CATS - Vaccination, Flea & Worm Information
VACCINATIONS
There are two main viral infections which can be prevented by vaccination. They are Feline Infectious Enteritis (F.I.E) and Feline Viral Respiratory Disease (F.R.D). Feline infectious enteritis is commonly called "cat flu" however; the true cat flu is caused by the respiratory virus.
Feline Infectious Enteritis:
F.I.E virus attacks the digestive system of your cat or kitten with kittens being susceptible as early as 6 weeks of age. It causes vomiting and diarrhoea which leads rapidly to dehydration and death in many cases. The disease is spread by direct contact with vomit/diarrhoea from infected animals. Vaccination is vital as it provides great protection.
Feline Respiratory Disease:
There are two major viral groups which cause up to 80% of ‘cold and flu’ symptoms in cats. They are feline rhinotracheitis and feline calici virus. In kittens and older cats these symptoms can lead to death. Also note that pure breed cats such as Siamese and Persians seem to be more susceptible. The disease is spread by sneezing. Once again, vaccination can help prevent the disease.
When to vaccinate:
For a kitten a first vaccination should be given at 6-8 weeks of age with a booster at 12 weeks. Adult cats need an annual booster to stay protected. Cats will need to have up to date vaccinations before they can be boarded at catteries.
FLEAS
Fleas are common external parasites capable of causing minor irritations to severe allergic skin reactions. While they are more prevalent in the warmer summer months, it is best to treat your cat regularly all year round. The treatment of choice for fleas are the new "spot-on" products, which are applied to the back of the neck (Including some that also treat worms at the same time). Seek advice from our nurses to help you to buy the most suitable brand for you and your cat. Best practice is to treat your cat monthly or six-weekly, depending on which product you use.
ENDOPARASITES (WORMS)
Roundworms:
These are mostly a problem in kittens where they can grow up to 10cm long in the kitten’s intestine. Often they cause no obvious symptoms, however, large numbers can cause vomiting and diarrhoea with poor growth. Adult worms are sometimes seen in vomit and faeces. Older cats are often carriers without showing symptoms. With kittens it is advisable to treat from as early as 3-4 weeks of age and repeat at 2 weekly intervals until they are 12 weeks.
These worms can be spread to humans, especially children, by either ingesting eggs from your pets coat or from soil contamination. It is important to note that the larvae migrate through the body and cannot by treated by taking human worm medication.
Tapeworms:
These are flat worms that spend their larval stages in other animals which must by eaten by the cat before it can be infected. There are two main types; the more common is picked up by ingesting fleas and the other from infected rodents. Heavily infected cats may lose condition but usually the only sign is the appearance of white tapeworm segments in faeces which may move. They are approx. the size of a grain of rice. Treatment should begin at 3-4 months of age and be repeated one month later.
For adult cats it is advisable to treat for both round and tapeworm at 3 to 6 month intervals.
There are two major types of worms in New Zealand cats. They are roundworms and tapeworms (hookworms are not considered a major problem here).