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This content has been automatically translated from Ukrainian.
If you have a cat — purring pet that warms its legs and watches you from the windowsill, — is important to take care of more than just treats and toys. For your furry to be really healthy, it needs timely vaccinations. Even if a cat never goes outside the home, it's not a guarantee of safety: some viruses and bacteria can "visit" with your shoes, clothes, or through contact with other animals, such as a veterinary clinic.
What vaccinations do cats need in Ukraine, at what age to do them and why is vaccination — not a formality, but a real protection? Let's analyze it point by point.
Mandatory vaccinations for a cat in Ukraine
In Ukraine, it is only legally binding vaccination against rabies, but veterinarians strongly recommend vaccinations against a number of other dangerous diseases as well. Here is a list of the main ones:
1. Rabies (rabies)
Mandatory vaccination. Rabies — is a deadly viral disease transmitted to humans through the bites of infected animals. Even domestic cats that do not walk outside may be at risk. Vaccination is done every year, starting with three months life.
❗ If you are planning a trip with a cat, without this vaccination you will not be allowed across the border.
2. Calicivirosis
Recommended as a basic vaccination. It is a virus that causes fever, runny nose, mouth ulcers and breathing complications. Transmitted by airborne droplets. Very contagious. The vaccine is administered as part of a complex injection.
3. Viral rhinotracheitis (cat herpesvirus)
Also included in complex vaccine. Symptoms are similar to a cold: sneezing, watery eyes, high fever, cough. May lead to chronic breathing problems, especially in kittens.
4. Panleukopenia (cat plague)
Vaccination is very important. An extremely dangerous disease that affects the gastrointestinal tract and immune system. Survival without vaccination is low, especially in young animals. Vaccinated together with calicivirosis and herpesvirus.
When to vaccinate a cat?
- The first vaccinations are given to kittens at the age of 8–9 weeks.
- After 3–4 weeks, booster vaccination is carried out.
- Aged 12 weeks and older — rabies vaccination.
- Next — annual repeated vaccination with complex vaccine + rabies.
Why is it important to vaccinate even a "domestic" cat?
- You can bring viruses on shoes or clothes.
- If a cat accidentally escapes or comes into contact with other animals (for example, in a vet clinic) — it is vulnerable.
- A vaccinated cat gets sick less, and if it gets sick, — has a milder course.
- Many diseases are transmitted non-contact — through air or objects.
Vaccination documents and records
After each vaccination, the veterinarian enters data into the animal's veterinary passport: name of the vaccine, date, signature and seal. This document is required for:
- travel abroad,
- participation in exhibitions,
- hospitalization of the animal in a clinic or hotel.
Regular vaccination — is a basic step towards a long and healthy life for your cat. One shot — is better than long treatment and pain. If you are in doubt about which vaccines your pet needs —, contact your veterinarian. He will tell you the best schedule of vaccinations according to the age, health and lifestyle of the animal.
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