Cat Vaccination in Pakistan ( Vet’s Opinion)

Last Updated on December 15, 2022 by Dr. Ali Shahid

Nobody can understate the importance of vaccination in cats. Cat vaccination in Pakistan can prevent your furry friend from several fatal feline diseases. Therefore, you must know about the cat vaccines and vaccination schedule followed in Pakistan.

Veterinarians all around the world focus on providing immunizations to all domestic cats. The vaccination schedules in cats vary depending on various factors such as age and health status. If you have a cat at home, following the vaccination is your best choice for the cat.

Both unvaccinated kittens and adult cats are highly at risk of catching fatal viral diseases. Although rabies is the only shot mandatory by the law of any country, other vaccines are quite important. If you’re confused, let me help you by clearing out the concerns regarding this topic.

Viral Diseases and Cat Vaccination

Just like humans, cats are also susceptible to several viral diseases throughout their life. There are four main types of viruses that cause fatal illnesses in cats. The first one is Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis.

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis cause several symptoms commonly called Feline Respiratory Disease Complex. It results in uncontrollable sneezing, conjunctivitis, and nasal inflammation in cats. FRDS is life-threatening in cats during severe infection.

A similar virus known as Feline Calicivirus also causes oral and respiratory symptoms. The frequent sneezing and nasal congestion results in irritation and inflammation. The high fever and ulcers in the oral cavity render your cat anorexic and unable to eat anything.

Feline Panleukopenia virus is a more fatal form also known as Feline Parvo Virus. There is a marked loss of appetite with high fever and severe watery diarrhea. The diarrhea is so severe that it may lead to dehydration and death in cats.

Rabies is the last notable viral disease that results in neural illness and death in cats. Cat vaccination can prevent these deadly viral diseases and increase survival chances. The feline vaccination includes all of these four viruses and provides long-lasting immunity.

Cat Vaccination Schedule in Pakistan

Vaccine Name	Age
Panleukopenia, Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus	6-8 weeks
Panleukopenia, Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus + Rabies	10-12 weeks
Panleukopenia, Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus + Rabies	14-16 weeks
Annual Booster Shot (4 Viruses Combined)	Repeat Annually

The above-mentioned vaccination schedule is recommended for all kittens and adult cats. If you have kittens, the first vaccination shot must be administered at 6-8 weeks of age. For adult unvaccinated cats, consult your veterinarian for a proper schedule based on the cat’s health.

Core vs Non-Core Cat Vaccines

Whenever there is a debate about cat vaccination, the concept of core and non-core vaccines is important. Core vaccines are compulsory for every kitten and adult cat in their lifetime. On the other hand, the administration of non-core vaccines is up to the veterinarian and is optional.

Core Vaccines	Non-Core Vaccines
Feline Panleukopenia	Feline Chlamydiosis
Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis	Feline Leukemia Disease
Feline Calicivirus	Feline Infectious Peritonitis
Rabies	Bordetellosis

Commonly Available Cat Vaccines in Pakistan

Biofel PCH & PCHR

The most commonly available cat vaccination is Biofel PCH & PCHR. Biofel PCH is a combined vaccine that contains three viruses, Panleukopenia, Calicivirus, and Rhinotracheitis. With this vaccine, the veterinarian has to give a rabies shot separately.

Biofel PCHR has the additional benefit of containing the Rabies virus vaccine in it. This vaccine is ideal for adult cats and carrying out subsequent vaccination shots. Biofel PCH & PCHR are manufactured by Bioveta Company.

FELOCELL

FELOCELL is the second most vaccine used by veterinarians in Pakistan. This vaccine contains three main core vaccines against Panleukopenia, Calicivirus, and Rhinotracheitis. FELOCELL is a modified live virus vaccine for kittens and adults.

The vaccine is manufactured by Zoetis International and comes in dried lyophilized form. There is a separate adjuvant that comes with the main vaccine vial. Your veterinarian has to mix the adjuvant with the powdered vaccine for injection.

Final Words

For greater lifespan and immunity, feline vaccination is a must option for every cat owner. Cat vaccination in Pakistan requires the proper following of the worldwide recommended schedule. If your cat is still unvaccinated, now is a good time for you to take it to a veterinarian.

The veterinarian will assess the overall health and age of the cat. He may check for possible signs of illness and fever before administering the vaccine. After the vaccine, your cat might rarely develop a fever but that will eventually go away with time.