Cat Vaccination Program
Vaccination is one of the most important pillars of prevention for maintaining the health of cats. Vaccines protect cats from dangerous diseases, reducing the chances of transmission to other cats and, in some cases, even to humans. A well-planned vaccination schedule is critical to your cat's well-being.
Basic Vaccines
Core vaccines are those recommended for all cats, regardless of age, lifestyle or location, because of the seriousness of the diseases they prevent. These vaccines include:
- Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV): Also known as cat virus, panleukopenia is a highly contagious and fatal disease that affects the gastrointestinal and immune systems. The vaccine is usually given in combination with those for herpes virus and calicovirus.
- Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1): Causes infectious rhinotracheitis, a disease that affects the respiratory system. The infection can be chronic and recur during periods of stress.
- Feline Calicivirus (FCV): Calicivirus is another common cause of respiratory infections in cats and can cause serious complications such as mouth ulcers and arthritis. It is usually vaccinated together with panleukopenia virus and herpes.
- Rabies: As in dogs, rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the central nervous system and it is mandatory to vaccinate cats in many areas of the world, especially if they live in areas with a high risk of exposure.
Optional Vaccines
Optional vaccines or "non core vaccines" are recommended based on the cat's lifestyle, area and exposure risks. These include:
- Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV): Feline leukemia is a fatal viral infection spread through contact with contaminated body fluids, such as saliva and urine. Recommended for cats that live outdoors or come into contact with other cats.
- Feline Chlamydophila felis: Mainly causes conjunctivitis and can cause respiratory problems. This vaccine is recommended for cats living in multi-cat environments or who are at risk of exposure to other cats with the disease.
- Bordetella bronchiseptica: This bacterial infection can cause respiratory problems in cats, especially in environments with a high concentration of animals, such as shelters or shelters. The vaccine is recommended for cats living or in contact with other cats in such environments.
Vaccination Schedule
The vaccination schedule for cats usually begins at 6-8 weeks of age, with booster doses every 3-4 weeks until 16-20 weeks of age. Adult cats that were not vaccinated as kittens should receive two doses of the core vaccines 3-4 weeks apart. Rabies vaccines are given annually or every three years, depending on the type of vaccine and local laws.
Sources
- American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), 2020 AAFP Feline Vaccination Guidelines.
- World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), Vaccination Guidelines for Dogs and Cats.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Rabies in Cats.
- European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD), Guidelines on Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV).
