Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 9
Tell Me About Vaccines
When you get a vaccine reminder card in the mail from your veteri-
narian, you probably think it looks like a game of Scrabble. What are
FRCP, FeLV and FIP? Many owners don't ask about what these letters
stand for, and just tell the veterinarian to go ahead and give the cat all
the shots she needs. I don't think this is a good idea.
As a cat owner, it is useful to have some basic knowledge about the
diseases you protect your cat from with vaccines.You may be surprised
to find out that vaccines are not as protective as you have been led to
believe, and that annual vaccines may not be in your cat's best interest.
The purpose of vaccinating is to “teach” the cat's immune system to
fight specific infectious agents. Does the system need to be reminded
every year?
HOW DO VACCINES WORK?
Antibodies obtained from their mothers protect newborn kittens from
many diseases. This maternal immunity decreases between 8 and 12
weeks of age, and the kitten then needs other protection. The purpose
of vaccinating is to “teach” the kitten's immune system to fight specific
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