When you think of rabies, you may picture dogs and the death sentence that this disease brings. We live in “Old Yeller” territory and years ago we interviewed the sister of Fred Gipson, author of the book that became what has to be one of the saddest animal movies of all time. Last year, we took our dogs to pose at the Old Yeller statue and to remember the story of this dog who, in saving his human from a rabid animal, had to give his own life because of the risk of the disease.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Merial, a world-leading animal health company, providing a comprehensive range of products to enhance the health and well-being of pets, but all opinions are my own. Please see below for additional disclosure.
But rabies is far more than a threat in a historical children’s novel. It’s a real risk today to animals and humans around the globe–including the United States. In 2013, nearly 500 domestic animals within the United States contracted the rabies virus, and cats accounted for more than half of these cases.1
Think your cat is a strictly indoor-only cat and is safe from the disease? Think again. Visiting animals that find their way into your home can infect your cat. (Last year one of our neighbors found a bat inside her home!) The disease, which causes severe inflammation in the brain and spinal cord of mammals, has no cure or treatment, and infection is fatal.
We are proud to partner with Merial to share the word of its PUREVAX® Feline Rabies vaccines and the PUREVAX Pure Protection program to bring awareness to the need for rabies vaccinations for our cats. In recognition of World Rabies Day on September 28, Merial, the maker of PUREVAX Feline Rabies vaccines, is encouraging cat owners to ensure that their cats are currently vaccinated against rabies infection (if overdue, it’s the perfect time to make an appointment to see the veterinarian).
You can learn more about the dangers of rabies through a fun online game, Feline Defense! Part of the Merial PUREVAX Pure Protection program is to educate cat owners about rabies.
The site can also help you locate a local veterinarian if you need one for your cat, and you can then discuss PUREVAX Feline Rabies vaccines.
PUREVAX Feline Rabies vaccines are the only rabies vaccines designed specially for cats and they are approved to be used by your veterinarian in kittens as young as 12 weeks of age.
Please make sure your cat is protected from rabies. If you’ve never had your cat vaccinated, check the site and find a veterinarian in your area. If you’ve previously had your cat vaccinated, give your vet a quick call and make sure your cat’s immunization is current.
Vaccination can help protect your cat in case he or she should ever come in contact with an infected animal. Think what a happy ending Old Yeller would have had if only a rabies vaccine had been available!
Merial partnered with bloggers like me for its PUREVAX Pure Protection program. As part of this program, I received compensation for my time. Merial believes that consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words.
Sources:
1 Dyer JL, Yager P, Orciari L, et al. Rabies surveillance in the United States during 2103. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 2014;245(10):1111-1123. http://avmajournals.avma.org/doi/full/10.2460/javma.245.10.1111. Accessed September 21, 2015.
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