Cat rabies: how often are vaccinations given, vaccination rules, period of action of drugs

Rabies is an incurable viral disease that is dangerous for both cats and people. Despite the fact that the main source of infection is wild animals, residents of large cities and their pets are not immune from infection, since the virus is carried by stray dogs, cats, rats and bats.

The only way to protect yourself and your pet from infection is to vaccinate your cat annually.

Vaccination rules - what you shouldn’t forget

Before you go to the doctor or vaccinate yourself, you need to make sure that the baby is completely healthy and alert:
The pet must be active and alert; He must certainly have a good appetite; The cat's body temperature should be normal (in cats, normal body temperature is considered to be 38-39 degrees Celsius); The animal should not sneeze or cough; During a visit to the veterinary clinic, the doctor should once again check the cat’s health. Talk to your veterinarian about when to give your first vaccination. This depends on several factors, so only a professional can give you the right advice; Before injections, the kitten must be given anthelmintic drugs. You can vaccinate 10 days after this

It is important to choose a high-quality, proven vaccine; inexpensive, but untested options can irreparably harm your pet’s health. It is best to vaccinate kittens in veterinary clinics, where specialists can take responsibility for the life and health of the animal.

It is best to vaccinate kittens in veterinary clinics, where specialists can take responsibility for the life and health of the animal.

Vaccination rules:

Only completely healthy kittens can be vaccinated; It is forbidden to give injections to pets after contact with a sick animal; After vaccination, the pet cannot undergo surgery for 21-25 days; After surgery, the cat cannot be vaccinated for 3 weeks; After taking antibiotics, vaccination is allowed only after 14 days; The vaccine should not be given while teeth are changing; It is important that the vaccine does not expire; You cannot vaccinate an animal less than 8 weeks old; The kitten should not be in a stressful state - it should not break free from your hand, scream, etc. After vaccination, you need to monitor the kitten’s condition: is it active, what is its appetite?

After vaccination, you need to monitor the kitten’s condition: is it active, what is its appetite?

After any injection, the pet may suddenly become lethargic, lose appetite, and its body temperature may rise.

The effects of vaccination disappear within a few hours, this time depends on how strong the baby’s body is at the time of vaccination.

The most common vaccines and their features:

• Nobivac Tricat is a dry combination vaccine. It is areactogenic and creates immunity in the cat against diseases such as panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus infection. Administered subcutaneously or intravenously at at least 12 weeks of age.
• “Leukorifelin” is a vaccine consisting of two parts - dry and liquid, which are mixed before administration. It is highly immunogenic. From 3 months you can administer the same drug, which also induces immunity against rabies, it is called “Quadricat”.
• “Felovax-4” is a complex vaccine that does not provide immunity against rabies. Given to kittens aged 8-12 weeks. It allows you to create immunity for a period of no more than 12 months, so you need to strictly monitor the timing of revaccinations, which should be carried out once a year.

Forgetting about vaccinations is strictly prohibited, especially if they form immunity against dangerous diseases such as rabies.

Remember that no one will vaccinate your pet better than an experienced veterinarian who knows which drug is right for your pet, how best to administer it and what dose to take.

He will tell you at what age kittens are vaccinated and will be able to carry out the vaccination correctly.

Self-medication can seriously harm your pet.

Forgetting about vaccines is also strictly prohibited, especially if they form immunity against dangerous diseases such as rabies.

Every owner must remember that vaccination cannot be carried out on a sick animal or a cat that has not taken anthelmintic drugs.

May your pet always be healthy and energetic and give you joy every day!

When to vaccinate kittens: vaccination rules

Every kitten owner should know when to vaccinate kittens, what diseases a kitten is vaccinated against in the first months of life, and what you need to know before vaccination.

Can a vaccinated cat get rabies?

Not a single vaccine in the world gives a 100% guarantee that a vaccinated person or animal will not get sick when encountering an infection. However, rabies vaccinations provide reliable protection. However, sometimes vaccination turns out to be ineffective, as a result of which the animal, having encountered the virus, becomes ill. This occurs in cases where the administration of the drug did not cause the proper immune response.

Such cases are tracked using a serological test, which shows the level of antibodies against the virus in the blood. The analysis is taken no earlier than 14 days after the injection. Tests can be taken at a veterinary clinic. They cost 100-150 US dollars. But if there is a financial opportunity and there is a high risk of infection of the animal, it is better to carry out such a test. It may also be required for travel to a number of countries.

Now let’s talk about the reasons why there is no required level of antibodies after vaccination.

Age up to 2 months

Rabies is a rather difficult vaccination, which it is advisable to give to an adult animal. A small kitten may simply not develop immunity, not to mention the high risk of negative consequences.

Period of teeth change

During the period of teeth change (approximately 3-4 to 5-7 months), it is undesirable to inject the vaccine, because this period coincides with the period of reduced immunity of the animal, when it changes from childhood to adult. We will not go into complex terminology, which will seem incomprehensible to many, but will only note that during this period the vaccine may simply not lead to the development of immunity, or, on the contrary, it will lead to the immune system reacting too sharply, up to anaphylactic shock.

The animal is too old

Antigens that have not previously entered the body do not always produce an effective immune response in older animals. Therefore, older cats that are vaccinated against rabies for the first time often do not produce the required amount of antibodies (0.5 IU/ml).

Vaccination given to a sick animal

Vaccination will not stimulate the production of immunity in a sick or weakened animal. In addition, the immune system may respond with an unexpected reaction if it is currently fighting another illness.

Vaccination delivered at the wrong time

If the cat has already been bitten by a rabid animal and the virus has already entered the body, it can be vaccinated just in case. But it won't work. Cats should be vaccinated before they are bitten, not after. If an unvaccinated cat is bitten by a presumably rabid animal, it is quarantined. Rabies injections for cats that have already been bitten are only possible if they have previously been vaccinated. That is, in this way veterinarians try to further increase the level of antibodies in the blood. But no one will vaccinate a bitten cat from scratch. Moreover, private veterinary clinics should not accept animals with suspected rabies. This is done by state veterinarians. If you bring in an animal with symptoms of rabies, a private veterinarian has the right to slam the door in your face.

Wrong dose

The vaccine may not work if the wrong dose is given. But usually there are no problems with this, because... ampoules are designed for one administration.

Spoiled vaccine

Fake and spoiled vaccines don't work. If the vaccine is not kept refrigerated, it will deteriorate and become unusable. It also spoils when frozen.

Wrong combination

Vaccines that are not designed to be combined with each other should not be administered on the same day. If a vaccine is combined with another vaccine, the manufacturer indicates this in the instructions and specifies the name of the second vaccine.

According to a number of veterinarians, a vaccine administered on the same day, even with a compatible drug, can lead to the development of an insufficient level of antibodies. This is why it is recommended to administer the rabies vaccine 2 weeks after or 2 weeks before other vaccinations. True, this opinion is controversial: most doctors do not see a problem in this.

When the vaccine “breaks through”

There are so-called stories when the vaccine “breaks through.” That is, the vaccine was given, immunity was developed, but the animal still got sick when it came into contact with the virus. This is due to the fact that viruses mutate, and the strength of immunity after vaccination decreases over time. Some viruses mutate too quickly, and immunity against some infections disappears too quickly.

If the rabies vaccine fails, this means that immunity was not initially developed for one reason or another (to find out, a serological test had to be performed) or revaccination was not done on time - and the antibody level dropped significantly.

Types of cat vaccines

The following vaccines are most often used to vaccinate kittens:

• Nobivac Forcat. A multicomponent vaccine that stimulates immunity in kittens to calicivirus, panleukopenia, rhinotoacheitis and chlamydia;
• Nobivac Tricat. Triple action vaccine against calicivirus infection, rhinotracheitis and panleukopenia. The first vaccination for kittens is given at the age of 8 weeks. Revaccination (repeat vaccination) should be carried out annually;
• Nobivac Tricat. It also protects the little furry from the four main diseases listed. The first vaccination for a kitten can be given at the age of 12 weeks;
• Nobivac Rabies. This type of kitten vaccine only protects against rabies. The animal develops stable immunity 21 days after vaccination. Revaccination should be carried out annually. It is acceptable to mix Nobivak Rabies with other types of Nobivak vaccines;
• FORT DODGE FEL-O-VAX IV. This is a polyvalent vaccine - against several infections. Is inactivated. Protects the cat immediately from rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia, calicivirus and chlamydia. Approved for use in kittens over 8 weeks of age. Revaccination is carried out once a year;
• Purevax RCP. A multicomponent vaccine, which included strains of rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia and calicivirosis.
• Purevax RCPCh. Contains weakened strains of the viruses listed above. The vaccine is given at the age of 8 weeks. A month later they repeat. In the future, revaccination is indicated once a year.
• Leucorifelin. Protects the animal from viral viruses and panleukopenia. It is prohibited to administer Leucorifelin with other vaccines;
• Quadricate. Vaccination for kittens against panleukopenia, rabies and calicivirus. The kitten's immunity is formed in 2-3 weeks. Repeated vaccination is carried out every year;
• Rabizin. This drug is only for rabies. Unlike other types of vaccines, Rabizin can be administered even to pregnant cats;
• Leukocel 2. Vaccine against leukemia in cats. The vaccine is given twice. Then revaccination is carried out once a year. Kittens are vaccinated at the age of 9 weeks;
• Phelocel CVR. The drug stimulates the production of immunity against rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia and calicivirus. The vaccine looks like a porous mass of pale yellow color. Before use, it is diluted with a special solvent;
• Microderm. The vaccine allows you to protect the animal from dermatophytosis (lichen, etc.).

Important: it is worth remembering that young cats under 3 years of age, as well as old and weakened animals, are always at risk

Types of rabies vaccines

Currently, only inactivated vaccines against rabies in cats are used in veterinary practice. This eliminates the possibility of the pet developing the disease after vaccination.

Their classification is based on the number of components that make up the drug. There are:

• monovalent preparations containing killed rabies viruses;
• polyvalent drugs, including pathogens of diseases such as panleukopenia, calcivirosis, herpes, rhinotracheitis and rabies.

Among the domestic mono-vaccines against rabies are:

• Rabifel;
• Rabiks;
• Rabikan.

Imported cat vaccines that are used in Russia to prevent rabies infection include:

• Nobivac rabies (Netherlands);
• Felovax (USA);
• Purevax Feline Rabies Vaccine (France).

The most common polyvalent vaccines, which contain an inactivated pathogen, include:

• Nobivac Tricat Trio;
• Multikan-8;
• Quadricate;
• Asterion DHPPiL;
• Asterion DHPPiLR.

Experts are divided on whether poly- or mono-vaccines are best used for immunizing cats. There are supporters of both forms of drugs. But owners should understand that the decision must be made taking into account the pet’s age, its physiological condition, weight, predisposition to allergic reactions, as well as the risk of the cat contracting a dangerous disease in the absence of vaccination.

At what age are cats vaccinated?

Newborn kittens have so-called colostral (passive) immunity. It is provided by maternal antibodies transmitted by the mother cat through colostrum in the first 24–36 hours of life. In this case, the kitten will be protected only from those infections against which its mother was vaccinated. This immunity lasts up to a maximum of 16 weeks. Its duration depends on the amount of antibodies in the cat and the timing of its vaccinations.

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Passive protection may prevent the kitten from developing immunity in response to the vaccine, so it is not advisable to vaccinate before 10 weeks of age. Another reason why it is not advisable to administer the vaccine early is the immature lymphoid tissue system, which is unable to effectively produce antibodies. It is believed that a good immune response to vaccination can be obtained only after the kitten is two months old.

If there is a high risk of disease, then vaccination is carried out earlier - after 6 weeks, during the period when the kitten is still consuming mother’s milk and has not been weaned from the cat. The fact is that antibodies are produced after several weeks, so between 6 and 16 weeks the kitten is most vulnerable. After all, maternal immunity no longer protects, and our own has not yet developed.

Vaccinations for cats by age (table)

What vaccinations are given to cats up to one year old and when exactly? When constructing a vaccination scheme, many factors are important: where the kitten will live, against what diseases and how long ago its mother was vaccinated, whether there is a threat of infection, whether the area is free from infectious diseases. The average vaccination schedule for cats is as follows.

1. 9–12 weeks - the first vaccination against respiratory viral infections (rinotracheitis, calcivirosis) and panleukopenia.
2. At the age of 12 weeks - vaccination against rabies.
3. Repeated vaccination against respiratory viral infections (rinotracheitis, calcivirosis) and panleukopenia is carried out 2-4 weeks after the first.
4. Vaccinations are then given every year 11–12 months after the last vaccination.

If necessary, chlamydia can be added to three viral diseases at the same time.

If there is a risk of infection with ringworm, then an additional vaccination against this disease is given at 8 and 10 weeks.

In areas where feline infectious peritonitis is common, the vaccine against this virus is administered at 16 and 20 weeks of age.

The timing may vary slightly depending on the specific vaccine chosen. All manufacturers include detailed instructions with the drug indicating the timing of vaccination and revaccination, measures to prepare for vaccination, a list of adverse reactions and what to do in case of complications after antigen administration.

Reactions and complications after vaccination

From the body’s point of view, any vaccine is an attempt to introduce foreign substances into it, to which our body naturally reacts. As a rule, vaccination is either asymptomatic or with minor adverse reactions: they are not long-lasting, not persistent and do not lead to any serious health consequences.

But in very rare cases, serious complications occur with the risk of permanent health problems. True, it is worth saying that it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between post-vaccination reactions and post-vaccination complications - the symptoms are often the same: it is even customary to call reactions and complications the same term “adverse reactions”.

Are there any complications or side effects?

Only 0.5 - 1% of all animals vaccinated against common diseases annually are susceptible to complications or side effects. And the correct use of drugs, the high qualifications of the supervising doctor and the attentiveness of the owner when preparing the animal for the procedure can reduce the likelihood of adverse events to zero.

For the sake of health, you can be patient

But even if the probability is low, it is worth preparing for the possible consequences in advance. Here is a list of common complications from vaccination:

Allergic reaction

Symptoms of an injection allergy appear in the first 10 to 15 minutes after injection. Characteristic signs include increased salivation, difficulty breathing, or involuntary bowel movements. As a rule, veterinarians do not advise leaving the clinic for half an hour after an injection, so that the cat can be examined in a timely manner in case of any alarming symptoms and adequate antihistamines can be prescribed.

The appearance of a lump or redness at the injection site

Such a reaction is not dangerous; the swelling usually resolves within a couple of hours. If this does not happen or an abscess forms, urgent consultation with a doctor is necessary.

Incubation

Vaccinating an already sick animal that has not yet passed the incubation period can lead to the rapid development of the disease. Quarantine, as well as a full examination by a veterinarian before vaccination, will help you avoid problems.

In addition to the manifestations listed above, a reaction to an injection can be expressed through lethargy or hyperactivity, a temporary decrease in appetite, refusal to eat for several days, a short-term increase in body temperature and a feverish state.

Brief information about rabies

Rabies is a deadly infection that affects the central nervous system. When the virus enters the body, it damages nerve endings, which leads to a gradual failure of both types of brain - the brain and the spinal cord.

Read more about
rabies in cats.
The pathology is characterized by 4 signs:

• a sharp change in habitual behavior (apathy or aggression);
• perversion of appetite (eating wallpaper, filler, soil and other inedible items);
• fear of water (feeling of fear at the sound of drops and complete refusal to drink);
• the appearance of copious amounts of foam from the mouth due to a violation of the swallowing reflex.

The infected person needs strict isolation. It is forbidden to contact him until the veterinarian arrives. Otherwise, all other pets and their owners can catch the infection.

If at least one of the listed symptoms is present and there is no vaccination, the likelihood of recovery is close to zero.
The cat dies from cardiac arrest or paralysis of the larynx in terrible agony, so the only humane solution in such a situation is euthanasia. REFERENCE!
If there are bites or scratches, a person must undergo an emergency vaccination course of 6 injections in the shoulder.

When and what vaccinations do cats get?

For preventive immunization of cats and other warm-blooded animals, poly-monovalent live, inactivated vaccines of foreign and domestic production are used. Vaccination should be carried out in a veterinary hospital, since only clinically healthy animals can be vaccinated. The veterinarian will draw up an optimal schedule of vaccinations, revaccinations, and select a veterinary drug, taking into account the age and individual characteristics of the furry pet. The cost of immunization depends on the type of vaccine, the price list of veterinarian services, and the price of a veterinary passport.

Kittens are given their first vaccinations at eight to ten weeks of age. Until this moment, babies receive protective antibodies from their mother cat. Starting from two months of age, immunity weakens, and the risk of infection by pathogenic agents increases.

After the first vaccination is given, the second kittens are vaccinated two weeks later. The third vaccination is given a month later.

Vaccination schedule up to a year

Kittens must be vaccinated against:

• rabies;
• viral rhinotracheitis;
• enteritis;
• panleukopenia (feline distemper);
• calcivirosis.
• chlamydia;
• viral leukemia;
• trichophytosis;
• microsporia.

The above diseases are considered deadly (chlamydia, rabies, leukemia) and can cause serious complications in the body and cause the death of a pet.

For immunization of cats use:

Nobivak Triket (polyvaccine against rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia, calcivirosis).

1. Multifel.
2. Nobivak Rabies (for rabies).
3. CaliciVax (monovaccine against calvirosis);
4. Leukocel (monovaccine for leukemia).
5. Felovax-4 (calcivirosis, rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia).
6. Leucorifelin (inactivated polyvaccine).
7. Quadricate (France).
8. Multifel-4 (chlamydia, rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia, calcivirosis).

The following vaccines are used for cats against microsporia and trichophytosis: Vakderm, Polivac TM, Microderm. Kittens are vaccinated up to 6 months of age.

Vaccines for cats

Walking cats are vaccinated against rabies annually, and domestic cats, depending on the veterinarian, every two to four years. Kittens are vaccinated against this deadly disease at the age of 12-13 weeks or after the change of milk teeth.

After immunization, specific immunity is formed in the animals' bodies in about 15-20 days. Subsequent revaccinations are carried out annually for cats walking on the street or once every two to three years for pets who do not leave the house or apartment. The same injection drugs are used as for preventive immunization.

All vaccinations are recorded in the veterinary passport, veterinary certificate of animals with a stamp and signature of the veterinarian.

When to get your first vaccination

The first vaccination for small kittens is given at the age of two months. This is the optimal period when maternal immunity ceases to operate and the little tomboy’s body is already strong enough to form vaccine protection. It is not advisable to vaccinate a kitten yourself. This should be done by a specialist. After the injection, information about the date of vaccination, type of vaccine, series and dose will have to be entered into the animal’s special vaccination certificate.

The first immunization allows you to inoculate the kitten with immunity against several infections, in particular, calicivirus, parvovirus enteritis or canine distemper, and rhinotracheitis. He needs a second injection of the vaccine, which is carried out 7 and 21 days after the initial injection.

Vaccination of kittens in Biryulyovo

Primary vaccination of a kitten, according to therapists at the Biryulevsky Veterinary Center, requires special attention. Clinic specialists highlight several rules for successful vaccination:

1. Basic rule: vaccines are administered to kittens only if the animal is completely healthy.
2. Kittens are given their first vaccination at the age of 8-12 weeks. Then you need to do a revaccination.
3. Further vaccinations are recommended to be repeated once a year, but without revaccination.
4. If the kitten was first vaccinated at 6 months, then revaccination is not required (if vaccinated with a vaccine called Quadricat). In other cases, revaccination is required. Further vaccinations are scheduled to be performed once a year.
5. Pregnant females are not vaccinated.
6. 10-14 days before vaccination, kittens need to be treated for ticks and other parasites, as well as dewormed; the drugs Strong-Hold and Inspector are ideal for these tasks.
7. The first vaccination of kittens should be carried out at a veterinary clinic. It is better if the injection is administered by a professional, especially for the first time for an animal; it is advisable to carry out the first vaccination against the background of diphenhydramine, to exclude allergic manifestations, up to anaphylactic shock.

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Rabies vaccination for a cat: preparation and rules

In most cases, post-vaccination immunity after vaccination against rabies in cats is developed within 14-30 days. But in some cases this does not happen. In order for the vaccine to work and not cause harm to the animal, you must follow some rules.

1. The vaccine must be administered by a veterinarian. Otherwise, there is a risk of injecting incorrectly and not getting the effect. There is also a risk of purchasing a counterfeit or incorrectly transported vaccine. Clinics buy vaccines from wholesalers who guarantee the necessary conditions for transportation and storage. But a drug purchased in some online store can easily be substandard. Therefore, a self-respecting veterinarian will never inject medication that he took not from his clinic, but from a patient.
2. Rabies vaccination is not given to a pregnant cat or a very old cat, kittens under 2 months, sick or weakened animals. At the time of vaccination, the animal must be completely healthy, with normal immunity, and without additional risk factors (such as during pregnancy).
3. It is advisable to carry out deworming approximately 10-30 days before vaccination. And although now this requirement is increasingly being neglected, because... There is no evidence that if there are helminths in the body, vaccination will not work (as was previously thought), the opinion of the editors of the Murkotiki portal is that deworming is still necessary. Helminths are a factor that increases the allergic background in the body. Accordingly, there is a greater chance that there will be a negative reaction to the vaccine when the immune system is already ready to react sharply to any attack, which is provoked by infestation.
4. The rabies vaccine can be delivered separately from all others, as part of a complex vaccine, or on the same day with a vaccine against other infections using different injections. But the third option is acceptable only if these are vaccines from the same company and the instructions say about their compatibility.

Let's talk separately about the desire of some veterinarians and their clients to excessively check the health of the animal before vaccination. The usual procedure includes a face-to-face examination and temperature measurement. But a number of doctors also recommend taking a blood test, doing an ultrasound of the heart and performing other manipulations. This only makes sense if the animal has recently been ill and you need to find out whether recovery has been achieved or whether it is in remission. If tests show the presence of an acute form of the disease, then vaccination will have to be postponed.

For healthy animals that have not suffered from anything serious in the near future and do not show signs of ill health on the day of vaccination, there is no point in conducting blood tests or other tests. In addition, the blood test takes several days, and during this time the animal can contract an infection and get sick - and the analysis will be useless. Plus, blood sampling is stress, absolutely unnecessary before vaccination. However, if you have any doubts about a particular animal, you should raise your concerns with your veterinarian and get their opinion.

There are also formal requirements necessary for the recognition of rabies vaccination by the relevant authorities issuing veterinary passports and releasing the animal abroad. Among them are:

• administration of the vaccine only by a veterinarian, which is confirmed by his personal signature, seal and sticker of the drug in the veterinary passport;
• a note in the veterinary passport about previous deworming (they may find fault with this, although not necessarily);
• microchipping the animal before vaccination, and not after (otherwise they may not be allowed into some countries);
• if you are traveling abroad, then leaving with a cat is possible no earlier than 30 days have passed since the injection, but no more than a year. Vaccinating a cat against rabies retroactively is not allowed, but some veterinarians accommodate such a client’s request.

Do vaccinations have side effects?

Typically, dogs and cats experience some or all of the following mild side effects after receiving the vaccine, usually starting within a few hours of vaccination. If these side effects last more than a day or two or cause your pet significant discomfort, you should contact your veterinarian:

• Discomfort and local swelling at the vaccination site;
• Slight increase in temperature;
• Decreased appetite and activity;
• Sneezing, mild cough, runny nose, or other respiratory signs may appear 2-5 days after your pet receives the nasal vaccine.

More serious but less common side effects, such as allergic reactions, may occur within minutes to hours after vaccination. These reactions can be life-threatening and warrant emergency medical attention. Seek veterinary help immediately if any of these signs develop:

• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea;
• Itchy skin that may appear uneven (“hives”);
• Swelling of the head and around the muzzle, neck, or eyes;
• severe cough or difficulty breathing;
• Collapse;
• A small, hard swelling under the skin may develop at the site of a recent vaccination. It should start to disappear within a few weeks. If it persists for more than three weeks, or it seems to be getting larger, you should contact your veterinarian.

Always tell your veterinarian if your pet has had a reaction to any vaccine or medication in the past. If you are unsure about your dog or cat's lack of reactions, wait 30-60 minutes after vaccination before taking your pet home from the veterinary clinic.

Vaccination of cats is carried out against:

• rabies;
• viral rhinotracheitis;
• calicivirus;
• chlamydia;
• panleukopenia.

If you have any questions or concerns, you can always visit or call our veterinarian - they are your best resource for ensuring the health and well-being of your pets.

Call us and we will be happy to advise you:

8-495-221-81-90

8-495-221-84-70

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Revaccination: how often should you get rabies vaccinations?

When exactly to get a booster shot depends on how long a particular rabies vaccine lasts. And this is written in the instructions for the drug. The validity period can be 1 year, but more often 3 years. The World Health Organization insists that it is better to choose vaccines with a three-year validity period.

However, the legislation of most countries requires annual revaccination. But is it needed?

When should the vaccine be renewed? Annual revaccination is definitely necessary in cases where the animal participates in exhibitions and travels abroad. Otherwise, the cat simply will not be released from the country. Therefore, in this case, the owner has no choice. But, if there is a choice, it is better to revaccinate the animal once every 3 years, and even better - regularly carry out an antibody test, which, however, costs several times more.

EXPERT COMMENT: US VETERINARIAN KAREN BECKER

Most domestic animals are overvaccinated against rabies (this means animals in the USA, because this requirement is strictly observed there - MURKOTIKI), that is, the frequency of vaccination is too frequent. Until vaccination laws are changed to accept titers instead of shots, this will be a problem for many. These vaccines, like all vaccines, have adverse reactions ranging from very mild to severe (including anaphylaxis and death). Therefore, I recommend insisting on the introduction of a vaccine that is effective for 3 years. Research by immunologist Ronald Schultz and veterinarian Jean Dodds shows that the rabies vaccine provides immunity lasting even more than 3 years. This means that pets actually need far fewer vaccinations throughout their lives. And always keep a close eye on the injection site after each vaccination. If you notice a change in the appearance of the skin, such as a bump, irritation or inflammation, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Thus, many eminent veterinarians say that annual revaccination should be replaced by checking antibody titers and, if their level is sufficient, revaccination should be skipped. However, official veterinary medicine does not see a problem with frequent revaccinations.

Revaccination of animals that have once already shown negative effects of the vaccine is a big question. Scientists investigated this issue and came to the conclusion: for such animals, if there is a risk of contracting rabies, it is better for them to undergo serological testing when the timing of revaccination approaches and, if there is a sufficient level of antibodies, not to receive any more vaccine. But if local legislation requires it, then you will have to. Although in post-Soviet countries this requirement is often not observed, no one punishes cat owners for this. But in the USA, where the laws are followed, many animals that do not tolerate the vaccine die when it is administered again. As a result, Delaware even changed its law to allow titer testing instead of revaccination.

If an animal that once reacted poorly to a vaccine still needs to be vaccinated again, sometimes it is enough to change the manufacturer of the drug. Because the consequences are not caused by the main component of the vaccine, but by other components (for example, traces of bovine serum albumin, which is used in the process of cultivating viruses).

In addition, it makes sense to administer an antihistamine before the procedure to animals at increased risk of reacting to the vaccine. This will not affect the immune response, but will help prevent an allergic reaction.

Kitten's first vaccination

Domestic and foreign veterinarians have different views on when to vaccinate a kitten for the first time.

In Europe and America, the optimal age for the first vaccination is 6-8 weeks. Our veterinarians vaccinate kittens when they reach 8-12 weeks.

They agree on one thing - if the kitten has not yet been weaned from its mother and is breastfed, then there is no need to rush with vaccinations. While the baby receives maternal antibodies from the milk of a vaccinated mother cat, they may interact with the vaccine and the vaccination will lose its effectiveness. But, as soon as the kitten is taken from the cat, it needs to be vaccinated.

Important!

Only absolutely healthy pets can be vaccinated. Kittens are vaccinated before or after the complete replacement of baby teeth.

Vaccine selection

Existing drugs differ from each other in the degree of neutralization of the pathogen (live and inactivated), the number of fragments of the viral code contained (mono- and polyvaccines) and the manufacturer (domestic and foreign). Each variety has its own pros and cons, which will be discussed below.

Domestic

Domestic drugs are provided free of charge, but only in regional government clinics. Foreign ones can be found in any veterinary clinic, but for money.

The main disadvantage of domestic drugs is the small selection. There is only one option available - an inactivated monovaccine. This means that the drug contains only killed rhabdoviruses, that is, the causative agents of rabies.

This vaccination gives a weaker immune system and requires several injections to protect against other common infections. But there are also advantages - a milder effect on the body, eliminating the likelihood of infection in weakened pets.

Foreign

The most popular manufacturer is Dutch. He, like the Russian one, produces an inactivated monovaccine, but, according to reviews, it causes side effects much less often.

If your pet is shy and has trouble leaving the house, then it makes sense to choose an inactivated polyvaccine from any foreign manufacturer. In addition to rhabdovirus, it also contains herpes, distemper and calcivirosis viruses, which allows you to give only one injection instead of four.

More information about
mandatory vaccinations for cats
HELP!

Live preparations that provide more durable immunity against rhabdoviruses are not produced for cats.

Vaccination of cats at the clinic of Irina Onyshchuk

At the Irina Onyshchuk veterinary center you can conduct a full course of vaccination for your pet. Rabies vaccination, basic vaccines, additional medications - all this will protect your pet from the most common and dangerous infections. Before giving the injection, an experienced veterinarian at the clinic will examine the cat to rule out any contraindications.

We work around the clock, so you can visit the center at any time convenient for you. You can check prices and make an appointment by phone. Vaccination is inexpensive, but with its help you can give your animal a long and healthy life. Call, come, protect your four-legged friend from danger!

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Consequences after rabies vaccination in cats

Negative consequences of vaccination may be present in cases where the animal is allergic to the components of the drug, when the rules for administering the injection are not followed, when the vaccine is of poor quality, when the animal was weakened or sick at the time of vaccination.

Most often, a rabies vaccination for a cat has side effects such as lethargy, drowsiness, and the animal’s aloofness due to poor health, as well as poor appetite. Usually this condition lasts a day or two and begins on the day of the injection. If at first everything is fine with the cat, but after 2-3 days ill health appears, then it is most likely not from the vaccine.

You need to be especially careful if this is your kitten's first rabies vaccination. The body is not yet familiar with the drug, so a reaction may occur immediately. Usually the allergy appears 15-40 minutes after the injection. An allergic reaction to a rabies vaccine in cats can be mild, but there can be consequences up to anaphylactic shock. Therefore, for the first 15-30 minutes you should not leave the veterinarian, but wait. If a reaction occurs, the doctor will eliminate it. This is another reason why you don’t need to vaccinate your kitten yourself.

However, let the readers not be intimidated by all of the above. In fact, the risk of adverse reactions is very low: approximately 50 cases per 10 thousand animals - mostly fever and lethargy, rather than serious allergic reactions.

How is rabies transmitted?

Carriers of rabies can be wild animals (foxes, wolves) or stray animals (cats, dogs). But even a pet is susceptible to infection. This can happen while walking. If a cat has a conflict with an infected animal, and during the fight the pet is bitten and scratched, then the risk of contracting rabies increases.

An animal that is constantly in an apartment can become infected with rabies from rats or mice. When eating rodents, the danger is a virus that is located in their brain. The likelihood of catching the disease from foreign objects that have been in contact with sick animals is low, because... The rabies virus quickly dies under the influence of sunlight, chlorine, and high temperatures.

Will not help destroy the virus:

In the brain of an animal that has died of rabies, the virus can persist for up to 3 months. It poses a danger in the cold season. Therefore, in winter, it is necessary to prohibit the cat from contacting foreign objects on the street.

To prevent the disease, animals are vaccinated, and care must be taken to ensure that the cat’s behavior remains normal after vaccination. If the cat is lethargic and inactive for more than a day, you need to show it to the veterinarian.

Does my cat need to be vaccinated against rabies?

To understand whether a domestic cat needs a rabies vaccination, you should first understand how this disease is transmitted.

Rabies is caused by a virus called Rabies virus. This virus is neurotropic, that is, it moves along nerve pathways. Its goal is to damage the central nervous system. It travels along nerve pathways to the brain to shut down essential body functions (breathing and heartbeat). Protecting a cat with a vaccine is only possible before the bite, and not after. An unvaccinated cat bitten by a rabid animal is doomed to death. Read more about this at the link.

In the vast majority of cases, the rabies virus is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, which enters the victim’s body through wounds and scratches on the skin and mucous membranes. But the rabies virus is not transmitted through airborne droplets or sexual contact.

A cat can get the virus in the following situations:

1. In contact with wild and stray cats, dogs, raccoons, foxes and other mammals. Such contact is possible if the cat is walking on its own, as well as if it runs away from the house or falls out of the window. Cats living in private homes can come into contact with wild animals in their own area, because rabid wild animals often gravitate towards residential buildings - closer to possible victims of the virus.
2. Through the bite of a bat, which can fly into a house or apartment. Bats carry a particularly virulent virus, the symptoms of which develop much faster.
3. Transmission of the rabies virus from rodents has not been proven, although theoretically this possibility cannot be dismissed. If there are mice and rats in the house, this is a potential threat, although for the most part it is a threat of contracting other infections.
4. When eating the brain of an animal infected with rabies, if there are wounds in the mouth. Where a domestic cat can get such a brain is the question. All products must be purchased from certified outlets. And prohibit the cat from feasting on dead animals on the street.

Thus, taking into account the risks, vaccination of cats against rabies is unconditionally indicated in the following cases:

• the cat is on a self-walk;
• in the area where the cat lives, there are many bats that periodically fly into the window;
• the animal lives in a rural area;
• the animal lives in a private house or on the ground floor;
• there is at least the slightest risk of the cat falling out of the window or escaping from the house;
• a dog or a cat that walks outside is kept in an apartment or house together with a domestic cat;
• the cat travels the world with its owners;
• the cat participates in kitten breeding programs and comes into contact with other animals.

Vaccination of an adult cat is possible at any age, except for the very elderly. And vaccination of kittens against rabies under two months of age is prohibited, because This vaccination is quite difficult for the body.

There are also formal requirements, resulting in some animals having to be vaccinated even if they are not at risk. These are exhibition animals that simply will not be allowed into the exhibition without vaccination. These are also cats with which their owners travel abroad: the rules require vaccination against rabies - otherwise the animal will not be released from the country of departure and will not be allowed into the country of destination.

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In addition, vaccinations are required for cats living in countries where this is required by law and where the law is unconditionally respected and violations are punishable. Countries with strict requirements in this regard include, in particular, the USA and European countries. There cats are required to be revaccinated every year. In the CIS countries there is a requirement to vaccinate, but most owners do not comply with it, which is very bad.

The conclusion from what has been said is this: all cats need to be vaccinated against rabies, with rare exceptions when the health or age of the animal does not allow this.

Contraindications to vaccinations

Cat owners should be aware of contraindications to preventive vaccinations. Introducing a small dose of viruses and bacteria is safe for a healthy pet. But a weakened animal that does not have a strong immune system may develop the disease. You cannot vaccinate if:

• less than 3 weeks have passed since surgery;
• less than 2 weeks have passed since the course of antibiotics;
• there was contact with a sick animal, the incubation period did not pass;
• there are signs of malaise, decreased activity, loss of appetite;
• pregnant cat feeding kittens.

Before vaccination, your pet must be examined by a doctor. It is advisable for cat owners to have a veterinary passport, which contains information about diseases and vaccinations.

You cannot use drugs that do not have labels or products that do not have certificates for preventive vaccinations. The bottles must be hermetically sealed and opened no later than 2 hours before the injection.

Owners of cats should note that an animal that does not have information about mandatory vaccinations will not be allowed to participate in exhibitions. The lack of veterinary information will create serious obstacles if you need to travel abroad with your pet.

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Authors of the articles: Belanta Clinic team

In what cases is vaccination contraindicated?

Vaccination is contraindicated in the following cases:

• Up to two months of age, since kittens have not developed immunity and lymphatic systems.
• Within two weeks after contact with an infected animal. After this period, you can vaccinate your pet if signs of the disease have not appeared.
• Signs of a cold (discharge from the nose, eyes).
• Peeling on the skin, which indicates the presence of microsporia. The fungus weakens the animal's immunity.
• Pregnancy and feeding kittens.
• One month after surgery.

With proper preparation and following recommendations, vaccination has no side effects. Vaccination will prevent the disease and save the cat's life.

Delayed complications

Most often, reactions to the vaccine appear within the first two days, but in some cases the count lasts for months. That is, immediately after the injection the animal feels normal, but after a few months the consequences may appear.

Sarcoma

Post-vaccination sarcomas (cancer tumors) are a very aggressive type of sarcoma. They extensively affect surrounding tissues and metastasize in 20% of cases. Veterinarians usually cut out the affected areas, but this is not a guarantee that sarcomas will not appear again. In some cases, a sick cat must also be irradiated.

This type of sarcoma, scientists suggest, is associated with the administration of adjuvant vaccines that cause a local inflammatory reaction. This is why it is recommended to use unadjuvanted vaccines whenever possible. If an adjuvant vaccine is administered, it is recommended to place it not at the withers. If revaccination is carried out regularly, it is recommended to alternate injection sites.

Granulomas

Subcutaneous administration of the vaccine can lead to the formation of a granuloma - a lump at the injection site. Granulomas do not always go away quickly: sometimes it takes several years. Most often they disappear after a few months. In general, this is not a dangerous consequence.

Autoimmune reactions

Some owners wonder if vaccines can cause autoimmune diseases? Vaccines themselves do not directly cause autoimmune processes, but indirectly they can trigger an autoimmune response in animals genetically predisposed to this, like any other medications, infectious diseases and many other external factors. By the way, this also applies to people.

Can a cat get rabies due to vaccination?

And finally, the most popular consequence of the rabies vaccination, which, in fact, never happens. A cat cannot get rabies as a result of a rabies vaccination, because the drug does not contain a live virus capable of reproduction.

This myth was once partly true, because... Among other things, vaccines with a weakened but live virus were used, which could actually cause the disease. Today, animals are given vaccines made from killed viruses that will no longer cause the development of the disease.

Minor vaccinations for a kitten

• "Vaccinations optional" for kittens include feline leukemia (FeLV)
  , feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), Chlamydophila felis, and feline Giardia (giardiasis) vaccines.
• The FeLV vaccine is recommended by some veterinarians for all kittens, while others recommend the vaccine only for kittens at high risk for leukemia. The decision should be based on your pet's lifestyle and discussion with your veterinarian. Feline leukemia is a viral disease that can be transmitted to kittens from their mother or through close contact with other infected cats. Kittens should be tested for FeLV infection prior to vaccination. Vaccinations can begin in kittens between 8 and 12 weeks of age and require a booster shot repeated after three to four weeks.
• The FIV vaccine is intended for cats at high risk of the disease. FIV is a viral disease that is most often spread from cat to cat through bite wounds. Vaccination against FIV produces a positive FIV test in tests, which is indistinguishable from infected animals. Therefore, practically this type of vaccination is not recommended for routine use. Vaccinated kittens must be tested for FIV prior to vaccination. The vaccine is not 100 percent effective. The first immunodeficiency vaccine can begin in kittens at 8 weeks of age and should be given two to three weeks apart to receive three consecutive vaccine injections.
• The Chlamydophila felis (chlamydia) vaccine is only used when keeping multiple cats where the infection is known to be present. Chlamydophila felis causes conjunctivitis and breathing problems in infected kittens. The first chlamydia vaccine can be given to kittens at 9 weeks of age or older when needed and should be increased after three to four weeks.
• FIP and Giardia vaccines are not generally recommended due to questionable effectiveness and safety. These vaccinations are still being tested and are not widely used in the veterinary community.

Danger and modes of transmission of rabies

Rabies is caused by the Rabies lyssavirus virus, which can infect all warm-blooded animals without exception, including humans, so it is better for the animal owner to worry about the safety of coexistence in advance. Transmission occurs through the saliva of a sick individual during a bite. Also dangerous is contaminated saliva that gets on injured skin or mucous membranes. Having penetrated the body, the infection quickly spreads along the nerve fibers, penetrates the spinal cord and brain, where it accumulates and causes irreversible destruction. The incubation period, that is, the period from the moment of infection to the appearance of the first symptoms, can vary from 7 to 14 days.

The danger of the disease lies in its lethality for animals. A sick cat first becomes lethargic and timid, and then clearly expresses its aggression with attacks and bites. At the second manic stage of the disease, one of the most well-known symptoms is noted - the inability to swallow saliva due to spasm of the larynx, which leads to its constant flow from the mouth. At the last stage, paralysis of the entire body occurs, leading to inevitable death.

At the second stage of rabies development, the cat becomes aggressive, attacking and biting a person, which poses a direct threat to him of also getting sick.

Why do kittens need to be vaccinated?

If you have a pet and keep it exclusively at home, this does not mean that it does not need primary cat vaccination. It has been scientifically proven that infections dangerous to pets can be brought in from the street on clothes or shoes. Those pets who do not leave the premises have a much higher chance of becoming infected than those who periodically walk outside.

Many infections can be fatal, so vaccination for kittens should be the responsibility of the owner. If you visit a veterinary clinic regularly or because of any disease, then there the animal may come into contact with sick individuals and become infected. In addition, surgery (sterilization, castration, etc.) reduces the kitten’s immunity and increases the risk of disease. If you have several pets, kittens should be vaccinated as early as possible.

Thus, the first vaccination for kittens, especially if it is a complex injection, is a reliable way to prevent serious diseases.

Why is vaccination mandatory?

There is an opinion among people that if a cat does not go outside, but spends its entire life only in an apartment, there is no need for vaccinations, since there is simply no place for it to become infected with fatal diseases. It is a myth. In fact, the virus can easily end up in an apartment with the help of the owner. A person can carry dangerous bacteria on clothes and shoes.

You came running from the street, left your shoes in the corridor, the joyful cat rubbed against them, and then licked the fur. And that’s it, a completely domestic cat became infected with a serious disease. To avoid such incidents, as a result of which you may lose your beloved animal, you should get vaccinations.

In addition, in the summer, many people like to take their pets with them to the dacha, where the animals are in contact with nature and are completely defenseless against dangers.

Vaccinations in your veterinary passport are necessary if you are going to travel abroad with your animal. To participate in exhibitions, all vaccinations are also required, otherwise you will simply not be allowed to attend an event with a large number of other cats. This measure protects all animals on display from infection.

Vaccination is the introduction of a small dose of a pathogen into the cat’s body. The body resists bacteria, resulting in the production of protective forces.

WHERE TO GET VACCINATIONS FOR CATS AND KITTENS?

Vaccinations can be done at almost any veterinary clinic. There are public (local) and private. Unfortunately, state veterinary clinics have not proven themselves properly.

If you have such an opportunity, contact private ones, as they purchase a higher quality vaccine (but also, as a rule, more expensive), and the level of service is higher. They will always find time for a preliminary examination, recommendations for vaccination and care

Also, more attention is paid to cleanliness, which is no less important. I think every owner wants to bring the animal to a clean table, treated after the previous animal.

Some people practice calling a veterinarian to their home. In my opinion, this is the best option for the animal itself, because... he is not exposed to stress due to moving and there is no contact with other animals, and this is a guarantee of the pet’s health! But such a technique will require more material investment.

Vaccinate your animals on time! Let them be healthy and happy with you!

It is important to know

If a kitten is bitten by a stray animal on the street, you should immediately contact a veterinary clinic. Perhaps the veterinarian will not wait until the time left before revaccination, but will do it on the same day. 10 days after the bite, the kitten needs to be re-examined, as the veterinarian may detect some symptoms that the owner will not even pay due attention to. In this case, the cat will be isolated from the family until the diagnosis is refuted or confirmed. Because if the disease is confirmed, it will not be possible to help the pet, but it will be necessary to protect the family from infection. Some owners are interested in how long a cat needs to be isolated? No less than 1.5 months. This is the time it will take to be sure how safe the animal will be in the family.

Of course, you need to vaccinate your cat against rabies, as this will not only protect the animal, but also its owner.

Vaccination schedule

Immunity to infections is divided into passive and active. The first is acquired from the outside and has a temporary effect. The second is produced independently by successfully combating a viral agent. The safest way to obtain active immunity is preventive vaccination of cats.

Kitten's first vaccination

Passive immunity is transmitted to newborns from the mother through colostrum and lasts up to 4 months. When should kittens have their first vaccinations? Usually this is 2-2.5 months old. They are vaccinated against all diseases on the mandatory list, except rabies.

To consolidate the result, revaccination (re-vaccination) is carried out after 3-4 weeks. It helps increase the amount of antibodies needed to fight infections. Most often, the rabies vaccine for cats is administered together with others during revaccination, but not earlier than 3 months.

Kittens up to one year old

Up to a year, vaccination of kittens involves the use of all mandatory vaccines followed by revaccination. The recommended vaccination schedule for cats by age is presented in the table:

The vaccination schedule for kittens is compiled by a veterinarian. Depending on the risk of infection in the place of residence, he may add other vaccines from the additional list.

Adults

If the first vaccination of a cat is carried out already in adulthood, then the scheme for constructing its schedule is similar. After the first and repeated injections, the procedures become annual.

How to vaccinate your cat against rabies yourself?

The Murkotiki portal insists that an animal must be vaccinated either in a veterinary clinic, or by calling a good veterinarian to your home. Doing this yourself is not recommended. However, there are situations in which only this option is possible. Then you need to stock up on knowledge that will help you effectively vaccinate an animal.

First, we’ll tell you where to give a rabies injection to a cat. The injection is placed in the following places:

• the withers are the most convenient place for a beginner, but in the case of the rabies vaccine it is undesirable, since if a complication occurs in the form of a sarcoma, it is difficult to remove the tumor from the withers;
• the thigh is the most common place, but a beginner can easily hit a nerve and cause lameness in the animal, but in the event of post-vaccination sarcoma, it is easier to amputate the paw than part of the withers;
• tail - some veterinarians practice placement in this place, because in case of sarcoma, the tail is easiest to cut off; but there is a veterinary opinion that the risk of sarcoma on the tail is even higher, because this part is less mobile - and the drug is absorbed more slowly;
• stomach - recently doctors have begun to practice this place, because the skin from there in the event of a sarcoma is removed relatively easily, but a beginner should not choose this place.

Thus, the two most common places are the withers and the hip. The withers are easier for home administration and more painless for the animal, because there are few nerve endings there. The hip is preferable if the injection is given by a professional veterinarian. Read about the technique of how to give a rabies injection to a cat in another article.

At what age to vaccinate a kitten against rabies is decided depending on the level of risk of infection. The instructions for most drugs say that administration is possible no earlier than 2 months. If the kitten is domestic, does not go outside and there are no animals walking on the street nearby, then it is advisable to vaccinate no earlier than 3 months. Some felinologists and veterinarians advise doing this even later - from 4-6 months. An adult animal can be vaccinated at any time.

In general, we once again emphasize that vaccinating a cat against rabies at home is a bad idea. This should only be done if there are no veterinarians nearby and you can buy genuine vaccine that has been stored properly and that you can quickly transport home. However, this option is unlikely.

In addition, you need to have the skills to give injections. And keep in mind that in any case, a vaccine not supplied by a veterinarian will not be marked in the passport with his signature and seal. This means that it has no legal force (you will not be allowed to go abroad with the animal).