If you have a pet cat, vaccination is one of the most important steps you can take to protect its health. One vaccine commonly used in Pakistan is Biofel, often called Tricat. Many owners hear the name as Biofil, but the correct name is Biofel.

What Is Biofel?

Biofel is an inactivated vaccine made for cats. Inactivated means it contains killed viruses, so it cannot cause the disease it is meant to prevent. Instead, it trains the immune system to recognise and fight those viruses if the cat is exposed later.

There are two main versions:

• Biofel PCH: protects against panleukopenia, calicivirus, and feline herpesvirus
• Biofel PCHR: protects against the same three diseases, plus rabies

Your vet will decide which version is right based on your cat’s age, health, lifestyle, and rabies risk in your area.

What Diseases Does Biofel Protect Against?

1. Feline Panleukopenia

Panleukopenia, sometimes called feline parvovirus, is a severe and often fatal disease, especially in kittens. It attacks the immune system and gut, causing high fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, and dehydration. Vaccination is the main protection against it.

2. Feline Calicivirus

Calicivirus is one of the main causes of cat flu. It can cause sneezing, nasal discharge, eye inflammation, mouth ulcers, fever, and loss of appetite. Some cats recover, but others develop long term problems or pass the infection to other cats.

3. Feline Herpesvirus

Feline herpesvirus, also called feline viral rhinotracheitis, is the other major cause of cat flu. It commonly causes sneezing, watery eyes, nasal discharge, and fever. Infected cats can carry the virus for life and have flare ups during stress or illness.

4. Rabies, in the PCHR Version

Rabies is a fatal viral disease that can spread to humans, usually through a bite. The PCHR version includes rabies protection, which is especially important for cats that go outdoors or live in areas where rabies is present.

How Effective Is Biofel?

Many owners ask for an exact percentage, such as whether the vaccine is 90 percent or 95 percent effective. When given correctly and on schedule, Biofel greatly lowers the chance of severe disease. It does not guarantee 100 percent protection. A vaccinated cat can still catch a milder infection, particularly if:

• It was exposed before immunity had time to build
• It was very young and maternal antibodies interfered with the vaccine
• Its immune system was weak because of illness, stress, or another condition
• A booster dose was missed

Are There Side Effects?

Most cats tolerate Biofel well. Some may have mild, short term effects for a day or two, such as:

• Sleepiness or lower energy
• Reduced appetite
• Mild soreness or a small swelling where the injection was given
• A low grade fever

Severe reactions are uncommon, but watch for persistent vomiting, facial swelling, difficulty breathing, collapse, or a swelling that keeps growing. If any of these happen, contact your vet right away.

Why Regular Boosters Matter

Immunity from vaccination does not last forever. Yearly boosters help keep protection strong, especially for cats that go outdoors, visit groomers or boarding facilities, live with other cats, or meet new animals often.

For the best plan, speak to your vet about which Biofel version your cat needs, when to start, and when to return for boosters.

Hena’s Blog For Paws © 2019 by Hena Osman is licensed under CC BY 4.0