Cat Vaccinations: Preparations for a Healthy Life

We often take care of our cats like they were our kids, they are part of the family after all. It's heartbreaking to see our pets sick, especially when there is nothing we can do to make them better. Lucky for us and our pets, vaccines aren't only for humans. There are a number of vaccines available to your pet to help prevent the most common and serious of pet illnesses. These are a good idea whether your cat stays in the house or roams free about your yard or community.

Since your pet is probably not roaming about the world, they won't need every vaccine that is available, and there are quite a few. But generally your state or community recommends or even requires certain vaccines be obtained. A veterinarian can help you to determine which vaccines you'll need to get and which are of little concern to you. Also, ask your veterinarian about the risks of vaccinations, because there are some risks associated with specific vaccinations. For example, autoimmune problems can develop in about 1-3 cats in 10,000 who are given the rabies and/or feline leukemia vaccinations. While these odds are small, you should still be informed about them. However, it is also important to know that nearly everywhere you go will require you vaccinate your pet against rabies; and since the disease is so vicious it's a good idea to follow those requirements.

The first vaccine, and one that is highly recommended by veterinarians and pet associations alike is the rabies vaccine.

1. Rabies is highly contagious among pets and humans alike and is transmitted through saliva. There are two types of rabies, one being the most commonly known in which the infected animal becomes feral and vicious, attacking once familiar and loved faces. Once this stage is reached the pet will die within a short matter of time. The second is a case in which the throat swells and it causes a lot of drooling and other unpleasant effects. No matter which type of rabies it is, you don't want your pet to have this. It's best to get your pet vaccinated against rabies for its sake and yours.