Vaccination is a critically important part of your cat’s preventative healthcare. Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to recognize certain common diseases. Vaccines are generally separated into two categories: core and non-core. Core vaccines are required for all cats because they protect against diseases that are highly contagious or diseases that pose a significant risk to human health. Non-core vaccines are recommended based on an individual cat’s risk of exposure to certain diseases. Your veterinarian will decide which non-core vaccines are necessary for your cat based on factors such as age, lifestyle, and previous vaccination status.
Core Vaccines for Cats
Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia
(Also known as the Feline Distemper Vaccine or the FVRCP Vaccine)
This is a combination vaccine that protects against three different diseases. Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis is a virus that causes upper respiratory signs such as sneezing, ocular and nasal discharge, and conjunctivitis. Calicivirus can cause a variety of different symptoms including upper respiratory signs, joint pain, fever, sores in the mouth and on the tongue, and swelling of the limbs and face. Feline Panleukopenia (also known as Feline Parvovirus) typically causes vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, fever, and immunosuppression. All three diseases are highly contagious and can be severe or even fatal, which is why this vaccine is required for all cats.
Rabies Vaccine
Rabies is a virus that affects the brain and spinal cord, causing neurologic signs and death. It is transmitted primarily by bite wounds from infected mammals. Rabies is a zoonotic disease, which means that it can also affect humans. Due to the high risk to human health, Rabies vaccination is a core vaccine and is required by state law in many states.
Non-Core Vaccines for Cats
Feline Leukemia Virus
(Also known as the Leukemia Vaccine or the FeLV Vaccine)
Feline Leukemia is a virus that is spread through the bodily fluids of infected cats. It is often referred to as a “friendly cat disease” because it can be transmitted by close contact such as grooming, sharing food or water bowls, or using the same litter box. It can also be transmitted through bite wounds. Infected cats initially show no clinical signs and are often only diagnosed by routine screening tests. As the disease progresses, the virus attacks the immune system and leaves the cat susceptible to infections and tumors. This vaccine is recommended for all kittens less than one year of age and any cat that will be going outdoors, living in a household with a leukemia positive cat, or encountering unfamiliar cats.
Adverse Reactions
The benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks. It is normal for your cat to be a little sore or tired for the first 24-48 hours after receiving a vaccine. Rarely, a more serious reaction can occur within minutes or hours of vaccination. Signs of a vaccine reaction include severe lethargy, fever, swelling of the face and limbs, vomiting, diarrhea, or difficulty breathing. If these signs occur, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Recommended Testing
Many veterinarians recommend your cat receive a routine screening test for heartworm disease, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and feline leukemia virus (FeLV). Your veterinarian may also recommend the test if your cat shows symptoms of these common diseases. This is a quick blood test performed in the clinic that can be used to diagnose the following diseases:
Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease is a potentially fatal condition caused by Dirofilaria immitis, a parasite that lives in the heart and pulmonary arteries. This parasite is transmitted by mosquito bites. Infected cats may show no signs, or may have coughing, lethargy, weight loss, loss of appetite, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and exercise intolerance. This disease is less common in cats than in dogs, but it is becoming increasingly prevalent. It is strongly recommended that outdoor cats be maintained on heartworm preventatives year-round.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
FIV is a viral disease transmitted by bites from infected cats. Outdoor cats, particularly unneutered males who roam and fight, are at the highest risk for contracting this disease. FIV suppresses the cat’s immune system and makes the cat more susceptible to developing secondary infections and tumors. There is no effective vaccine or treatment for FIV. FIV positive cats are often asymptomatic for months to years, and can live relatively normal lives with good preventive care and management.
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
As discussed above, Feline Leukemia Virus attacks the immune system and predisposes the cat to secondary infections and tumors. Because this virus can spread between cats living in the same household, it is recommended that any new addition to your home be tested prior to being introduced to other cats. FeLV is preventable through appropriate vaccination.
Recommended Kitten Vaccination Schedule
The schedule below is only a general guideline. Your veterinarian may choose to alter the schedule based on your kitten’s age, health status, risk level, and previous vaccinations.
8 weeks of age: Wellness exam, FVRCP #1.
10-12 weeks of age: Wellness exam, FVRCP #2.
12-14 weeks of age: Wellness exam, Rabies vaccine.
16 weeks of age: Wellness exam, FVRCP #3.
18 weeks of age: Heartworm/FIV/FeLV test, FeLV #1
20-22 weeks of age: FeLV #2
1 year of age: Wellness exam, annual boosters for all vaccines.
Annually: Wellness exam; FeLV booster (if necessary).
Every 3 years: FVRCP Booster, Rabies Booster.
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