Understanding Cat Vaccines and Why They Are Important
What exactly are cat vaccinations?
Cat vaccines are similar to our vaccines and are meant to prevent diseases. The particular vaccines we have include rabies, which is a big one everyone knows. Then we have the alphabet soup of the FVRCP, which stands for feline rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia—diseases that your cat can get from other cats. These are certainly things you want to protect them from.
Are cat vaccinations necessary?
Yes, they are necessary. The exact vaccines needed will depend on your cat. Rabies and the FVRCP are definitely core vaccines and are required. Feline leukemia virus is another vaccine, which depends on if your cat goes outside, as it is spread from cat to cat. If you have an outdoor cat, it's absolutely required; for an indoor cat, not so much.
What is the vaccination schedule for kittens versus adult and senior cats?
For kittens, we want to see them every couple of weeks starting at about eight weeks until they're 16 weeks old. We'll do their core vaccines, which include feline distemper, rabies, and possibly leukemia. Once they're old enough, some of those vaccines become a three-year vaccine. Rabies is done every year, but we do offer a three-year rabies vaccine as well. The distemper vaccine is done yearly, and the feline leukemia vaccine is done yearly, depending again on their lifestyle. For seniors, we can discuss their lifestyle more. Rabies is required by law and recommended every time, but we can discuss the other vaccines as they age.
Are there risks or side effects associated with cat vaccinations?
There can be side effects, although we try to minimize these as much as possible by using special vaccines formulated for cats with fewer adjuvants. Common side effects include lethargy and soreness at the injection site. We give these vaccines right under the skin into the subcutaneous space, so they are less painful than muscle vaccines. Vomiting and diarrhea can occur, and severe allergic reactions are rare. Watch for facial swelling, hives, and difficulty breathing, usually happening within the first hour or two of the vaccine. If there is a reaction, we can give premedication before future vaccines.
If my cat is going to strictly live indoors, do they still need to be vaccinated?
Yes, rabies is required by law, and we want them to have at least a couple of years of the FVRCP vaccine. This can be discussed based on lifestyle. Also, if you plan on bringing in another cat, ensure everyone is up to date on vaccines before introducing them.
Why is it important to avoid missing a cat vaccination?
Vaccines are built on immunity, which rises and then wanes, requiring revaccination. Missing a vaccine leaves your cat unprotected, and we may need to restart the vaccine series depending on how much time has passed. It's crucial to keep up with yearly vaccinations.
If you have questions, we would love to answer them for you. Please give us a call at the office at (276) 600-2631, or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!
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