their immunity strong enough, and also keep you from panicking in case your cat gets a little sick. So, visiting a cat vaccination centre once in a while and waiting there will do you and your cat a favour in the longer run.
A healthy cat is a happy cat. And an inoculated cat is one step nearer to long playful life, purrs and silent company.
