Cat Vaccination Program
Vaccination is one of the most important pillars of prevention for maintaining cats’ health. Vaccines protect cats from dangerous diseases, reducing the risk of transmission to other cats and, in some cases, even to humans. A well-designed vaccination schedule is crucial to your cat’s well-being.
Core Vaccines
Core vaccines are recommended for all cats, regardless of age, lifestyle, or location, because of the severity of the diseases they prevent. These vaccines include:
- Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV): Also known as feline distemper, panleukopenia is a highly contagious and deadly disease that affects the gastrointestinal and immune systems. The vaccine is usually administered in combination with those for herpesvirus and calicivirus.
- Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1): Causes infectious rhinotracheitis, a disease that affects the respiratory system. The infection can be chronic and may recur during periods of stress.
- Feline Calicivirus (FCV): Calicivirus is another common cause of respiratory infections in cats and can lead to serious complications, such as mouth ulcers and arthritis. It is usually administered together with the vaccines for panleukopenia and herpesvirus.
- Rabies: As in dogs, rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects the central nervous system. Vaccination is mandatory for cats in many parts of the world, especially if they live in areas with a high risk of exposure.
Non-Core Vaccines
Non-core vaccines are recommended based on a cat’s lifestyle, location, and risk of exposure. These include:
- Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV): Feline leukemia is a deadly viral infection transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids, such as saliva and urine. Vaccination is recommended for cats that live outdoors or come into contact with other cats.
- Feline Chlamydophila felis: This primarily causes conjunctivitis and can also cause respiratory problems. The vaccine is recommended for cats living in multi-cat environments or at risk of exposure to other cats with the disease.
- Bordetella bronchiseptica: This bacterial infection can cause respiratory problems in cats, particularly in environments with a high concentration of animals, such as shelters or boarding facilities. Vaccination is recommended for cats that live in or come into contact with other cats in such environments.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination 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 administered 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 Leukaemia Virus (FeLV).
