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Non-core vaccinations in cats | Cat flu part 2, FIP, rabies and FeLV. Only those cats should be vaccinated with non-core vaccines, for which there is a special risk of contracting the respective disease. The pathogens include various viruses, bacteria and fungi. We explain for which cats the vaccinations are useful.
Is vaccination necessary?
The annual vaccination of cats is not always an easy task. Just getting the fur balls into the cat carrier can sometimes cost not only time, but also scratches and bloody fingers. But vaccinations are important and can protect your cat from serious and even fatal diseases.
While so-called core components are comparable to compulsory vaccinations in humans, not every cat needs to be protected against pathogens of the non-core group. Here, their lifestyle and contact with other cats and other animals determine the necessity of a shot. But which pathogens belong to this category?
Cat flu: Bordetella and Chlamydia
The disease, which sounds harmless at first, can be caused by many pathogens. Every cat should be vaccinated against the feline herpesvirus and calicivirus. They belong to the core vaccines and can also infect indoor cats when attached to shoelaces, clothing or objects.
Bordetella and Chlamydia are bacteria that cause similar symptoms. They are also classified as part of the feline respiratory disease complex a.k.a cat flu. Common symptoms are nasal and eye discharge, but also cough, fever and apathy can occur. Vaccination does not prevent an outbreak, but it does alleviate the symptoms.
However, as they can only be transmitted directly from animal to animal, there is no general vaccination recommendation (for indoor cats). Here, contact with other cats and animals is the decisive factor. Pet pensions, animal shelters and other places where many cats come together are sources for infections and their spread. So if your cat is planning a holiday in a "cat hotel" or, as a free-roamer, meets many other neighbour cats, a vaccination against bordetella and chlamydia is advisable.
Dangerous gamble: feline infectious peritonitis (FIP)
FIP is triggered by a – in itself – harmless coronavirus that usually causes diarrhoea. However, it can spontaneously mutate in the intestine, producing a more dangerous virus. This FIP virus can also implant itself in cells of the immune system and thus spread throughout the entire body. It causes abdominal dropsy and other body cavity effusions, fever, weight loss and damage to the central nervous system. It is transmitted directly from animal to animal or indirectly through objects such as food bowls, litter trays or toys.
The vaccination against feline infectious peritonitis is a controversial issue. It does not protect against infection with the coronavirus, but reduces the likelihood of mutation. However, if the virus is rampant in a group of cats, the animals can constantly infect each other and make it more difficult to fight the disease. Therefore, owners of multi-cat households are advised to vaccinate.
Dangerous for everyone: rabies
Rabies is probably a word you have already heard. Germany has been considered free of rabies viruses since 2008. Only the related bat rabies still occurs occasionally, but infections via the small bats are extremely rare. So why do people still vaccinate? Because it is still widespread worldwide and can be brought into Germany. The rabies virus circulates mainly among domestic dogs, but is also found in many other animal species. Therefore, it is a legal requirement that dogs and cats brought into Germany must have valid rabies protection. In the past, it has happened from time to time that this requirement was disregarded and that the virus entered Germany as a stowaway, e.g. from Turkey. Many other countries also require a valid rabies vaccination or even proof of vaccine antibodies in the blood if you want to enter with a dog or cat.
Rabies is a monitored disease and very dangerous for humans and animals. It is transmitted via the saliva of infected animals. The virus causes damage to the central nervous system and the course of the disease is almost always fatal in the short or long term. Therefore, in case of suspicion, action is taken without compromise according to legal requirements: If a non-vaccinated animal is suspected of having rabies or has been in contact with a rabid animal, it is killed by order of veterinary authorities. This is to prevent further infections and protect people and animals in the vicinity. If your animal has been vaccinated, this does not happen; as a rule, only quarantine is ordered.
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Threatening for weak cats: feline leukaemia (FeLV)
FeLV (feline leukaemia virus) is also one of those pathogens that are often found in larger groups of cats. In the environment, it survives only a few minutes and must therefore be transmitted directly from animal to animal. Symptoms usually only develop when your cat's immune system cannot fight off the virus.
This is when the so-called progressive form of feline leukaemia develops which weakens the body's own defences. As a result, not only do other infections have a greater chance of attacking the body, but mutated cells can no longer be adequately fought and tumours form. Therefore, the symptoms of feline leukaemia are dominated by other diseases that develop due to the immunodeficiency.
The vaccination is applied through the mucous membranes of the nose – you can think of it like using a nasal spray. It protects against the progressive form and can thus prevent the development of further diseases.
And finally, more harmless pathogens: skin fungi
Similar to dogs, cats can also be vaccinated against the so-called dermatophytosis or ringworm. It is caused by different types of fungi that settle on the skin. Symptoms occur as typical round bald patches with scales, crusts or redness.
Vaccination does not protect against infection, but it reduces the symptoms and can speed up the healing process in infected animals.
Should your cat be vaccinated against components of the non-core group?
Indoor cats that have a lot of contact with other cats or outdoor cats may need this protection. Consult your veterinarian to find the best solution for your cat.
The confidu magazine is written by our veterinarians according to current scientific standards. The articles do not replace a veterinary diagnosis, but are intended to provide you with initial information on many topics related to your animal. If you have specific questions about your pet, our vets will be happy to advise you via the confidu app.