Many feline diseases can now be prevented through vaccination. A vaccination schedule prepared by your veterinarian can thus greatly contribute to good health and a longer life span for your cat. At Dublin Animal Hospital, we emphasize the importance of a vaccination schedule for your feline. Below are the most important diseases for which vaccines are currently available:

• Rabies, one of the world's most publicized and feared diseases, is almost always fatal . Rabies virus attacks the brain and central nervous system, and is transmitted to humans chiefly through the bite of an infected animal. In 1981-82, for the first time, more cats than dogs were reported to have rabies. This situation has led many authorities to recommend rabies vaccination for all cats.
• Feline panleukopenia (feline distemper) is among the most widespread of all cat diseases, and is extremely contagious. Characterized by fever, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea, feline panleukopenia causes high death loss, particularly among kittens.
• Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR) is a highly contagious respiratory disease characterized by sneezing, loss of appetite, fever, and eye inflammation. As the disease progresses, a discharge is noticeable from both nose and eyes.
• Feline calicivirus (FCV) is another serious feline respiratory infection. Often occurring simultaneously with feline viral rhinotraceitis. Signs of infection are similar to FVR  (fever, loss of appetite, nasal discharge), but calicivirus-infected cats may also have ulcers on the tongue.
• Feline pneumonitis, is caused by the organism of Chlamydia psittaci. Signs of pneumonitis are similar to those of FVR and FVC (sneezing, fever, loss of appetite, nasal discharge, inflamed eyes).
• Feline leukemia is a viral disease which can take several forms. Some cats have transient infections with few ill effects. Others have persistent infections varying in severity, some if which may be fatal over time. Extensive scientific research has shown o relationship between feline leukemia and human leukemia.
• FIP is a complex disease of cats caused by feline infectious peritonitis virus. The most commonly diagnosed clinical manifestation is accumulation of fluid within the peritoneal cavity.

Protect your cat from infectious diseases by keeping vaccinations up to date. Vaccinations stimulate your cat's system to develop immunity. Because they prevent disease but do not cure disease, they must be administered before your cat is exposed and infected. Your cat's vaccination schedule depends on several factors: the age and health of your cat, and conditions in your cat's environment. At Dublin Animal Hospital, we would be happy to help you plan a vaccination schedule so that your cat's vaccinations are up to date.

Kittens should receive their first vaccinations between six and ten weeks of age. They also need to have additional vaccinations about three weeks after the first set. Kitten shots are not effective for life, so it is important to keep up with vaccinations throughout your cat's life.

Adult cats need to receive booster vaccinations every year.