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Parasitic diseases in rabbits: the commonest threats and how to prevent them
Coccidiosis, encephalitozoonosis, ear mange and cheyletiellosis are the parasitic diseases pet rabbits meet most often, and they can go unnoticed for a long time. We explain how they are diagnosed in the laboratory, how they are treated, and which hygiene, quarantine and feeding rules keep infection at bay.
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How to protect your dog’s paws in winter
Frost, ice and road salt leave a dog's pads irritated, cracked and sometimes frostbitten every winter. We explain how to pick a route and a protective wax before the walk, how to rinse and dry the paws properly once you are home, and which signs mean it is time to call the veterinary clinic.
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Horner’s syndrome in dogs and cats: signs, causes, diagnosis and treatment
A drooping eyelid, a smaller pupil and a visible third eyelid on one side add up to Horner's syndrome. It is not painful in itself and does not harm sight, but it often signals another, more serious condition underneath. We explain the causes, the diagnostic steps, the pharmacological tests and the treatment options.
What vaccinations does a cat need? How to prepare your cat for a vaccination visit
Why should cats be vaccinated?
Veterinarians agree that all cats should be vaccinated, even those that never go outside. People can carry some pathogens home on their clothes or the soles of their shoes, which is why at Zviropolis we place such importance on prevention.
Which diseases do we vaccinate cats against?
Animals receive their first vaccinations as kittens, and this is usually the reason for their first visit to the vet. The diseases they are vaccinated against are: panleukopenia, calicivirus, herpesvirus, feline leukaemia and rabies. The vaccines are usually combined, though in some cases they are given separately against a single disease (for example rabies).
1st vaccination
The first vaccination is given at 8 weeks of age. At this point the kitten receives an injection against panleukopenia, calicivirus and cat flu.
2nd vaccination
The next vaccination visit takes place no sooner than four weeks after the first dose. This time the cat is vaccinated against the same diseases plus feline leukaemia virus (FeLV)
3rd vaccination
At over 16 weeks of age, the previous vaccination is repeated. This is the last in the series of first-year vaccinations.
4th vaccination
Since 2022, rabies vaccination of cats has been compulsory in Warsaw and the neighbouring districts. Bear in mind that not having a current rabies vaccination in an area at risk of rabies is an offence punishable by a fine.
Vaccinations against infectious diseases are repeated once, a year after the first course, and then every three years. At that stage it is no longer a course of doses but a single vaccine.
How should you prepare your pet before each vaccination?
A cat must be healthy at the time of vaccination: a raised temperature, vomiting or any other worrying symptoms rule it out. Vets recommend deworming about a week before each vaccination. It is also very important to avoid strenuous physical activity before the visit.
Before a cat is vaccinated against feline leukaemia, the vet must run a test (a rapid test or PCR); a negative result allows vaccination against this disease to go ahead.
What should you look out for after vaccination?
Keeping an eye on your pet after the injection is very important, because every vaccination carries a risk of side effects. Adverse reactions are most likely in the first few hours after vaccination, and the likelihood decreases as time goes on.
Possible adverse reactions include:
Remember that keeping your cat’s vaccinations up to date is important to protect it from dangerous diseases. If you have any further questions about your cat’s vaccination schedule, please get in touch with the vets at Zviropolis and we will be happy to clear things up.