Vaccinations can prevent your cat from succumbing to illness or disease. As a cat owner in Winter Garden, it’s important to ensure that your cat gets the vaccinations he or she needs to maintain immunity and good quality of life. At Winter Garden Animal Hospital, we help cat owners determine which vaccines are right for their cat, so our pet patients can be protected and healthy.
Core Feline Vaccinations in Winter Garden
Core vaccines, also called required vaccinations, are administered to all cats regardless of their lifestyle. These vaccines protect against some of the most common illnesses that affect the general cat population. Core feline vaccines include:
- Feline calicivirus: Calicivirus causes an upper respiratory tract infection that typically affects large groups of cats.
- Feline panleukopenia: Panleukopenia is a deadly illness that most often affects young cats and kittens.
- Rabies: Rabies is a condition that affects a cat’s cognitive function and eventually leads to death.
- Feline rhinotracheitis: Rhinotracheitis most often affects cats that have a compromised or weak immune system.
Non-Core Vaccinations
Non-core vaccinations, also sometimes called recommended vaccinations, are vaccines that are only administered to cats who are at risk for certain illnesses. Non-core vaccines, like the feline leukemia vaccine, are only given to cats on an as-needed basis. At Winter Garden Animal Hospital, we can recommend non-core vaccinations to help your cat stay healthy.
Benefits of Cat Vaccinations in Winter Garden
There are many benefits to cat vaccinations!
- Prevent the spread of rabies throughout the community. Rabies is an illness that can affect people as well as animals. Getting your pet vaccinated can help protect the general population.
- Improved quality of life. Cats who are vaccinated are less likely to contract certain illnesses and diseases, which can lead to an improved quality and length of life.
- Protection from the spread of diseases through the cat community. Cats can spread illness from one animal to another. Vaccinating your cat can help ensure that your cat won’t catch any illnesses from other cats.
Side Effects of Vaccines
Vaccines are typically safe, but some cats will experience mild side effects in the first 24 hours after getting a vaccine. Side effects include:
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Pain and tenderness at the site of the injection
- Irritability
- Desire to be alone
- Flu-like symptoms
In very rare cases, some cats may experience more serious side effects, including difficulty breathing, swelling, and loss of consciousness. Any cats who experience these side effects should be brought to their pet’s veterinarian right away.
Contact Winter Garden Animal Hospital for Feline Vaccinations Today!
At Winter Garden Animal Hospital, we administer core and non-core vaccines. We serve cats in Winter Garden and the surrounding areas, including Ocoee and Windermere. Whether your cat needs his or her initial vaccines or is due for booster shots, we can help. Contact us today at (407) 656-4132 to make an appointment. We look forward to meeting with you!