If you're a pet parent, you might have some hesitation about getting vaccinations for your cat. These days, people think twice before giving vaccinations to their human children, so it's understandable if you're concerned about whether or not it's safe to vaccinate your kitties. In addition, FIV and FLV shots typically aren't considered mandatory shots, so should you bother getting them for your cat? Read on to learn what these shots protect against, whether or not your cat needs it, and what the risk is of going without it.
What Do These Shots Protect Against?
FIV shots protect your cat from a disease called feline immunodeficiency virus, and FLV protects against feline leukemia virus.
Unlike HIV, feline immunodeficiency virus is not necessarily a death sentence. However, it does harm your cat's immune system, and it is spread by bodily fluids, just like HIV.
FLV, on the other hand, doesn't have any severe health risks in and of itself. However, it can cause a secondary condition that can potentially kill your cat.
Does Your Cat Need Them?
When it comes to deciding if your cat needs these vaccinations, there are a few things to consider.
First of all, while vets don't require your cat to get these vaccinations, many boarders often require that your cat has been vaccinated against these diseases. This is in order to prevent the spread of disease through pet kennels.
Second, you should consider whether you have more than one cat. If you have a healthy cat that isn't inoculated who comes into contact with an adopted pet who is or becomes sick with one of these diseases, it could be spread to your healthy cat.
Lastly, you should consider that if your cat develops FIV, they will need protection from developing illnesses. If you have a healthy or inoculated cat who develops something as simple as a common cold, they could potentially spread the illness to your FIV-positive cat and put their life at risk, since their immune system won't be able to fight as well.
What Do Cats Go Through With These Diseases?
FIV, like HIV, puts cats at a higher risk of death due to secondary illnesses. If you can isolate your cat from other cats, chances are they will live a long and healthy life. However, even the smallest wound infection or cold could put your cat's life at risk.
However, FIV and FLV can both cause cancer. Feline lymphoma is one of the most common forms of cancer in cats. While beating cancer is possible, it is a life-threatening illness that will require a lot of time, money, and invasive procedures in order to beat.
FLV and FIV inoculations only need to be given once, unlike many other recommended cat vaccines. They provide excellent protection from life-long risk of illness, so why hesitate? Talk to your veterinarian about getting your cat inoculated against FLV and FIV today.
For more information, contact local professionals like Pittsburgh Spay & Vaccination Clinic.
