Cat lovers know that when it comes to their furry friends’ health, nothing can be left up to chance. Like other pets, cats can be at risk of a handful of diseases, most of which can be prevented by a veterinarian’s administration of the right vaccinations. Cat owners in Florence, KY, know that when it comes to taking care of their pet, there is no team more reliable than Florence Veterinary Hospital. For over 30 years, this team of knowledgeable and friendly vets have been treating animals for all kinds of ailments and injuries, reassuring owners that their pets are in good hands. 

If you own a cat and are unsure of which vaccinations will help keep them disease-free, here are a few common ailments that your vet can protect your feline friend from:

• Rabies: Common in many animals, rabies can be detrimental to your pet as well as your family, as it is transmittable to humans as well. All cats should be treated for rabies, since it is now more common in felines than any other domestic animal. Since rabies is a viral illness, it can be fatal, so it’s wise to vaccinate your cat as early as possible.
• Feline Distemper: Feline panleukopenia (or feline distemper) is a highly contagious viral disease that is easily transmitted through human touch as well as other infected cats. The symptoms are painful and uncomfortable for the animal, so it’s a good idea to vaccinate when the cat is young to avoid any risk.
• Feline Leukemia Virus: FeLV is a fatal infectious virus that attacks your cat’s immune system and can cause cancer. It can be contracted through the saliva, urine or feces of an infected cat, and is impossible to cure. By vaccinating and asking your vet to perform blood tests to check for FeLV, you can be sure your cat stays healthy. 
• Feline Immunodeficiency Virus: FIV is fatal for cats, causing a variety of symptoms which include respiratory issues, loss of appetite, or severe oral infections. To protect your cat from the pain of FIV, get them vaccinated as soon as possible. Also, talk to your veterinary expert about whether you should be keeping your cat indoors. 
• Heartworm Disease: Symptoms of heartworm in cats can be difficult to detect, but usually show themselves as coughing, periodic vomiting or weight loss. To protect your feline from heartworm, ask your vet to vaccinate them early on and be sure to keep up with year-round medication just in case.