You may be uncertain about whether your cat needs vaccinations, and if so, which ones and when should they have them? Here, our Lakewood vets discuss vaccines and share the standard cat and kitten vaccination schedule.
Cat Vaccinations for Lifelong Protection
Serious, often deadly diseases spread between cats, affecting many cats and kittens each year. To safeguard your cat from contracting a preventable condition, it’s essential to begin having your cat vaccinated starting when they are just a few weeks old during their routine checkup and continuing with 'booster shots' regularly throughout their lifetime.
Ongoing booster shots “boost” your cat’s protection against various feline diseases after the effects of the initial vaccine wear off. Booster shots for cats are given on specific schedules. Your veterinarian will let you know when to bring your cat back for their booster shots.
The Importance of Vaccinating Your Indoor Cat
You might be skeptical about the necessity of vaccinating indoor cats. However, in many states, there are laws that require all cats to receive certain vaccinations. For instance, most states mandate that cats over six months old be vaccinated against rabies. After your cat has been vaccinated, the veterinarian will give you a certificate as proof of the required vaccination.
Another important reason to have your indoor cat vaccinated is that indoor cats often manage to sneak out the door when their owner isn't looking. A quick sniff around your backyard could be enough for your kitty to contract one of the contagious viruses cats are susceptible to.
If your indoor cat visits a groomer or spends time in a boarding facility while you are away from home, vaccines are very important for protecting your pet's health. Wherever other cats have been, there is a chance of spreading viruses - ensure your indoor cat is protected.
What are the standard vaccinations for cats?
There are two main types of vaccinations that are available to cats, 'core vaccines' and 'lifestyle vaccines'. Our Lakewood vets strongly recommend that all indoor and outdoor cats - receive core vaccinations to protect them against highly contagious diseases they could be exposed to.
What Core Vaccines for Cats Protect Against
Core vaccinations are recommended for all cats. These vaccinations are considered vital for protecting your cat from the following common and serious feline conditions:
- Panleukopenia (feline distemper): Distemper is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the feline parvovirus. It infects rapidly growing cells, such as those in bone marrow, intestines, and developing fetuses, and spreads through urine, stool, and nasal secretions. The virus can survive in the environment for up to a year, leading to potential infection without direct contact with an infected cat.
- Feline calicivirus (FCV): This virus spreads through direct contact with the saliva, nasal mucus, and eye discharge of infected cats, and aerosol droplets spread when an infected cat sneezes. Feline calicivirus is a highly contagious virus that causes mild to severe respiratory infection, eye irritation and oral disease in cats.
- Feline herpesvirus type I (FHV, FHV-1): This highly contagious, ubiquitous virus is one major cause of upper respiratory infections. Spread through the 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.
- Rabies: Rabies kills many mammals (including humans) every year. These vaccinations are required by law for cats in most states.
What Lifestyle Vaccines for Cats Protect Against
Lifestyle or non-core vaccines are suitable for some cats, based on their lifestyle. Your vet will advise you which non-core vaccines are recommended for your cat. Non-core vaccines include protection against:
- Feline leukemia virus (FeLV): FeLV is a retrovirus that is spread through an infected cat's saliva, nasal secretions, urine, feces, and milk; it may be transmitted through cats grooming each other. This condition weakens your cat's immune system and can lead to a lack of appetite, intestinal issues, lymphoma, leukemia, reproductive issues, secondary infections due to immunosuppression, poor healing, chronic respiratory infections, and inflammation of the gums.
- Bordetella: This bacteria is spread through direct and indirect contact with an infected cat. This condition 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 spread through direct contact with an infected cat. This infection leads to severe conjunctivitis (eye irritation). The vaccination for this infection is often included in the distemper combination vaccine.
- Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV): FIV is a retrovirus spread through saliva, primarily through cat bites. This virus suppresses the cat's white blood cells, gradually weakening the immune system. Cats infected with FIV will begin to show symptoms related to immunosuppression, including inflammation of gums, diarrhea, skin infections, upper respiratory infections, pneumonia, weight loss, poor condition of coat, seizures, and behavioral changes.
Cat & Kitten Vaccination Schedule
Kittens need these vaccines in their first year to protect them from dangerous diseases.
6 to 8 weeks
- Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia, Chlamydia
10 to 12 weeks
- Booster: Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia, Chlamydia
- Feline Leukemia
14 to 16 weeks
- Rabies
- Booster: Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia, Chlamydia
- Booster: Feline Leukemia
This is our standard indoor and outdoor cat vaccination schedule. If you're cat or kitten has specific lifestyle needs outside of these, your vet will discuss the timing of these vaccines with you during your visit.
Is your kitten protected after their first vaccines?
Your kitten is not fully vaccinated until they have received all their injections, at about 12 to 16 weeks of age. Once they have received all of those initial vaccinations, your kitten will be protected against the diseases covered by the vaccines.
If you want to allow your kitten outdoors before they have received all of their vaccines, it is a good idea to keep them confined to low-risk areas such as your own backyard.
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.