DOMESTIC cat owners in Worcestershire are being urged to make sure their pets are regularly vaccinated to protect them against preventable but potentially life-threatening diseases.

Many of the county’s pet-loving residents are unaware of the need for the inoculations that can prevent distressing and sometimes fatal conditions.

Research conducted by animal health company Merial showed that 27 per cent of cat owners in the West Midlands don’t currently vaccinate their pets.

The survey also revealed that more than 60 per cent of cat owners know very little about the serious diseases that could affect their cats.

Dr Sally Edis-Bate, veterinary surgeon for Merial Animal Health, said: “The lack of awareness regarding the importance of vaccination is surprising, especially the relatively high number of UK cat owners who don’t believe that vaccination is important at any stage of their cat’s life.

“Many owners understand the need to vaccinate in the first few months, but it appears that the message regarding regular vaccination and its importance in helping to guard against potentially life threatening diseases is not getting through.”

Veterinary surgeon and specialist in feline practice at Cats@Severn Vets, Lowesmoor Wharf, Worcester, David Godfrey said: “Cats need to have regular vaccinations. As is the case with human healthcare, we are now working with guidelines set by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association.

“International experts decide about vaccine policy and they have come up with core vaccinations that every cat and dog must have.”

He said one of the illnesses a cat can catch is panleukopaenia. “It is extremely nasty and often fatal,” said Mr Godfrey. “They should be vaccinated as kittens and that lasts for three years. They should be vaccinated every three years because that virus is extremely resistant and it can be bought inside a house on the clothes and shoes of people.”

He said cats should also be vaccinated against cat flu – a virus which is not influenza – every year because the virus changes quite frequently. Immunity from the virus is not long lasting and cats need a fresh inoculation every year.

It is particularly important for cats which go outside and are sometimes taken to catteries or the vets. No cattery should take a cat that has not been vaccinated against cat flu, he added. These vaccinations should be continued into the animal’s old age when their natural immunity tends to weaken.

Mr Godfrey explain that when people first have a kitten there are a lot of things to remember and it is very exciting for the new owners. They are told about nutrition, fleas and worming as well as vaccinations.

“In the noise of all that excitement, the need for continuing regular vaccinations can get lost. Most people do not set out to have a cat. It is given to them by a friend or family member or a cat wanders into the house and stays.”

He added that becoming a member of a healthy pet club or plan at a vets practice can act as a reminder to get these important vaccinations for a domestic cat and it is worth considering taking out pet insurance as some conditions can lead to hundreds or thousands of pounds worth of treatment at a vets.