Cats need vaccinations to stay healthy throughout their lives. In this blog, our Monterey Park vets explain why vaccinations are important for our feline friends and discuss the cat and kitten vaccination schedules.
Getting Your Cat Vaccinated
Vaccinating your cat is key to protecting it from a range of serious, feline-specific diseases. After your kitten's first vaccinations, following up with routine booster shots is just as critical.
Booster shots 'boost' your cat's protection against a range of diseases as the effectiveness of the first vaccine begins to wear off. Cats are given different booster shots based on varying schedules. Your vet will tell you when your cat should receive booster shots.
Vaccines for Cats
There are two main types of cat vaccinations.
Core vaccinations are recommended for all cats. These vaccinations are considered essential for protecting your kitty from common and serious feline illnesses and conditions, such as:
- Rabies
- Feline herpesvirus type I (FHV, FHV-1)
- Feline calicivirus (FCV)
- Panleukopenia (feline distemper)
Non-core vaccinations are advisable for some cats, depending on their lifestyle. Your vet will tell you which non-core vaccines they suggest for your feline friend. Non-core vaccines can protect your kitty from:
- Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)
- Chlamydophila felis
- Bordetella
- Feline leukemia virus (FeLV)
When Kittens Should Get Their First Shots
When your kitten is approximately six to eight weeks old, you should bring it to the vet for its first set of vaccinations. After this, your kitten should get a series of vaccines every three to four weeks until it is roughly 16 weeks old.
When Cats Should Get Their Booster Shots
Your vet will suggest bringing your adult cat in for booster shots once a year or every three years, depending on the specific vaccine and your cat's individual needs.
Are kittens safe after their first round of shots?
Your kitten will not be fully vaccinated until it has received all of its shots (when it is about 12-16 weeks old). After receiving all of its initial vaccinations, your kitten will be protected against the diseases the vaccines cover.
We recommend keeping your furry friend confined to low-risk areas (such as your own backyard) if you want to let them outside before they are fully vaccinated
Why Indoors Cats Should be Vaccinated
You may not think your indoor cat needs to be vaccinated, but most states require cats over six months of age to at least be vaccinated against rabies.
Regarding your cat's health, it's always better to err on the side of caution. Cats can be curious creatures. Our vets recommend core vaccinations for all indoor cats so they can be protected from any diseases they may be exposed to if they manage to escape the safety of home. The recommended vaccination schedule for indoor cats is typically the same as all others.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.