5 Reasons Every Cat Should be Vaccinated Against Feline Infectious Enteritis
If your cat or kitten has yet to be vaccinated against feline infectious enteritis, you need to make sure they receive the immunisation as quickly as possible. This is a serious virus that causes significant inflammation along the intestinal tract, and it can attack suddenly. Here are five reasons why your feline needs to be protected.
1. No Cure Exists and Treatment is Expensive
No cure exists against feline infectious enteritis – it is a condition that needs to be combated through prevention rather than treatment, and the infection carries a very high mortality rate. The fact that it is so contagious means that affected cats need to be treated in isolation, by nurses wearing protective clothing and who have to wash thoroughly after handling the cat in question. Even if your cat does survive the virus, their treatment process is likely to be extremely expensive.
2. It is Easily Spread
Feline infectious enteritis is highly contagious and can be spread in a number of ways. Outside cats can come in contact with infected bodily fluids or faeces, while even indoor cats can pick up a flea that carries the virus. It can even spread over long distances via bedding, food dishes and clothing.
3. It's an Extremely Unpleasant Disease
No fatal diseases are ever pleasant, but it can be particularly distressing to see a cat go through the stages of feline infectious enteritis. The virus causes severely painful gastroenteritis, followed by vomiting and diarrhoea. Many cats die quickly, and some will simply become depressed and stop eating their food.
4. It Can Spread to Unborn Kittens
If a pregnant queen is infected with feline infectious enteritis, the virus can easily spread to her unborn kittens. It will then affect the development of their brains, leading to a condition referred to as cerebellar hypoplasia, which damages the part of the brain needed for the coordination of movement.
5. The Vaccine is Extremely Effective
The vaccine that has been developed to combat feline infectious enteritis is extremely effective, and it's the only real way to protect your cat from picking up the virus. Remember, even indoor cats can be affected since the virus is stable enough to be transmitted across the surfaces it comes in contact with.
If your cat has yet to be vaccinated, contact your vet today to arrange a shot as soon as possible. Your cat deserves to be protected against feline infectious enteritis. You can make sure all other cat vaccinations are up to date as well.