According to veterinary standards, vaccination of a cat after deworming can only be done after a break. The precaution is necessary to ensure the absence of parasites and to reduce the burden on the pet's immune defenses. The exact timing of when vaccination can be carried out is determined by the veterinarian. Failure to comply with the instructions is dangerous to the life and health of the cat.
Why deworm before vaccination?
Most often, medications against parasites are given for preventive purposes, however, if worms were found in the pet, then 2 courses of cleaning must be completed before the vaccine is administered.
A qualified veterinarian will refuse vaccination if the pet has not previously been dewormed, since the procedure may result in a serious illness for the cat. The need to drive away worms is justified by the principle of operation of the animal’s immune system. The vaccine contains a weakened virus, to which the cat’s body reacts by producing antibodies designed to destroy the threat. If the kitten is healthy, then it will cope with the danger without negative consequences, but in the case when there are worms in the gastrointestinal tract, the immune system has a double burden. The parasite will be perceived as a primary danger to life, which will allow the virus to strengthen and develop.
All nuances regarding both procedures should be discussed with your doctor.
The timing of vaccination and worming should not coincide, as there is a risk of drug conflict. Studies have shown that due to vaccination, medications against parasites stop working, and the cat’s body does not synthesize new antibodies that would help with re-infection with the virus. The situation is similar with revaccination. The exact timing of the procedures must be checked with your veterinarian.
To deworm or not?
If the kitten is still small or the adult animal does not undergo scheduled deworming within a year, then a coprogram (general stool analysis) should be done.
The study will confirm or deny the presence of parasites in the cat’s body, and will also help to recognize which helminths live in the cat. Based on the results obtained, the veterinarian will be able to choose the right drug to treat the pet and draw up a detailed plan for the procedures.
The owner is fully responsible for the health of his pet, because the cat will not say that it feels bad, will not complain about stomach pain or loss of appetite. If you strictly follow the schedule and rules for deworming and vaccination, your furry friend will always be healthy and cheerful.
