At the Animal Hospital of Sullivan County, we provide cats in Monticello, Liberty, Ferndale, and Sullivan County quality veterinary care. Our veterinarians and professional staff are highly skilled, meticulous, and supportive of each pet’s needs. We can perform lab tests, ultrasounds, x-rays, and several other tests and exams to provide your cat with an accurate diagnosis for optimal treatment. A crucial aspect of your cat’s health care is vaccinations. Whether your cat is an indoor or outdoor pet we recommend maintaining a proper vaccination schedule at our Ferndale office.  

Which Vaccines Should Cats Receive? 

We advise that all indoor and outdoor cats receive the PUREVAX rabies the distemper/upper respiratory vaccine and the PUREVAX leukemia vaccine at our office. We advise indoor cats receive rabies and distemper vaccinations. We advise that all cats get the purevax leukemia vaccine the first two years of their life and if they are strictly indoors and are not exposed to large numbers of cats or cats that go outside we discontinue the purevax leukemia vaccine after age 2.  We advise the purevax leukemia for all outdoor cats or cats exposed to cats that go outdoors. However, we may advise different vaccines for your pet, depending on their health and lifestyle.

The Rabies Vaccine

Rabies is a viral and fatal disease that can infect warm-blooded animals, including cats, dogs, and humans. Rabies has three stages: prodromal, furious, and paralytic. During all stages, the cat will experience noticeably dilated pupils. 

In the prodromal phase, introverted and docile cats may become irritable or aggressive, while extroverted cats may be nervous or try to hide. In the furious phase, cats are aggressive, vicious, and dangerous towards other animals and people. In addition, uncontrollable muscle spasms prevent the cat from swallowing, causing excessive drooling. In the paralytic stage, the cat becomes comatose and will die. This occurs after about a week of being infected. Rabies is almost always fatal, which is why we strongly encourage getting your pet vaccinated. 

The Leukemia Vaccine

Feline leukemia is a virus that only affects and infects cats. If a cat contracts feline leukemia, it is susceptible to immune disorders, various cancers, and anemia. Unfortunately, there is no cure for leukemia once a cat contracts it, and it is ultimately fatal. This is why it is so imperative that cats receive the vaccine.

The American Association of Feline Practitioners recommends the leukemia vaccination for all kittens and additional vaccines on an as-needed basis for adult cats. 

When first vaccinated, a cat will receive two doses of the PUREVAX leukemia vaccine one month apart. After that, it is up to you and your veterinarian to decide on how frequently your cat receives any additional leukemia vaccinations.

Contact Us for Quality Veterinary Care for Your Cat in Ferndale, NY

Dr. Barbara Bodolosky is a veterinary professionals who loves helping your pets and is ready to help yours. Request an appointment today to ensure your pet is on the right vaccination schedule. We are committed to providing pets the care they need to maintain their health and live a long and happy life with their owners. Call us at (845) 292-6711 or contact us online to schedule your pet’s next exam. Learn more about how we can help you and your animal today.