We know that it can be tempting to skip vaccinating your indoor cat. But, even if your feline friend stays inside, there are some excellent reasons for you to have your indoor cat vaccinations. Here, our Apple Valley vets explain.
About Cat Vaccinations
There are several feline-specific diseases that affect a huge number of cats across the United States each year. In order to protect your cat from contracting a preventable condition, it's important to have them vaccinated. It's very important to follow up on your kitten's first vaccinations with booster shots too, even if your cat is an indoor one.
As the name suggests, booster shots “boost” your cat’s protection against a variety of feline diseases after the effects of the initial vaccine wear off. Booster shots for different vaccines are given on specific schedules. Your veterinarian will advise you when to bring your cat back for their booster shots.
Reasons to Vaccinate Your Indoor Cat
While you may not think that your indoor cat requires vaccinations, all cats must have certain vaccinations by law in many states. For example, some states require that all cats over the age of 6 months old be vaccinated against rabies. Once your cat has had their shots, your veterinarian will provide you with a certificate showing that your cat has been vaccinated as required.
There are 2 types of vaccinations that are available for pets, 'core vaccines' and 'lifestyle vaccines'.
Our vets strongly recommend that all cats receive core vaccinations to protect them against highly contagious diseases they could be exposed to if they happen to escape the safety of your home, visit a groomer, or need to stay at a boarding facility while you're away.
Core Vaccines for Cats
Core vaccinations are essential for protecting your cat against the following common but serious conditions, and thus, should be applied to every cat.
- Rabies - rabies kills many mammals (including humans) every year. These vaccinations are required by law for cats in most states.
- Feline herpesvirus type I (FHV, FHV-1) - This highly contagious, ubiquitous virus is one major cause of upper respiratory infections. Spread through sharing of litter trays or food bowls, inhalation of sneeze droplets or direct contact, the virus can infect cats for life. Some will continue to shed the virus, and persistent FHV infection can lead to eye problems.
- Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia (FVRCP) - Typically known as the “distemper” shot, this combination vaccine protects against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia.
Lifestyle (Non-Core) Vaccines for Cats
Non-core or "lifestyle" vaccinations are appropriate for some cats depending on their lifestyle. Your vet is in the best position to advise you on what non-core vaccinations your cat should have. Lifestyle vaccines protect your cat against:
- Bordetella - This bacteria causes upper respiratory infections that are highly contagious. This vaccine may be recommended by your vet if you are taking your cat to a groomer or boarding kennel.
- Chlamydophila felis - Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that causes severe conjunctivitis. The vaccination for the infection is often included in the distemper combination vaccine.
- Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia (Felv) - These vaccines protect against viral infections that are transmitted via close contact. They are only usually recommended for cats that spend time outdoors.
Getting Your Kitten Their Shots
Your kitten should have their first round of vaccinations administered when they are between 6 and 8 weeks old. After this, your cat should have a series of shots in three-to-four-week intervals until they reach around 16 weeks old.
Kitten Vaccination Schedule
First visit (6 to 8 weeks)
- Review nutrition and grooming
- Blood test for feline leukemia
- Fecal exam for parasites
- Vaccinations for chlamydia, calicivirus, rhinotracheitis and panleukopenia
Second visit (12 weeks)
- Examination and external check for parasites
- First feline leukemia vaccine
- Second vaccinations for calicivirus rhinotracheitis, and panleukopenia
- First feline leukemia vaccine
Third visit (follow veterinarian’s advice)
- Rabies vaccine
- Second feline leukemia vaccine
Booster Shots
Depending on the vaccine, adult cats should get booster shots either annually or every three years. Your vet will tell you when to bring your adult cat back for booster shots.
Vaccine Protection
Until your cat has received all of their vaccinations, they will not be considered fully vaccinated. After all of your cat's initial vaccinations have been completed, your kitten will be totally protected against all of the conditions or diseases covered by their vaccines.
If you plan to let your kitten outdoors before they have been fully vaccinated against all the diseases listed above, we recommend keeping them restricted to low-risk areas such as your own backyard.
Potential Vaccine Side Effects
The vast majority of cats will not experience any side effects as a result of getting their shots. If reactions do occur, they are usually minor and short in duration. That said, in rare cases more serious reactions can occur, including:
- Hives
- Lameness
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Severe lethargy
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Redness or swelling around the injection site
If you suspect your cat may be experiencing side effects from a cat vaccine call your veterinarian immediately! Your vet can help you determine any special care or follow-up that may be required.
