When it comes to cat vaccinations, cat owners can have a ton of questions. Mostly, the questions center around the safety. We wonder if we should vaccinate our cat and, if we do, will it lengthen her life?
Thanks to Paw Nation, much of the mystery and controversy has been dealt with. Paw Nation spoke with veterinarians Kristen Nelson, author of “Coated with Fur: A Vet’s Life,” and Christine Bellezza, co-director of the Feline Health Center at Cornell University.
When and why should pet owners vaccinate their cats?
The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) recommends that kittens start getting their shots at around 6 to 8 weeks of age, the time when the immunity they received from their mothers starts to wane. “It’s important to vaccinate cats because the viruses that we’re vaccinating against are very prevalent in the environment,” Bellezza says. “Cats that aren’t vaccinated are very much at risk.”
Despite that high risk, not all cat owners follow the guidelines.
“Unfortunately, there is a lot of incorrect information on the Internet related to vaccinations,” says Dr. Nelson. “As a result, I have observed an increase in the number of people who refuse vaccinations for their pets. Now I am beginning to see an increase in the number of animals who contract these diseases.”
To read the rest of the interview (one that all cat owners should read from the first word to the last word), please visit Cat Vaccines: What You Need to Know
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