Having a cat comes with responsibilities, prioritizing your feline friend’s health. In addition to other vet services (such as this Lethbridge pet dental care), keeping your cat healthy includes ensuring they are up-to-date on their vaccinations.
Importance of Vaccines for Your Cats
Vaccines help protect your cat from harmful diseases. Without them, your cat would be at risk for a number of potentially deadly illnesses. Even with vaccinations, there is no guarantee that your cat will never get sick, but the vaccines can help reduce the severity of the illness and lessen their chance of death.
There are a few different types of vaccines available for cats, and your veterinarian will help you decide which ones are right for your cat based on their age, health, lifestyle, and risk of exposure to disease.
The Core Vaccines Every Cat Needs
There are two vaccine types: core and non-core. Core vaccines are recommended for all cats, regardless of their lifestyle or risk of exposure to disease.
Non-core vaccines are only recommended for cats at a high risk of exposure to a certain disease.
The core vaccines you should give your cats include:
1. Feline panleukopenia (FPV, also called feline distemper)
Feline distemper is a highly contagious and deadly disease that affects all cats, indoor and outdoor. It is caused by a virus attacking the gastrointestinal system, causing severe vomiting and diarrhea. Kittens are especially vulnerable to this disease because their immune systems are not yet fully developed.
You should have your kittens vaccinated against feline distemper as soon as they are old enough. The initial vaccine is given at eight weeks, followed by a twelve-week booster shot. After that, they will need a booster shot every year for the rest of their life.
2. Feline calicivirus (FCV)
Feline calicivirus is another highly contagious virus that can cause respiratory infections in cats, including rhinotracheitis (a viral upper respiratory infection). This virus is often spread through direct contact with an infected cat or through contact with contaminated surfaces, such as food bowls or litter boxes.
Cats of all ages can be vaccinated against feline calicivirus, but kittens are particularly vulnerable to this disease. Three FVC shots are recommended for cats. The initial shot should be given at eight weeks, and then two more booster shots, given four weeks apart. After that, cats will need a yearly booster shot.
3. Feline leukemia virus (FeLV)
Feline leukemia virus is a fatal virus that attacks a cat’s immune system, making them susceptible to other diseases. This virus is often spread through close contact with an infected cat, such as sharing food bowls or litter boxes. It can also be spread through biting and fighting.
Cats with a high risk of exposure to this virus are outdoor cats or live in multi-cat households. They should be vaccinated, with the initial vaccine given at eight weeks of age, followed by two booster shots four weeks apart. Kittens will need a booster shot every year for the rest of their life, while adult cats will need a booster every three years.
4. Feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1)
Feline herpesvirus type 1 is a virus that causes upper respiratory infections in cats, including rhinotracheitis. It is one of the most common viruses affecting cats and can cause severe illness, especially in young kittens.
This virus is often spread through direct contact with an infected cat or through contact with contaminated surfaces, such as food bowls or litter boxes.
Cats of all ages can be vaccinated against FHV-1, but kittens are particularly vulnerable to this disease. Three FHV-1 shots are recommended for cats, with the initial shot given at six to eight weeks and then an additional dose every three to four weeks until 16 to 20 weeks of age. After that, cats will need a yearly booster shot.
5. Rabies
Rabies is a virus that affects the nervous system and is fatal to humans and animals. It is usually spread through an infected animal’s bite, such as a bat or raccoon.
All cats should be vaccinated against rabies, regardless of their lifestyle or risk of exposure to the disease. The initial vaccine is given not earlier than 16 weeks of age, followed by a booster shot one year later. After that, cats will need a booster shot every three years for the rest of their life.
Choosing the Right Vet
Not all vets are the same. You must choose one who you feel comfortable with and trust.
Take the time to tour the facility, meet the staff, and ask questions. You should also find out if the vet has experience caring for cats and whether they are up-to-date on the latest feline health information. If they have specialists, such as this pet internist, you know they can provide the best care for your cat.
It’s also good to get referrals from friends or family members who have cats. Once you’ve found a vet you’re comfortable with, stick with them for all of your cat’s healthcare needs.
The Bottom Line
All cats should be vaccinated against feline distemper, feline calicivirus, and feline leukemia virus. The initial vaccine is often given at eight weeks of age, followed by two booster shots given four weeks apart. After that, cats will need a yearly booster shot for the rest of their life.
Cats at high risk of exposure to rabies should also be vaccinated against the disease. The initial vaccine is given at 12 weeks of age, followed by a booster shot one year later. After that, cats will need a booster shot every three years for the rest of their life. Choose a reputable vet facility with a wide range of vet services, such as these cat vaccinations in Lethbridge.
