3 Optional Vaccines For Your Cat

Posted on: 4 January 2017

Not all vaccines are required for your cat to ensure their health. There are some vaccinations that are recommended more on an as needed basis, which is generally based on your cat's health history and where you live. Here are three optional vaccinations you should discuss with your veterinarian.

#1 Feline Infectious Peritonitis

This is an infection that most cats contract when they are kittens. When a kitten contracts feline infectious peritonitis, it is unfortunately often fatal. Thus, it is best to get this vaccination as soon as possible. This vaccination is generally recommended if there is an outbreak of feline infectious peritonitis in your area when your kitten is born.

If you get a cat that is older and they have not been vaccinated against feline infectious peritonitis, you probably don't need to get them this vaccination. Feline infectious peritonitis seems to mostly affect younger cats, and it isn't fatal in older cats.

#2 Pneumonitis

This is a vaccine that will protect your cat against pneumonitis. However, the downside to this vaccine is that it is not that effective for very long. It is generally only effective for a couple of months. This is more like the flu vaccination for people; it is something that your cat needs to get on a regular basis. This vaccination is best given if your cat is regularly boarded somewhere and there is an outbreak of the pneumonitis at the boarding shelter. Discuss where your cat typically hangs out with your vet to determine if this vaccination is right for your cat.

#3 Ringworm

Another optional vaccination is for ringworm. Ringworm is actually really common in cats. It causes a type of fungus to grow on cat's nails, hair, and skin. It is also highly contagious. It can be treated with topical creams, although the vaccination can help prevent your cat from getting ringworm in the first place. Ringworm is generally spread through direct contact with an infected cat, although the spores produced by the fungus that causes ringworm can hang around for months, passing the infection on to your cat. If your cat spends times around other animals or is boarded at all, this is a good vaccination to get for your cat.

Be sure to talk with a vet from an animal hospital like Animal House Veterinary Hospital about your cat's particular health situation to determine if your cat needs any of the optional vaccinations listed above or any other optional vaccination that may not be on this list. 

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