What are the essential vaccinations for cats?
Cats have a couple of different vaccinations that prevent diseases specific to cats and also, of course, rabies, which affects many different species. For cats specifically, we have what's called the feline viral rhinotracheitis virus, calicivirus, and panleukopenia virus. In addition, there's a vaccine for feline leukemia, which is a common feline disease.
All of these are the most common and routinely recommended vaccines. They typically come in a combination vaccine.
How are cat vaccines administered?
Rabies is, of course, administered as a standalone vaccine. The viral diseases that cats get are in a combination vaccine, commonly referred to as FVRCP. Sometimes, this vaccine is also combined with the leukemia virus vaccine.
Is the rabies vaccine required by law for cats?
The only vaccination required by law in most states is the rabies vaccination.
This requirement exists because rabies can be transmitted to humans and is fatal in most cases if not treated immediately. To prevent this, most states mandate rabies vaccinations, typically every year, though some states only require it every three years.
Are cat vaccines preventative or curative?
Yes. Vaccines are entirely preventative—they do not treat an illness once a cat has contracted the disease. To keep them healthy, vaccination is essential.
Have changes in cat lifestyles affected vaccination recommendations?
Yes, in some ways. Because cats’ lifestyles have changed significantly, there may be a lower risk of contracting some diseases like feline leukemia, which requires direct cat-to-cat transmission through bites, scratches, or blood contact.
If a cat is strictly indoor-only and never exposed to other animals, we may choose to forego the feline leukemia vaccine. However, the rest of the vaccines protect against airborne diseases, and we don't want to assume a cat will never come into contact with these pathogens. They can be very serious, and vaccination is much easier than treatment.
When should a kitten get vaccinated?
Typically, with kittens, we'd like to start vaccinations as early as possible.
They receive a series of vaccinations for a couple of reasons. Initially, their immune systems are protected by maternal antibodies from their mother. However, these antibodies can interfere with their ability to respond to vaccines. We give a series of vaccines to ensure we catch them at the right time—when their own immune system can start responding without interference from maternal antibodies.
Typically, maternal antibodies start to decrease between six to eight weeks, which is when we administer the first round of vaccines.
What is the schedule for kitten vaccinations?
The kitten vaccination schedule generally follows this timeline:
- 6-8 weeks – First round of vaccines
- 3-4 weeks later – Second round of vaccines
- 14-16 weeks – Final round, including rabies
If they complete their initial kitten series, they typically need an annual booster once a year.
What if an adult cat has never been vaccinated?
For an adult cat that has never had any vaccines, they do not have maternal antibodies, but they still require a two-shot series:
- Initial vaccine
- Second shot is four weeks later to boost immunity
- Annual boosters afterward
Do cats receive multiple vaccines at once?
Yes. However, since we do not give a large number of vaccines to cats, we spread out the injection sites to prevent tenderness in one location. Each vaccine is administered in a different area of the body, ensuring comfort for the cat.
What if a cat is overdue for vaccinations?
Depending on how overdue they are, they may need to restart the vaccination series. For some cases, we follow the same approach as with unvaccinated adult cats—administering a shot followed by a booster in a month. However, each situation is unique, and it is always best to consult your veterinarian.
Why is it important to keep up with cat vaccinations?
All core vaccines protect against serious diseases. The feline viral rhinotracheitis and calicivirus vaccines prevent upper respiratory diseases that can affect cats of any age. Feline leukemia is another major concern, and if a vaccination is missed, the immune system will not maintain long-term immunity. These vaccines do not provide lifelong protection, so staying up to date with vaccinations is crucial for your cat’s health.
Are vaccinations painful for my cat?
Just like humans, cats may feel a slight sting from an injection. However, cats are generally less sensitive than we are. Many times, when cats visit the vet, they are nervous, and they often don’t even seem to notice the shots being given. While they may feel it briefly, the discomfort is typically very minimal.
What are the side effects of cat vaccinations?
Side effects are possible with any medication, including vaccines, but serious reactions are extremely rare. The most common side effects include:
- Mild soreness at the injection site (though cats often hide discomfort well)
- Temporary lethargy for a day
- General stress from the vet visit itself
In rare cases, cats may have an allergic reaction, just as they could to any injectable medication. If this occurs, it can be treated immediately to prevent any harmful effects.
What is an anaphylactic reaction in cats?
Anaphylaxis is a rare but serious allergic reaction that can occur within minutes of receiving a vaccine. This is similar to severe peanut allergies in humans. If a cat were to experience an anaphylactic reaction, they would require immediate treatment with medications like epinephrine.
How can I minimize the risk of a vaccine reaction in my cat?
If your cat has previously had a reaction to a vaccine, be sure to inform your veterinarian. They may recommend pretreating with an antihistamine, such as Benadryl, to reduce the risk of an allergic response.
Are certain cat breeds more prone to vaccine reactions?
No specific breed is known to be more prone to allergic reactions from vaccines. However, brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds may have already been exposed to some respiratory viruses due to breeding conditions. In these cases, vaccines cannot prevent a disease that has already been contracted.
Do vaccines fully protect my cat?
Yes. If your cat is fully vaccinated for a specific disease, they are well protected. Vaccines are highly effective in preventing illness when administered before exposure. However, if a cat has already been exposed to a virus before vaccination, the vaccine cannot undo the infection.
If you have questions, we would love to answer them for you. Please give us a call at the office at (817) 617-7387, or you can email us at contact@lowcostpetvet.net. Our staff would love to talk with you!
Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram.