Infectious Disease Prevention in Cats

Preventable infectious diseases cause significant suffering in unvaccinated cats; vaccination, parasite control, and infection prevention are fundamental welfare responsibilities for cat owners.

Key Facts

Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) causes severe disease with high mortality in unvaccinated cats
Cat flu viruses cause chronic disease in many recovered cats including persistent conjunctivitis
Feline leukaemia virus infection significantly shortens lifespan and causes immune suppression
Regular vaccination and parasite treatment are among the most cost-effective welfare investments available

Welfare Considerations

Preventable infectious disease represents unnecessary suffering that responsible vaccination and parasite control can eliminate. The diseases prevented by core feline vaccination — panleukopenia, calicivirus, herpesvirus — cause significant acute suffering and in the case of herpesvirus can result in lifelong recurrent disease. The welfare case for vaccination is one of the strongest available: modest cost, reliable protection, and elimination of substantial preventable suffering.

What You Can Do

Maintain regular vaccination schedules for cats throughout their lives
Use veterinary-recommended parasite prevention treatments appropriate for your cat's lifestyle
Register with a vet promptly on acquiring a new cat to establish preventive health care