Vaccinations help cats stay healthy throughout their lives. Today, our Erin vets discuss why vaccinations are essential for our feline friends and share the cat and kitten vaccination schedule.
Getting Your Cat Vaccinated
Kitten and cat vaccinations are key to protecting your kitty companion from a range of serious feline-specific diseases. After your kitten's first vaccinations, it's just as critical to return later for their routine booster shots.
Booster shots 'boost' your cat's protection against a range of feline diseases as the effectiveness of the first vaccine starts to wear off. Cats are given different booster shots based on varying schedules. Your vet will let you know when your cat should be receiving their booster shots.
Vaccines for Cats
There are two primary types of cat vaccinations.
Core vaccinations are recommended for all cats. These vaccinations are considered essential for protecting your kitty from common and serious feline conditions and illnesses, such as:
- Rabies
- Feline herpesvirus type I (FHV, FHV-1)
- Feline calicivirus (FCV)
- Panleukopenia (feline distemper)
Non-core vaccinations may be recommended for some cats due to their lifestyle. Your vet will let you know which non-core vaccines your feline friend should receive. Non-core vaccines can protect your cat from:
- Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)
- Chlamydophila felis
- Bordetella
- Feline leukemia virus (FeLV)
When Kittens Should Get Their First Shots
When your kitten is approximately six to eight weeks old, you should bring them to the vet to get their first set of vaccinations. Following this, your kitten should get a series of vaccines every three to four weeks until they are roughly 16 weeks of age.
When Cats Should Get Their Booster Shots
Your vet will suggest bringing your adult cat in for their booster shots either once a year or once every three years, depending on the specific vaccine and your cat's individual needs.
Are Kittens Safe After Their First Round of Shots?
Your kitten won't be fully vaccinated until they have been given all of their injections (when they are about 12-16 weeks of age). After they have been provided with all of their initial vaccinations, your kitten will be protected against the diseases the vaccines cover.
We recommend keeping your furry friend confined to low-risk areas (such as your own backyard) if you want to let them outside before they are fully vaccinated
Why Indoors Cats Should be Vaccinated
You may not think your indoor cat needs to be vaccinated, but most states require cats over 6 months of age to be vaccinated against rabies. When your kitty gets vaccinated, your vet will give you a certificate of vaccination, which you should keep in a safe place.
When it comes to your cat's health, it's always better to err on the side of caution. Cats can be curious creatures. Our vets recommend core vaccinations for all indoor cats, so they can be protected from any diseases they may be exposed to if they manage to escape the safety of home. The recommended vaccination schedule for indoor cats is typically the same as all others.
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.
