One of the most important things any cat owner needs to consider is that there are various diseases that once contracted by your cat will prove fatal. These diseases include FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus), Feline Distemper, rabies and Feline Leukemia. In addition there are other diseases such as urinary tract and respiratory infections that can put your cat’s life at risk if not treated promptly.

Luckily, your cat can be easily and quickly treated against most of these diseases; all vets offer an annual immunization program, which involves your cat having an annual shot.

This should not cause your cat too much distress; in fact they hardly appear to feel it. And a moment of possible discomfort is worth a whole year of protection from disease; we lost one of our cats to Feline Leukemia years ago, and it was not an easy death. I believe that any responsible and caring cat owner has a duty to vaccinate their cat.

Cats can contract disease through being bitten by an infected cat, or coming into contact with urine or feces. If your cat has access to the outdoors, vaccination is especially important. Indoor cats are not immune, however, as there is always the possibility that they may escape into the yard, and can still come into contact with infected objects.

The safest course of action is to immediately take your cat to the vet if she shows any sign of illness, even if she just does not appear to be herself. Cats can be very skilled at hiding the fact that they are ill. At the very least, it will put your mind at rest and may just save her life.