As long as kittens feed on their mother’s milk, it is the antibodies it contains that perform the important function of protecting them from infection. From the sixth week of life, however, when the gradual transition to solid foods usually begins, the effectiveness of the protection offered by breast milk is reduced. This is why it is important to take care of the prevention aspects of the most common diseases that kittens can contract in time and effectively
Prevention in the kitten: vaccinations
Once weaned, your cat needs to develop its immune defenses against viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. Fortunately, most of the pathogens commonly present in the environment appear to be quite harmless, but there are viruses against which young cats are not yet able to react with the necessary effectiveness. This is why it is recommended, around the eighth week of the animal’s life, to carry out a first vaccination.
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Feline flu & panleukopenia
The priority is to protect the kitten from the risk of contracting feline colds and cat panleukopenia. Unfortunately, even a cat always kept inside an apartment can contract these severe pathologies through people, eg. getting infected through shoes worn both inside and outside. Parvoviruses, very resistant, causein the kitten a diarrhea impossible to stop. Responsible for feline flu or cold are herpes and caliciviruses: fortunately, vaccination can effectively prevent their infectious action.
Feline leukosis (FeLV)
Domestic cats that live exclusively indoors can be considered protected, but any kitten that comes into contact with other people should be vaccinated against feline leukemia. It is a severe viral disease that can manifest itself in all its severity even years after contracting it. The result is tumors, recurrent infections, or swollen lymph nodes. Through a blood test conducted by a veterinarian, it is possible to verify whether the animal has actually come into contact with an infected conspecific.
Anger
Other common disease prevention practices are rabies vaccination and worm protection. During pregnancy toothe mother cat should be wormed to prevent it from transmitting worms to offspring. As a precaution, however, it is recommended that you also perform onedeworming of kittens one week before each vaccination.
Castration and sterilization: yes or no?
After the delicate first phase of the kittens’ life, another question arises: castration yes or no? Clearly a male in heat marking every corner of the apartment with his urine makes it very easy to decide. In principle, neutering is also recommended for females if unwanted pregnancies are not desired. A further positive effect of the intervention is the reduction of the risk of developing tumors, where the side effects are not significant.
