What vaccines does my cat need?

 

When you adopt a kitten or new cat, one of the first things on the agenda is to get your cat his required shots.  The same is true for cats you've shared your life with for a long time who will need boosters on a regular schedule.  The point of vaccines is to help make sure your cat is as safe as possible from diseases that can be fatal.  So, you need to know what shots your cat needs, the ones required by law and what vaccines might not be appropriate for your cat.

According to pethealthnetwork.com, the American Association of Feline Pracitioners places vaccines into two categories.  The "core" group addresses rabies, feline panleukopenia virus (FVP), feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) and feline calicivirus (FVC).  The last three in that list are given together in what is commonly called a distemper shot.  These vaccines are recommended for all cats.  The "non-core" vaccines that are not required but could be recommended include one for feline leukemia virus (FeLV).  As with most vaccines, feline shots don't prevent diseases from happening but they greatly reduce a cat's susceptibility to them.

As with everything related to your cat's health and care, including vaccines, talking with your vet is a must.  Kittens may start vaccines when they are six to eight weeks old up through 16 weeks. Whether you're adopting a new cat or your cat has been a patient for a long time, your vet is best equipped to have a complete a picture of your individual cat's age, health, background and general physical condition.  You know your cat's lifestyle, so you and your vet can decide when booster shots are necessary based on all of these factors and what risk factors are in play for your cat, like outdoor versus indoor living. 

About fully indoor cats, it's true that they face far less risk for disease than outdoor cats do.  However, just because a cat is 100% indoors doesn't mean vaccines aren't necessary.  Cats can get sick from airborne germs that come in with you as you go in and out of your house and even through a window.  They can also track in on your shoes.  If your cat spends any time at a boarding kennel, he's at risk of picking up bacteria or viruses there.

Vaccines and boosters may have side effects that can be minor or severe.  When your cat gets a vaccine, make note of his reaction for the following 24 hours and write it down so you'll know later that this can be expected for your cat.  Among the possible side effects are lethargy, lack of appetite, fever, and soreness.  The more serious ones include seizures, encephalitis and respiratory disease.  It's possible that your cat could have an allergic reaction to a vaccine as well.  Monitor your cat after a vaccine and if you see any reaction that concerns you, call your vet immediately.  Keep in mind that the risk of possible side effects does not mean you should skip vaccinating your cat!  The benefits far outweigh possible side-effect risks.

We want our furry family members with us enjoying a good quality of life for as long as possible and vaccines are a necessary step toward making that a reality.  Know your cat's lifestyle and risks, make yearly vet check up visits and stay up to date on those vaccines! 

Use these links to read more about important vaccines for your cat:

CLICK HERE for pethealthnetwork.

CLICK HERE for pets.webmd.