Cat Vaccinations

Protecting your cat through vaccination is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure their long-term health. At St George Vets, we recommend two key vaccinations for cats: the F3 vaccine and the FIV vaccine.

F3 Vaccination

Kittens should begin their F3 vaccination course from 8 weeks of age, with three doses given over several weeks to build immunity.

The F3 vaccine protects against three serious diseases:

• Feline Panleucopaenia (Infectious Enteritis):
  A highly contagious virus that causes severe gastroenteritis. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in some cases, sudden death.
• Feline Herpesvirus (Cat Flu):
  Causes flu-like symptoms such as sneezing and eye/nasal discharge. Some cats become lifelong carriers, with symptoms recurring during times of stress.
• Feline Calicivirus:
  Also contributes to cat flu. It may cause upper respiratory symptoms and painful ulcers on the tongue, gums, lips, or nose.

FIV Vaccination

The FIV vaccine is recommended for all cats who go outdoors or may come into contact with other cats. The vaccination course can begin at 8 weeks of age and requires three doses given two weeks apart, followed by annual boosters to maintain protection.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) weakens the immune system and is spread mainly through bite wounds, making un-desexed, outdoor male cats particularly at risk.

Symptoms of FIV can include:

• Fever and lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhoea
• Swollen lymph nodes

FIV can progress over time and lead to a form of feline AIDS, making prevention through vaccination essential for at-risk cats.

To book your cat or kitten for their vaccinations, feel free contact us to make an appointment.