Infectious Diseases

Leading causes of cat deaths

Even today, infectious diseases are one of the leading causes of cat deaths, but in fact, many of these diseases can be effectively prevented. Infections occur when one or more microorganisms such as bacteria or viruses enter the animal's body. Some bacteria or viruses can harm the animal, e.g., by creating toxins or destroying tissue. If the damage is extensive enough to be expressed as a symptom of an illness, we speak of an infectious disease.

Cat scratch disease

This acute infectious skin disease, also named felinosis or lymphoreticulosis benigna, occurs in human patients who have been scratched or bitten by cats (which do not fall ill). Felinosis presents with tender regional lymphadenopathy, sterile suppurative papules at the site of inoculation, slight fever, headache and malaise. The pathogen belongs to the bacterial genus Bartonella, which is distributed worldwide and is also transmissible by fleas.

Vaccination

The most effective way of preventing infectious diseases is by making sure your kitten gets vaccinations on a regular basis. Basic immunization should start from week 6 or 8 after birth, going on every two to four weeks until they are at least 14 weeks of age. The basic immunization is followed by certain revaccination intervals. Contact a veterinarian to find out which vaccinations are recommended for cats in general and if there are any special vaccinations necessary because of exposure risk and geographic location.

Basic immunization should include:

• Rabies
• FVRCP (Panleukopenia, Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Chlamydia)
• FeLV (Feline leukemia)
• FIP (Feline infectious peritonitis)