Cat Core Vaccines and Vaccination Schedule
Vaccinations are an essential part of keeping your cat healthy and protected from disease. Core vaccines are recommended for all cats, regardless of their lifestyle or risk factors.
The core vaccines for cats include:
- Feline distemper vaccine
- Feline herpesvirus vaccine
- Feline calicivirus vaccine
- Feline rabies vaccine
These vaccines protect cats from a variety of serious and potentially fatal diseases.
The feline distemper vaccine protects against feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), a highly contagious and often fatal disease. FPV is spread through contact with infected cats or their feces, and it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.
The feline herpesvirus vaccine protects against feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1), a common cause of upper respiratory infections in cats. FHV-1 is spread through contact with infected cats or their saliva, and it can cause sneezing, coughing, and conjunctivitis.
The feline calicivirus vaccine protects against feline calicivirus (FCV), another common cause of upper respiratory infections in cats. FCV is spread through contact with infected cats or their saliva, and it can cause sneezing, coughing, and ulcers on the tongue and mouth.
The feline rabies vaccine protects against rabies, a fatal disease that can be transmitted to humans. Rabies is spread through the bite of an infected animal, and it can cause a variety of symptoms, including fever, headache, and muscle spasms.
Cat Core Vaccines
Core vaccines are essential for protecting cats from serious and potentially fatal diseases. These vaccines are recommended for all cats, regardless of their lifestyle or environment.
There are three core vaccines for cats:
- Feline distemper vaccine
- Feline herpesvirus vaccine
- Feline calicivirus vaccine These vaccines protect against the following diseases:
Feline distemper: This is a highly contagious virus that can cause respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological symptoms. It can be fatal in kittens and unvaccinated cats.
Feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1): This is a common virus that can cause upper respiratory infections. It can also cause more serious problems, such as conjunctivitis, keratitis, and pneumonia.
Feline calicivirus: This is a common virus that can cause upper respiratory infections. It can also cause more serious problems, such as pneumonia, arthritis, and stomatitis. Core vaccines are typically given to kittens in a series of shots, starting at 6-8 weeks of age. Booster shots are then given every 1-3 years.
The cost of cat core vaccines varies depending on the veterinarian and the location. However, the cost of vaccination is typically much less than the cost of treating the diseases that they protect against.
There are some risks associated with vaccinating cats. These risks include:
Allergic reactions: Some cats may experience allergic reactions to vaccines. These reactions can range from mild to severe.
Vaccine-associated sarcomas (VAS): VAS are rare tumors that can develop at the site of a vaccine injection. The risk of VAS is very low, but it is a potential side effect of vaccination. Despite these risks, the benefits of vaccinating cats far outweigh the risks. Core vaccines are essential for protecting cats from serious and potentially fatal diseases.
Cat Essential Vaccines
What Core Vaccines Are Required for Cats?
- Feline Distemper Vaccine
- Feline Herpesvirus Vaccine
- Feline Calicivirus Vaccine
- Feline Leukemia Vaccine
What Diseases Do Core Cat Vaccines Protect Against?
- Feline Distemper: Also known as Panleukopenia, this highly contagious and often fatal disease attacks a cat’s gastrointestinal system, bone marrow, and nervous system.
- Feline Herpesvirus: Causes upper respiratory infections, conjunctivitis, and keratitis (inflammation of the cornea).
- Feline Calicivirus: Responsible for upper respiratory infections, pneumonia, and lameness.
- Feline Leukemia: Transmitted through bodily fluids, this virus can lead to various health problems, including lymphoma, leukemia, and anemia.
When Should Cats Be Vaccinated?
- Kittens: Initial vaccinations typically begin at 6-8 weeks of age, with boosters given every 3-4 weeks until the kitten is 16-20 weeks old.
- Adult Cats: Annual booster shots are recommended to maintain immunity.
Where Can I Get My Cat Vaccinated?
- Veterinary Clinics
- Animal Shelters
- Low-Cost Vaccination Clinics
Feline Vaccination Schedule
Kittens should receive their first set of vaccinations at 6-8 weeks of age. This typically includes the FVRCP vaccine, which protects against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. The FVRCP vaccine is given as a series of two or three shots, with each shot given 2-4 weeks apart. Kittens should receive their second set of vaccinations at 12-16 weeks of age.
Adult cats should receive a booster shot of the FVRCP vaccine every year. They should also receive a booster shot of the rabies vaccine every 1-3 years, depending on the type of vaccine used. Some veterinarians also recommend vaccinating adult cats against feline leukemia virus (FeLV), especially if they are at high risk of exposure to the virus.
It is important to follow the vaccination schedule recommended by your veterinarian. This will help ensure that your cat is protected from serious diseases.
Cat Essential Vaccines
Feline Distemper Vaccine:
- Also known as panleukopenia, this highly contagious virus is spread through contact with feces or respiratory fluids of infected cats.
- Causes severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration, which can lead to death.
- Vaccination is highly effective in preventing feline distemper.
Feline Herpesvirus Vaccine:
- Causes upper respiratory infections (URIs) in cats, with symptoms such as sneezing, nasal discharge, and conjunctivitis.
- Can also lead to more serious conditions, such as pneumonia and keratitis (inflammation of the cornea).
- Vaccination can help reduce the severity of URIs and prevent more serious complications.
Feline Calicivirus Vaccine:
- Another common cause of URIs in cats, calicivirus is spread through contact with infected cats or their saliva.
- Symptoms include sneezing, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, and mouth ulcers.
- In severe cases, calicivirus can lead to pneumonia and death.
- Vaccination can help protect cats from calicivirus infection.
Feline Leukemia Vaccine:
- A contagious virus that spreads through contact with infected cats or their saliva, blood, or urine.
- Can cause a variety of health problems, including anemia, leukemia, lymphoma, and immunosuppression.
- Vaccination is the best way to protect cats from feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection.
Feline Essential Vaccines
Among the essential vaccines for cats, three are regarded as core vaccines, meaning they are strongly recommended for all cats, regardless of their lifestyle or risk factors. These core vaccines protect against potentially severe and life-threatening diseases.
The three core vaccines for cats are:
- Feline Distemper Vaccine (FVRCP)
- Feline Herpesvirus Vaccine (FHV-1)
- Feline Calicivirus Vaccine (FCV)
In addition to the core vaccines, there are several other vaccines that may be recommended for cats depending on their individual circumstances and risk factors. These non-core vaccines include:
- Feline Leukemia Vaccine (FeLV)
- Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) Vaccine
- Chlamydia Psittaci Vaccine
- Rabies Vaccine
It is important to consult with a veterinarian to determine which vaccines are right for your cat. The veterinarian will consider your cat’s age, lifestyle, and risk factors when making recommendations.
Feline Calicivirus Vaccine
The feline calicivirus vaccine is a core vaccine for cats. Calicivirus is a highly contagious virus that can cause a variety of respiratory and systemic illnesses in cats, including upper respiratory infection (URI), pneumonia, and stomatitis.
Calicivirus can also cause conjunctivitis (pink eye) and lameness. The virus is spread through contact with infected cats or through contaminated objects, such as food bowls and litter boxes.
The feline calicivirus vaccine is effective in preventing infection with the virus. The vaccine is typically given to kittens starting at 6 to 8 weeks of age. Booster shots are given every 3 to 4 weeks until the kitten is 16 to 20 weeks old. Adult cats should receive booster shots every 1 to 3 years.
The feline calicivirus vaccine is generally safe and well-tolerated. Some cats may experience mild side effects, such as a fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite. These side effects typically resolve within a few days.
The feline calicivirus vaccine is an important part of a comprehensive vaccination program for cats. The vaccine can help to protect cats from a serious and potentially life-threatening disease.
Cat Core Vaccines
Core vaccines are essential for protecting cats from serious and potentially fatal diseases. These vaccines are recommended for all cats, regardless of their lifestyle or risk factors.
The core vaccines for cats include:
- Feline distemper vaccine (FVRCP)
- Feline herpesvirus vaccine (FHV-1)
- Feline calicivirus vaccine (FCV)
- Feline leukemia vaccine (FeLV)
Feline distemper vaccine (FVRCP):
Feline distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause severe respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. It can also lead to neurological problems and death. The FVRCP vaccine protects cats against feline distemper, as well as feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus.
Feline herpesvirus vaccine (FHV-1):
Feline herpesvirus is a common cause of upper respiratory infections in cats. It can cause symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, and conjunctivitis. The FHV-1 vaccine protects cats against feline herpesvirus.
Feline calicivirus vaccine (FCV):
Feline calicivirus is another common cause of upper respiratory infections in cats. It can cause symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, and mouth ulcers. The FCV vaccine protects cats against feline calicivirus.
Feline leukemia vaccine (FeLV):
Feline leukemia is a contagious viral disease that can cause a variety of health problems, including cancer and anemia. The FeLV vaccine protects cats against feline leukemia.
Feline Distemper Vaccine
Feline distemper, also known as panleukopenia, is a highly contagious and deadly viral disease that affects cats. The feline distemper vaccine is core vaccine that protects cats from this disease. The vaccine is typically given to kittens at 6, 9, and 12 weeks of age, and then again at one year of age. Booster shots are given every three years thereafter.
Feline Herpesvirus Vaccine
Feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) is a common virus that causes upper respiratory infections in cats. The feline herpesvirus vaccine is a core vaccine that protects cats from this virus. The vaccine is typically given to kittens at 6, 9, and 12 weeks of age, and then again at one year of age. Booster shots are given every three years thereafter.
Feline Calicivirus Vaccine
Feline calicivirus is a common virus that causes upper respiratory infections in cats. The feline calicivirus vaccine is a core vaccine that protects cats from this virus. The vaccine is typically given to kittens at 6, 9, and 12 weeks of age, and then again at one year of age. Booster shots are given every three years thereafter.
Feline Leukemia Vaccine
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a contagious virus that can cause a variety of health problems in cats, including cancer and anemia. The feline leukemia vaccine is a non-core vaccine that is not recommended for all cats. However, it is recommended for cats that are at high risk of exposure to the virus, such as cats that live in multi-cat households or that go outdoors.
