Vaccinations are essential for our feline friends - even if they're indoor cats. Today, our Lancaster vets discuss the importance of regular vaccines and kitten and cat vaccination schedules.
Why are vaccines for cats important?
It's important to protect your cat from preventable diseases. Start a regular vaccination schedule for your kitten and continue with booster shots throughout their life.
Your vet will recommend core and lifestyle vaccines for your cat when they are young to prevent serious diseases.
Why should I vaccinate my indoor cat?
It is essential to remember that indoor cats also require vaccinations. In many states, cats over six months old are legally required to be vaccinated against rabies.
Even if your cat stays indoors, there is still a chance they could escape and be exposed to contagious viruses. Moreover, vaccinations are essential for their protection if your indoor cat visits a groomer or boarding facility.
Two types of vaccinations are available for pets: core and lifestyle. Our veterinarians recommend that all indoor or outdoor cats receive core vaccinations to protect them against highly contagious diseases.
What are core vaccines for cats?
Core vaccinations should be given to all cats, as they are essential for protecting them against the following common but serious feline conditions:
- Rabies - rabies kills many mammals (including humans) every year. These vaccinations are required by law for cats in most states.
- Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus & Panleukopenia (FVRCP) - Typically known as the “distemper” shot, this combination vaccine protects against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia.
- Feline herpesvirus type I (FHV, FHV-1) - This highly contagious, ubiquitous virus is one major cause of upper respiratory infections. Spread through sharing of litter trays or food bowls, inhalation of sneeze droplets or direct contact, the virus can infect cats for life. Some will continue to shed the virus, and persistent FHV infection can lead to eye problems.
What are lifestyle (non-core) cat vaccines?
Non-core vaccinations are appropriate for some cats, depending on their lifestyle. Your vet is in the best position to recommend which non-core vaccines your cat should have. Lifestyle vaccines protection against:
- Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia (Felv)—These vaccines protect against viral infections that are transmitted via close contact. They are usually recommended only for cats that spend time outdoors.
- Bordetella—This bacteria causes highly contagious upper respiratory infections. Your vet may recommend this vaccine if you take your cat to a groomer or boarding kennel.
- Chlamydophila felis - Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that causes severe conjunctivitis. The vaccination for this infection is often included in the distemper combination vaccine.
When should my kitten get their shots?
Kittens should receive vaccinations when they are around six to eight weeks old. After that, they should receive a series of shots at three-to-four-week intervals until they are around sixteen weeks old. A standard vaccination schedule might look something like this:
Kitten Vaccination Schedule
6 to 8 weeks
- Rhinotracheitis, Calcivirus, Panleukopenia, Chlamydia
10 to 12 weeks
- Booster: Rhinotracheitis, Calcivirus, Panleukopenia, Chlamydia
- Feline Leukemia
14 to 16 weeks
- Rabies
- Booster: Rhinotracheitis, Calcivirus, Panleukopenia, Chlamydia
- Feline Leukemia 2
When should my adult cat get booster shots?
Depending on the vaccine, adult cats should get booster shots annually or every three years. Your vet will tell you when to bring your cat for their booster shot.
Is my cat protected as soon as they get their shots?
Your kitten will not be fully vaccinated until approximately two weeks after receiving all vaccinations, typically at around 12 to 16 weeks old. Once they have completed all their initial vaccinations, your kitten will be protected against the diseases or conditions covered by the vaccines.
It's important to note that these vaccines do not guarantee 100% protection like human vaccinations. While your cat can still get sick, being vaccinated increases their chances of coping better. If you plan to allow your kitten outdoors before they have been fully vaccinated against all the diseases, it's advisable to keep them in low-risk areas, such as your backyard, under careful supervision.
Will my cat experience side effects after getting vaccinated?
Most cats will not experience any side effects from getting their shots. If reactions occur, they are usually mild and may include tiredness, a temporary lack of appetite, and minor swelling at the injection site.
In rare cases, more serious reactions can occur. If your cat experiences any of the following after being vaccinated, you should contact your vet or bring them to the nearest pet emergency hospital to be examined:
- Lameness
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite that persists for more than 24 hours
- Redness or swelling around the injection site that worsens or doesn't go away
- Hives
- Severe lethargy
- Fever
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.