What Vaccines Does Every Cat Need?

What Are The Required Vaccines For a Cat?

Since many cats are completely indoor pets, some owners forget how vaccines can still be essential. Having had indoor cats most of my life, I was definitely one of those people who never thought much about vet visits and basic shots for my cat, Guinevere. 

It seemed expensive and unnecessary, so I avoided them. Once Maddie came along, I decided to be a vigilant cat mom as I wanted the best for this little kitten who was dependent on me for a long healthy life. 

Even if your cat rarely comes into contact with the outside world, vaccines are still an important part of a feline health regimen. Your cat could develop diseases from foregin bodies you accidentally bring in, at the groomer, at the vet, from a stray or even out in the yard.

These are the basic shots and health care items a cat needs and why.

Annual Vet Visits

Whether you have a new kitten or are adopting a senior cat, an annual visit to the veterinarian is important to keep them healthy. These visits are great times to ask questions, have the vet get to know your cat and establish a relationship. Having an ongoing relationship with your vet is important so in case something does happen, you have that resource there to help. 

Just like humans, some cats may go their entire lives without major issues, while others are plagued with health concerns from cradle to grave. You just don’t know what will happen over the course of your cat's life so getting that early and regular vet visit started is the best thing you can do for your cat.

Necessary Basic Shots

Shots and vaccines are another basic component to maintaining your cat’s health. ​

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (FVRCP)

• This is a series of 3 vaccines to cover some highly contagious viruses easily spread from one animal to another and more prevalent in multi-cat communities. 
  
• This shot is administered as a kitten (as young as 6 weeks) and then every 3-4 weeks until the cat is 16 weeks old. After that, it is done every 3 years. 
  
• Feline Viral Rhinotracetitis (FVR) is caused by the herpes infection. This infection causes a lot of respiratory infections and disease in cats.
  
• Calcivirus is a respiratory and oral infection. It can be fatal.
  
• Panleukopenia is often called feline distemper. It affects the immune system and can be very fatal, especially for kittens.
  

Rabies

• This vaccine can be administered as young as 8 weeks old, with a follow-up the next year. The booster can be given 1 or 3 years late, but most vets are now using the 3 year vaccine.
• It takes 28 days after the initial shot to be considered fully vaccinated.
• Most states require this shot.
• Rabies can be transmitted from animal to cat, cat to human via bite.
• Animal to animal transmission is via spit, scratch or bite.
• Rabies is a horrible death and 100% fatal but can be avoided with the vaccine. 

Bordetella, or kennel cough

• This protects against a very contagious upper respiratory infection common in large animal communities
  
• This shot is a good idea for animals in shelters or large kennel settings
  
• This bacteria can also cause pneumonia in animals
  

Feline Leukemia (FeLV)

• This viral infection spreads quickly and easily through bodily fluids. 
  
• The resulting disease is not curable, so prevention is key
  
• The virus weakens the cat’s immune system
  
• Outdoor cats and cats living in communities should have this vaccine to prevent contracting the virus
  

As with any vaccine, these do not guarantee 100% protection. However, they are highly effective and have been in circulation for quite a whole. Even if you don’t see your cat coming into contact with any outside viruses or bacteria, it’s always better to be safe than sorry! It is also always easier to prevent the virus than to deal with a sick cat later and possibly have to put the cat down due to illness. 

Talk to your vet and see what they recommend and what frequency they will administer. After any vaccine, expect some side effects and give your cat time to rest and recover. 

If you can’t afford a vet visit, check out national companies such as Tractor Supply, PetSmart, PetCo, and local pet stores for their vaccine clinics and prices. Many customers here at the cat spa use these services and are very pleased with the quick service and menu of options. Some communities offer low cost rabies clinics also. 

Remember, you are your cat’s first line of defence against these preventable diseases!