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Posted: 2nd May 2025

RSPCA reports risks of unvaccinated cats
A litter of kittens died of parvovirus because their mother was unvaccinated.
Not enough cats are vaccinated to achieve herd immunity.

The RSPCA has urged cat owners to vaccinate their pets, as some centres report increased intake of cats with infectious disease.

The charity's Manchester & Salford Branch says that, since the beginning of this year, it has seen more animals come into its care with infectious disease than ever before.

Statistics released from the PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report 2024 revealed that 65 per cent of cats in the UK were receiving regular vaccinations. This means there are not enough cats being vaccinated to maintain 'herd immunity' against dangerous diseases.

RSPCA says low vaccination rates, as well as poor animal husbandry, is resulting in more cats struggling with infectious diseases. This has led to an increase in such cases at the centre.

One such case is Gilda, a stray cat who was brought into the RSPCA centre with her litter of newborn kittens. A veterinary examination revealed that Gilda was suffering gastrointestinal issues, and that the whole family was suffering from parvovirus. She and her kittens died from their infection.

The charity has said that Gilda and her kittens' deaths could have been prevented with a parvovirus vaccination, which is given to kittens at eight weeks and is considered effective.

A similar case was also presented when another cat, Ginola, was brought into the centre with his littermates. All of the cats were diagnosed with a severe case of calcivirus, which resulted in Ginola's littermates being euthanised to prevent them suffering.

If the cats had received the calcivirus at six to eight weeks old, they are likely to have survived.

Susie Hughes, RSPCA Manchester & Salford Branch manager, said: “We are sadly seeing a real increase in these unwell cats coming into our care with infectious diseases.

“This is putting a huge strain on our resources and very sadly, these poor animals cannot always be saved. We would urge owners to do their bit to help - by vaccinating their cats and ensuring they receive regular, timely boosters to prevent these unnecessary illnesses.”

Image © RSPCA



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