Vaccines for cats

Ludo and Selly
Owned by Matt

Vaccine choices for your cat

Not all cats need all vaccines but it is important to consider where your cat lives and what exposure they might have. This is an important discussion to have with your veterinarian to decide how best to protect your cat from infectious diseases.

Even if your cat lives indoors only, it is still important to take your cat to the vet for their annual exam and to discuss how to keep your cat healthy.

Vaccine guidelines are established by AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) and AAFP (American Association of Feline Practioners).

Here is more information regarding vaccines for your cat.

AAFP Brochure: Vaccines for your Cat
Zoetis Brochure: Feline Vaccines

Mad River Veterinary Hospital's Pet Health Library has many informative articles, including one regarding vaccines for cats.

Kittens can start their FVRCP vaccines at 8 weeks old and boosters are recommended every 3-4 weeks until at least 16 weeks old.

FeLV vaccine is a series of 2 vaccines given 3-4 weeks apart and can be started at 12 weeks old.

Rabies is series of 1 vaccine given as early as 12 weeks, but many veterinarians like to wait until 16 weeks old.

Miley
Owned by Bailey

Core Vaccines

Rabies and FVRCP

Peach
Owned by Kristin

Lifestyle Risk Vaccine

FeLV (Feline Leukemia)

All cats should get their core vaccines regardless of their lifestyle.

Rabies is important for all cats, even those that only live indoors. Their exposure may be less compared to a cat that goes outdoors, but there is still a small risk of exposure if a bat or other infected mammal were to accidentally get inside. Rabies is a public health concern since it is 99.9% fatal if contracted and is zoonotic meaning it can be spread to humans.

FVRCP covers upper respiratory and diarrheal diseases. Sometimes these are minor infections, but sometimes they can become serious and life-threatening.

FeLV is a virus that can attack the immune system and increase risk for certain cancers later in life. This virus is spread through "friendly" cat interactions (grooming, sharing food and water bowls, etc), and cats that spend time outdoors are at a higher risk for contracting this virus.

FeLV is highly recommended for all kittens and all adults that spend time outdoors.

Side effects of vaccines are often mild and last for 1-2 days. Possible side effects include, soreness and mild swelling at site of injections, tiredness or lethargy, mild fever, and decreased appetite.

If a firm swelling or mass appears at the site of vaccination, this can be normal and should go away in a couple weeks. If the bump is still there after the 3 week mark, have your veterinarian assess it.

Signs of a serious vaccine side effect that require immediate veterinary care include:

collapse or fainting
facial or limb swelling
hives (red, itchy bumps all over)
continuous vomiting or diarrhea
continuous significant coughing
trouble breathing

Don't forget to tell your veterinarian if your pet has had reactions to any vaccines in the past. Most vaccines reactions happen within the first 30-60 minutes after vaccines are given. If you are concerned about possible reaction, let your veterinarian know and discuss waiting at the clinic for the next 30-60 minutes for monitoring.

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