Cat Vaccines

Vaccines play a vital role in protecting our pets from serious, life-threatening infectious diseases. Each individual may have varying vaccine recommendations, depending on their lifestyle, and this should be discussed with your veterinarian. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) has created an AAHA Vaccination Guidelines Task Force, which has put together AAHA Vaccination Guidelines to help your vet choose which vaccines are right for your pet. Core vaccines are considered vaccines that all cats need, and non-core vaccines are lifestyle dependent. The following is a brief overview of feline vaccines.

Core Vaccines

Feline viral rhinotracheitis, calici, and panleukopenia (FVRCP)

• This most important vaccine to protect the health of cats

• This is a combo vaccine (protects against all of those viruses)

• Prevents life-threatening, chronic upper respiratory and systemic (whole-body) infections

• Kittens should have 2 sets of this combo vaccine beginning ideally at 6-8 weeks old, and administered 2-4 weeks apart. It should be repeated at 1 year old, and then every 3 years following.

Rabies

• Critical for protecting public health and your cat from a 100% fatal disease

• Depending on state law, cats should have 1 vaccine from the age of 12 weeks to 16 weeks, then repeated a year later. It should then be repeated every 1-3 years depending on the specific vaccine administered. Purevax vaccines are now available for 1 or 3 year duration, and are not associated with tumors at site of injection, however, all other rabies vaccines have some risk of causing tumors in cats

Non-Core

Feline Leukemia (FeLV)

• Very important for cats who go outside, or are at risk of interacting with other cats who go outside.

• This is a deadly, contagious virus that dramatically impacts the life-span and quality of life of an infected cat, and can cause a wide variety of non-specific signs.

• All cats should be tested for this disease at their initial preventive care visit, and again if they have possibly been exposed to the virus while not vaccinated.

Risks of Vaccines

The risks of these diseases are far greater than risks associated with vaccines, and adverse (allergic) vaccine reactions are extremely rare. Some vaccines are associated with tumors at the site of injection, but certain precautions can be taken to minimize effects, like using non-adjuvanted vaccines and administering them in the lower leg. Any pet can have an adverse (allergic) reaction to a vaccine within hours of being vaccinated, and all pets should be monitored for facial swelling, vomiting, hives, or any other concerning signs. It would be normal for your pet to be sleepier, have a reduced appetite, possibly have mild pain at the site of injection, and not be as playful within approx. 24 hours of being vaccinated. If you notice any signs of an adverse vaccine reaction, or anything that you find concerning, you should immediately seek veterinary care for your pet. Adverse vaccine reactions can be life threatening and are emergencies,. and although antihistamines can prevent them, they are typically not warranted unless an animal has a known history of vaccine reactions. If your pet is known to have adverse vaccine reactions they should be appropriately dosed with benadryl prior to their appointment, and as always, this should first be discussed with your vet.

.Want to know more about vaccines or if your pet is up-to-date? Talk to your vet!

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