Regularly vaccinating your pets is crucial to their health and well-being. That is why August is National Immunization Awareness Month. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why vaccinating your pets is important, what vaccinations cats need, and whether birds and other caged pets require vaccinations.
Why Vaccinating Your Pet Is Important
Vaccinations prevent many pet illnesses
Vaccinations can help avoid costly medical treatment for preventable diseases
Vaccinations can prevent diseases from being passed between animals and from animals to humans
Unvaccinated pets are more susceptible to diseases found in wildlife, such as rabies and distemper
To comply with local and state laws, it may be necessary to vaccinate household pets
What Vaccines Do Cats Need?
Rabies
FVRCP (this is a combination shot made to prevent feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia; it’s sometimes referred to as the “Feline Distemper” shot)
FeLV or Feline Leukemia (this is recommended in kittens and then 12 months later; future vaccines will depend on the cat’s lifestyle)
Do birds and other caged pets require vaccines?
Some birds, like parrots, may require the polyomavirus vaccine but not in all circumstances. It’s best to consult with your veterinarian for the specifics of this vaccine to determine if your bird needs it.
There are currently no licensed vaccines available to rabbits in the United States, although in the UK they routinely vaccinate against Myxomatosis and Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD). However, the best defense against illness is an annual wellness check. Your veterinarian can check to make sure your bunny is in tip-top shape and advise you on how to keep them healthy.
Ferrets, just like cats and dogs, require vaccination against rabies and distemper when they’re young. Annual wellness checks are also required to ensure they do not develop mites, worms, or parasites.
Gerbils, hamsters, and chinchillas don’t require vaccinations but they too require annual wellness checks.
Here in the Triad, several organizations offer low-cost wellness plans and rabies clinics for your pets. Here are a few options to consider:
All Pets Considered (sponsored by SPCA of the Triad)
Piedmont Communities Spay/Neuter & Wellness Clinic
Humane Society of the Piedmont
Guilford County Animal Services Rabies Clinic
From all of us at Snuggle Bug Cat Care of Greensboro (formerly Snuggle Bug Pet Sitting), thank you for taking such good care of your pets! We love caring for them and wish each one of them long, happy, healthy lives!