Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
into a kitten's system during her first 24 hours of life. Maternal immu-
nity wears off by 12 weeks of age, and kittens must then develop anti-
bodies on their own.Antibodies are developed after vaccination or after
exposure to infectious diseases.
The number of cats in the home and the chance of exposure to
other cats also play major roles in assessing risk.The chance of exposure
to infectious agents in a household with one or two cats is significant-
ly less than in a larger multicat household. Cats who go outdoors and
come in contact with free-roaming or other indoor/outdoor cats face
a higher risk of disease exposure.
Cats who are housed in boarding facilities, catteries, or shelters have
a greater opportunity of being exposed to infectious agents.This is due
to stress, crowding, and simply the number of cats in the facility. Cats
who regularly go out to shows or on visits also are at greater risk.That's
because cats who come from different environments can bring differ-
ent infectious agents with them.
It can take up to 14 days post-vaccination for the full immune
response to develop. So if you vaccinate your cat for the first time today,
she will not have protective immunity until at least 14 days after the ini-
tial vaccine series has been completed.
The decision to vaccinate against a particular infectious disease
agent should be based on reviewing the patient's risk assessment.
Currently, vaccines exist to protect against 11 different infectious dis-
eases in cats, and several manufacturers produce vaccines.The infectious
diseases are:
•
Rhinotracheitis virus (feline herpes)
•
Calici virus
•
Panleukopenia virus
•
Chlamydia (pneumonitis)
•
Feline leukemia virus
•
Rabies virus
•
Feline infectious peritonitis virus
•
Bordetella
•
Ringworm fungus
•
Feline immunodeficiency virus
•
Giardia
