Wanting to have a furry pet, many cat owners prefer the British breed of cats. These active kids are distinguished not only by their unusual color, but also by their “apartment” way of life. Such pets are rarely allowed to go outside and try to minimize their contact with other animals. That is why there is an opinion that vaccinations for a British kitten are absolutely not needed. Many owners of unusual pets are absolutely sure that if their pet is constantly sitting in the apartment, then he can not catch any infection. However, as veterinary practice has shown, such an opinion is a misconception. Consider this topic in more detail.
Is it necessary to vaccinate a british kitten?
If a four-legged baby does not leave the premises, this does not mean that he is safe and cannot begin to suffer from serious diseases. In this matter, it does not matter what breed the kitten is. In any case, he is at risk of catching the virus and getting sick.
You need to understand that a huge number of infected animals that can be carriers of dangerous bacteria roam the street. When a person enters an apartment, he automatically brings pathogenic microflora on his shoes and clothes. Of course, some kittens have no interest in jackets and boots. However, this does not mean that the pet is completely safe.
As a rule, immediately after returning home, the owner of the animal strokes the kitten that meets him. On the hands of a person there is simply a huge amount of bacteria, so the owner of a fluffy lump can infect a pet with his own hands.
Another reason that vaccination of a British kitten must be done without fail is cats and rats, who often live in the basements of apartment buildings. These stray animals are carriers of dangerous diseases. Yes, kittens will not hunt rats, but they can come into contact with surfaces that rodents walked on or left traces of their life activity. The chance of catching a viral disease in this case is very high. And you do not need to rely on the fact that the pet does not cross the threshold of the apartment. You will not be able to follow him constantly. A nimble creature can easily slip away if your child, say, did not close the door tightly. Or you yourself will bring infection into your house, as mentioned above.
Yes there entrance! An animal can catch an infection even during a visit to the veterinarian. In the process of a long wait in line, he will be in the same room with infectious relatives. In addition, not all doctors thoroughly wipe tables after other patients.
There are also a number of reasons why vaccinating a British kitten is still worth doing, even if the risk of contracting a fluff is minimized. Let's discuss the pros and cons of vaccination.
pros
In addition to a healthy existence, a kitten who has been given all the necessary vaccinations gets the opportunity to participate in exhibitions and go on long trips with its owner. If during a stay in a suburban area a cat or dog scratches or bites it, then his body will sustainably transfer a possible infection and prevent it from spreading.
If the owner of a thoroughbred cat wants to continue his family, then he must provide the relevant documents, and only after that proceed with the breeding of kittens.
However, in fairness, it is worth talking about some of the disadvantages of vaccinations.
Minuses
There is a tiny chance (less than 1%) that after vaccination the kitten will begin to suffer from side effects. Some babies experienced drowsiness, decreased activity and appetite. However, all these unpleasant consequences go away in about a day.
In a particular case, the kitten may develop an allergic reaction to the drug that was administered to him. For example, laryngeal edema, severe itching, vomiting, and diarrhea may begin. Then you should consult a specialist as soon as possible.
What infections do cats suffer from?
The British are susceptible to the same infectious diseases as their other relatives.
Among them are:
- Hyperviral and calicivirus infections. In this case, the animal suffers from damage to the respiratory tract, conjunctivitis, and joint problems.
- Panleukopenia. Most often, this disease is called cat plague. The animal loses its appetite and begins to suffer from vomiting, diarrhea and intense thirst.
- Toxoplasmosis. Outwardly, this ailment is practically not manifested in any way. Infection occurs if the pet eats raw meat. It is worth noting that this disease is dangerous not only for the fourth pet, but also for all households.
To prevent the occurrence of these dangerous ailments, as well as rabies, furry pets must be given appropriate injections. It remains to figure out when to vaccinate British kittens. It is also worth considering the possibility of vaccination at home.
Primary vaccination
If we talk about the age at which British kittens must be vaccinated, it should be noted that in this case the breed does not play a special role. As a rule, primary vaccination is performed when the baby is 2-2.5 months old. At this age, kittens already have fully developed internal organs, but the antibodies that the babies received with their mother’s milk no longer work and gradually dissolve in the blood.
Therefore, it is at this age that they give the first vaccinations to British kittens (and any other too). Vaccination helps animals strengthen their immune systems. Of course, at the same time, the body of the kitten receives a certain proportion of the virus, however, it is not able to harm the baby.
What vaccinations do british kittens do
As a rule, primary vaccination involves the use of a complex of drugs against panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis and calicivirosis. Today, there are a huge number of vaccine manufacturers, but experts prefer the following brands of drugs:
- "Multifel". This is a domestic product. The cost of an injection is approximately 280-300 rubles.
- Falovax. An American drug will cost more and will cost about 700 rubles per vaccine.
- "Nobivak." This medication is made in the Netherlands. The cost of one injection will be at least 500 rubles.
- "Quadric". This French drug is considered the most expensive. For one injection, you will have to give at least 900 rubles.
Booster vaccination
So, we have already discussed what vaccinations are being given to British kittens and at what age. As a rule, 21 days after the first injection, the procedure must be repeated. According to studies, at this age, all maternal antibodies are completely eliminated from the body of the kitten, and it needs repeated stimulation.
It is best if during revaccination the same drug will be used as during the initial vaccination.
Also, in the repeated procedure, an additional one is added to the standard set of drugs - from rabies.
How to prepare a fourth pet for vaccination
It is immediately worth noting that the first vaccination of a British kitten is done only if he is absolutely healthy. Therefore, before the injection, you must first visit the veterinarian and make sure that the pet does not suffer from any ailment.
A few weeks before vaccination, the kitten should be given an anthelmintic. This is necessary so that the fluffy baby begins to develop its own immunity. It will also help get rid of parasites, if any.
After vaccination
During this period, you need to carefully monitor the pet, more precisely, its behavior. If the baby has a strange reaction, it is best to consult with your doctor.
As already mentioned, after vaccination, British kittens may suffer from side effects - some weakness and drowsiness were noticed. This is the norm. But if you notice a rash in the fluff, swelling near the lips and eyes, itching, vomiting or diarrhea, then this may indicate an allergy to a particular drug. Urgently contact a specialist!
It is also worth considering that you should not relax after the first vaccination. If after the injection the baby feels well, this still does not guarantee that he will just as well endure the second procedure.
The first two weeks after vaccinations will have to adhere to quarantine. This means that you need to exclude any contact with other animals and carefully monitors itself. Feet after the street must be wiped. Also do not forget to wash your hands. Bathing an animal during this period is strictly prohibited.
Vaccinations for cats at home
Some pet owners prefer to save some money and vaccinate themselves. You need to understand that such injections are different from the introduction of vitamins under the skin. Therefore, you should not be guided in this matter by video lessons from the Internet.
It should also be borne in mind that vaccine preparations are stored under special conditions at a certain temperature regime. To achieve this at home is very difficult. If even the slightest mistake is made during the vaccination process, this can be fraught with irreparable consequences for the animal. Therefore, you should not save 200-400 rubles on the health of the pet. It is better to trust specialists from a proven veterinary institution.