Contrary to the age-old myth, cats don’t have nine lives. As their caretaker, it’s crucial to do all you can to protect them and help them live a long and happy life.
Cat vaccinations are an essential part of your feline’s healthcare regimen. They help prevent or minimize the effects of contagious diseases and viruses that cats can be exposed to at grooming salons or through other cats in your area.
When it comes to preventative care measures, every pet’s needs are different. Whether you have a kitten or an adult cat, your veterinarian can help you determine which vaccines are best for your furry friend depending on their age, overall health, medical history, and lifestyle.
What Vaccines Does My Cat Need?
According to the American Association Of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), there are two primary types of vaccines for your feline – core and non-core vaccinations.
Core vaccines are essential for all cats, while non-core vaccines are administered on a case-by-case basis depending on a cat’s unique needs. Below are the different types of vaccines available for cats.
Cat Rabies Vaccinations
Rabies is a deadly virus that can spread to your cat from an animal bite. A rabies vaccine is critical because this virus doesn’t just affect your pet. Rabies is also transmissible to humans and is, in most cases, fatal.
Most states have laws requiring you to keep your cat up-to-date with rabies shots since it is a public safety issue.
Cat Vaccination FVRCP
The FVRCP vaccine is a three-in-one vaccine that protects your kitten or adult cat from potentially deadly infectious diseases, such as calicivirus, panleukopenia, and rhinotracheitis.
Calicivirus – This virus is one of the more common causes of upper-respiratory infection in cats and can lead to painful ulcers forming in the mouth. When left untreated, infected felines can develop pneumonia. Senior cats and kittens are especially susceptible to this virus.
Rhinotracheitis – This virus, also known as a herpesvirus infection, is caused by feline herpesvirus type-1. It can lead to severe dehydration, starvation, and eventually death when not properly treated.
Panleukopenia – Panleukopenia is commonly referred to as distemper. This common infectious disease is highly contagious and spreads rapidly. Cats infected with this virus require medical attention immediately because it can cause death within 12 hours of contracting it. In the past, feline panleukopenia was one of the leading causes of death in cats but has since become uncommon due to the use of vaccines.
Feline Leukemia Virus Vaccination
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is a viral infection that is transmissible through close contact with infected fluids and saliva. The FeLV vaccine used to be optional, but new guidelines issued by the AAFP require that veterinarians treat it as a core vaccine.
Bordetella Cat Vaccination
Feline Bordetella bronchiseptica is a rare infectious disease your cat may catch at a kennel or groomer where other cats are present. It is easily spread between cats and dogs through both direct and indirect contact. A veterinarian doesn’t usually recommend this vaccine unless your cat regularly spends time in kennels.
Understanding Vaccination Schedules
Cats can contract infectious diseases at any age. However, kittens under six months old are especially susceptible to viral infections. They should receive their core vaccines between six and eight weeks, followed by monthly booster shots.
It can take up to ten days after receiving the final vaccine for a kitten to be fully protected. Generally, booster shots are administered to adult cats annually or once every three years. If you don’t know your cat’s vaccination history, most vets will recommend that they obtain the FVRCP vaccine.
Visit your veterinarian to determine an appropriate vaccination schedule for your cat. Your vet will examine your cat’s medical history, age, health, and risk assessment to determine the frequency of each vaccine.
Schedule An Appointment At Penny Paws Animal Clinic
Yearly cat vaccinations are essential for ensuring that your fluffy friend lives a long and healthy life. Vaccine guidelines are continually evolving as feline practitioners’ understanding of different diseases increases.
Is it time to have your kitten or adult cat vaccinated? Our veterinary experts at Penny Paws Animal Clinic will ensure that your cat is up to date on its core vaccinations. Contact Penny Paws today to schedule an appointment. Our staff is committed to providing the best care to your pet.