You may be unsure whether your cat needs any vaccinations. If they do, which ones should it get and when? Our White Hall vets share the common indoor cat and kitten vaccination schedule and why these vaccines are important for keeping them healthy.
Why are cat and kitten vaccinations so important?
Serious, often deadly diseases spread between cats, affecting vast numbers of 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 tell you when to bring your cat back for booster shots.
Why should your indoor cat follow a vaccination schedule?
You may be skeptical about the need to vaccinate indoor cats. However, in many states, there are laws that require all cats to have certain vaccinations. For example, most states require that cats over the age of six months be vaccinated against rabies. Once your cat has its shots, your veterinarian will provide you with a certificate showing that your cat has been vaccinated as required.
Another important reason to vaccinate your indoor cat 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.
The Different Types of Vaccinations for Cats
Two categories of vaccinations are available for cats, 'core vaccines and 'lifestyle vaccines.' Our White Hall 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) - FP is an extremely serious, highly contagious viral disease caused by the feline parvovirus. The feline parvovirus infects and kills rapidly growing and dividing cells, including cells in bone marrow, the intestines, or a developing fetus. The virus is spread through urine, stool, and nasal secretions. Infection occurs when susceptible cats come in contact with these secretions or fleas from an infected cat. Although infected cats are contagious for only a day or two, the virus can survive for up to a year in the environment, so cats can become infected without ever coming into direct contact with an infected cat.
- Feline calicivirus (FCV) – This highly contagious virus spreads through direct contact with the saliva, nasal mucus, and eye discharge of infected cats and through aerosol droplets spread when an infected cat sneezes. It causes a 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 saliva, nasal secretions, urine, feces, and milk of an infected cat; 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 bacterial infection is spread through direct and indirect contact with an infected cat. It causes highly contagious upper respiratory infections. Your vet may recommend this vaccine if you are taking your cat to a groomer or boarding kennel.
- Chlamydophila Felis - Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that is 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 that is 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.
Indoor Cat & Kitten Vaccination Schedule
In their first year of life, cats and kittens should follow this vaccination schedule to protect them from serious 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
- Feline Leukemia 2
Protecting Your Kitten With Routine Vaccines
Your kitten is not fully vaccinated until they have received all of their injections, at about 12-16 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 receiving all of their vaccines, keeping them confined to low-risk areas such as your backyard is a good idea.
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.