Many caretakers believe indoor cats are not exposed to various infectious diseases, but the truth is very different. In particular, cats that live mostly indoors can contract viral and bacterial pathogens rather unexpectedly. Diseases can be brought into your home on clothing, shoes, or other items.
Even the most cautious pet owners can't always prevent accidents. Whether the cats go out for a brief walk in the garden, meet wild animals, or go to a boarding facility, vaccinations are essential to ensure your cat remains healthy and can receive proper treatment when needed.
What Are Core Vaccines?
Core vaccines are essential for protecting your cat against life-threatening diseases, such as:
● Rabies: It is a viral infection of the spinal cord and brain that is spread through attack or contact with body fluids, especially saliva. If symptoms occur, the disease is lethal, but it is preventable with proper vaccine shots.
● Feline Distemper (Panleukopenia): This is a common disease in young cats. It is contracted through physical contact and is often associated with symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and loss of appetite. Feline panleukopenia quickly spreads directly from affected animals or indirectly from contact with surroundings. Thus, immunization of both indoor and outdoor cats is important.
● Feline Herpesvirus and Calicivirus: These viruses cause respiratory illnesses that result in sneezing, nasal discharge, fever, and mouth ulcers. Transmission is easy: either through exposure to airborne particles, contact with surfaces contaminated by the virus, or mixing with other animals, even in multi-pet households.
Why Do You Need to Vaccinate Your Cat?
When you own a cat, you may ask yourself if an indoor cat requires any vaccinations. After all, they are in an indoor space with some shelter. However, this does not mean that indoor cats are safe from contracting an infectious disease. Here’s why:
● Escaping adventures: Cats are playful and might, at times, go outside unnoticed. Just a simple walk outside can lead to contact with a virus such as rabies or feline panleukopenia.
● Boarding facilities: If you intend to have your cat boarded while you are out of town, vaccination is mandatory because the facilities may insist on a vaccination certificate for all animals.
● Wildlife intrusions: Wild animals, such as rodents, can invade your home and carry diseases that could affect your cat. Bats are currently the prime carrier of Rabies in Ontario and they have gotten inside and caused the death of a child due to Rabies.
● Outdoor strolls: When you leash-train your cat for supervised outdoor time, the risk of contact with bacterial and viral pathogens rises.
Protect Your Cat with Kato Animal Hospital
Kato Animal Hospital has provided essential core and non-core cat vaccinations in Toronto that meet your cat’s lifestyle, health, and dental needs. For over four decades, we have been dedicated to providing pet owners with unrivalled service while protecting and celebrating our clients’ companions. We guarantee the quality of treatment and the love and care your feline friend will receive from our professional team of caregivers.
Contact us today to schedule your cat’s vaccination in Toronto. Safeguard their well-being with trusted care!