Diseases Your Cats Can Contract If You Do Not Vaccinate Them
Posted on: 11 February 2016
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In recent times, the process of vaccinating against certain diseases or viruses has become controversial. Many parents and pet parents alike have begun to question whether or not they should choose to vaccine their children (both human and four-legged). If you are a cat owner and you are wondering whether or not you should have your cat get all of the vaccinations that are generally recommended, you should first get to know some of the diseases that your cat can contract if you do not vaccinate them. Then, you will be able to make an informed and educated decision about the veterinary care that your cat receives.
Feline Leukemia
Most people associate leukemia with the form of cancer by the same name that humans suffer from. However, there is a feline version of leukemia that is quite a bit different from the human version. Feline leukemia is a retrovirus rather than a cancer.
This is a highly contagious disease in cats with no known cure once it is contracted. It is transmitted from contact with an infected cat. This can include contact with their saliva and nasal secretions of an infected cat as well as urine or feces.
Feline leukemia can cause numerous health problems in cats. It compromises the immune system and can make your cat very susceptible to other viral infections, bacteria, or fungal infections. It can also make those health problems difficult to get rid of once they are contracted. This retrovirus is also a common cause of cancer as well as blood disorders for cats.
Feline Herpesvirus
Another feline illness that can be vaccinated against is the feline herpesvirus. This is another highly contagious virus among cats. In fact, it is even more widespread and prevalent among cats than feline leukemia.
The reason feline herpesvirus is so prevalent is that it can be transmitted in a wide variety of ways. Of course, feline herpesvirus can be contracted through direct contact with an infected cat (including their saliva and nasal secretions). It can also be transmitted through the air if an infected cat has sneezed in the vicinity. Additionally, sharing a litter box or food dish with an infected cat can cause infection as well as bedding or grooming tools.
The feline herpes virus can cause serious upper respiratory infections in cats that cause sneezing, coughing, lethargy, and a lack of appetite among many other symptoms. It can also cause dermatitis in which the skin is inflamed and develops sores. There is also a risk that an infected cat will develop a condition known as keratitis, which is an infection in the cornea.
Now that you know more about two of the diseases that your cat could contract if you do not vaccinate them, you can decide whether or not vaccinating your cat, at a place like Chicago Cat Clinic, is the right choice for you.