The Ultimate Guide to Cat Vaccinations

Ever adopted a cat? Or found an abandoned kitty in your neighborhood? Congratulations on taking the first step in being a fur parent! To retain that status, you need to be aware of the vaccine shots that are to be given to your kitties.

Undoubtedly, cats are among the most fascinating and endearing animals on the planet. Your new feline companions will be cunning and playful all at once. Without even realizing it, they will switch from licking to biting your hand. Owning a cat will rapidly make it clear that you share your home with them, not the other way around.

But having a pet entails a lot of responsibility. Vaccinating them is one of the most crucial ones. “Is it really necessary to get my cat vaccinated?” may be on your mind in light of current discussions about vaccinations for humans. Yes, that would be the purrfect answer!

WHY SHOULD I GET MY CAT VACCINATED?

Your cats will live a long and healthy life thanks to the vaccinations that guard them against many diseases. Additionally, they support the immune system’s preparedness to defend a cat against pathogens. Vaccine antigens mimic disease-causing organisms in the immune system of cats without actually causing illness. Vaccines aim to cause the immune system to recognize antigens, thereby gently stimulating it.

You might have heard the famous adage – cats have nine lives! Well, we agree, but the key to those nine lives lies in proper vaccination. Proper shots ensure that your felines stay healthy and free from diseases for the rest of their lives.

We have compiled a list of vaccine shots that need to be given to your cat on a periodic basis! Here we go:

CORE CAT VACCINES

These vaccines are to be given as soon as possible upon getting yourself a kitty! The core cat vaccines help prevent major as well as common illnesses. All of these vaccinations should be given to cats, both indoors and outdoors. Depending on where you live, some of these vaccinations—like the rabies vaccine—might even be legally necessary.

Immunizations should begin for kittens at 6 to 8 weeks of age and continue until they are about 16 weeks old. After a year, they need to be boosted again. Every three to four weeks, a series of shots is given. Adult cats typically only require vaccinations once every year or every three years, depending on how long the vaccine’s shelf life is.

RABIES
Without question, the most important vaccination your cat requires is rabies. Rabies is a disease that affects both humans and animals and is 100% lethal. In fact, because rabies is so contagious, vaccinations are usually mandated by law. It can be lethal if left untreated and can be transmitted from cats to humans and other animals. Compared to dogs, cats are much less likely to contract rabies.

Nonetheless, a cat can always contract rabies from a dog or cat that is infected through bites. It is always preferable to be safe than sorry when it comes to rabies, as there is neither a cure nor a therapy once symptoms appear.

FELINE DISTEMPER/PANLEUKOPENIA VIRUS (FPV)

The FPV virus is a deadly disease that could cost the life of your cat (All nine lives included!). Known by many as feline parvovirus, this disease can afflict any cat, although the most vulnerable are older cats, kittens, and those with weaker immune systems. This illness is extremely difficult to control and frequently fatal due to its rapid onset. Fortunately, your cat can be shielded from harm by the feline distemper vaccination.

Feline distemper, or FPV, is a fatal virus that can afflict both grown cats and kittens. The virus lowers the leukocyte count, also known as white blood cell count, and increases the cat’s vulnerability to bacterial and secondary viral infections. The majority of unvaccinated kittens never have a chance to exhibit any symptoms of an FPV infection.

Some common symptoms to identify this deadly virus are:

• Upset stomach
• Diarrhea with blood discharge
• Lethargic muscle movements
• Vomiting etc.,.

FELINE CALICIVIRUS

In cats, calicivirus is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can cause fever, mouth ulcers, and other symptoms. Given how easily this virus spreads among cats, vaccination is advised in order to avoid infection. Your cat will carry the virus if your cat has previously had calicivirus, but the vaccination is thought to help prevent symptoms from reoccurring.

Infections with the feline calicivirus and feline rhinotracheitis virus are fairly widespread in India. They spread very easily. Furthermore, these viral infections in young kittens can be fatal. Kittens typically contract these viral infections from breeders or catteries.

Some common symptoms to identify if your cat has calicivirus are:

• Difficulty in breathing
• Eye discharge – watery eyes or pus discharge
• Coughing
• Sneezing constantly
• Throat congestion
• Breathing through mouth
• Nasal blockage

FELINE VIRAL RHINOTRACHEITIS (FVR)

The FVR is another respiratory disease that all cat parents should be aware of! This respiratory condition is associated with feline herpesvirus type-1. Conjunctivitis, or “pink eye,” is the most frequent symptom of this virus, which is defined as inflamed eye tissue. Among other symptoms, it can also result in severe upper respiratory issues, such as discharge, sneezing, and corneal ulcers.

Cats can spread the virus to one another through their saliva or secretions from their eyes or noses. It is not transmissible to other animals. A cat that contracts this virus becomes a carrier, meaning that it could resurface at any time. Vaccinations against feline viral rhinotracheitis significantly reduce the likelihood that your cat will contract the virus, though they are not a 100% reliable defense against it.

OTHER CAT VACCINES TO CONSIDER

The following vaccinations are not necessary for cats, but depending on your cat’s lifestyle, some of them may still be a good idea. Your cat won’t require as many vaccinations as a cat who spends a lot of time outside if he stays inside all the time and doesn’t interact with other animals or cats. In the end, the best way to find out which vaccinations your cat needs is to consult your veterinarian.

FELINE LEUKEMIA

A contagious disease that damages your cat’s immune system and results in cancer is called feline leukemia. Cat bites, scratches, and general contact with an infected cat can spread this disease to other cats. FeLV has no known cure.

However, it can be controlled with medication. Your cat may become infected if it comes into contact with other cats. To find out if vaccinating against FeLV is appropriate for your cat’s lifestyle, speak with your veterinarian.

FELINE AIDS

The immunological system of your cat may become seriously weakened by the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), also known as Feline Aids. Although cats that have the virus can still live long lives, it is best to keep them from getting infected in the first place. Cat bites and scratches are how FIV is spread amongst cats.

Your cat is unlikely to be infected if it spends all of its time indoors, so the vaccination might be unnecessary. But if your cat enjoys going outside, think about giving it this vaccination to protect it from FIV.

BORDETELLA

With this vaccination, cats are shielded from Bordetella bronchiseptica, a bacterium that deteriorates cats’ respiratory systems. Known as “kennel cough,” this illness is commonly transmitted between cats and dogs in confined spaces with less or inadequate ventilation.

It might be a good idea to vaccinate against Bordetella, a highly contagious disease if you board your cat or live in a home with multiple animals. Although it doesn’t usually result in death (although it can in frail or older cats), your pet won’t enjoy this illness.

To sum up, vaccinating cats may seem expensive. But we can guarantee you that the viral diseases affecting cats who aren’t vaccinated cause their parents a great deal more emotional and financial hardship. Remember to get your feline friends vaccinated! Vaccines against viruses that can be fatal or incurable shield our feline companions from harm.

Vaccines for cats are now easily obtained at veterinary clinics. These vaccinations are safe for cats of any age to receive, but the best time to start is when the cat is a young kitten to reduce the risk of infection.

SOME FAQs TO HELP YOU OUT!

Are yearly vaccines really necessary for my cat?
Ans: It is necessary to provide yearly shots to your cat as it helps keep immune diseases at bay and also increases the longevity of your feline creatures (irrespective of nine lives!)

2. Will these vaccines have any side effects?
Ans: Every type of medication, including vaccines, has potential risks. But keep in mind that there are always more advantages to vaccinations than disadvantages. Please inform your veterinarian ahead of time if they have ever experienced negative reactions to any specific vaccines or medications in the past.

3. My cat stays indoors most of the time. Do I still need to administer vaccines to my cat?
Ans: Most indoor cats do not need all of the vaccines, but make sure to administer at least all of the core vaccines without fail.

4. I have just adopted a baby kitten. When should I start giving shots to my kitty?
Ans: It is advisable to start as early as 6-8 weeks for kittens to be vaccinated. If your kitten is more than six weeks old, make sure that you have the vaccination card in place or take it to the local vet to have it checked for deworming and periodic vaccinations. Vaccinations are to be continued till your cat is 16 weeks.

After a year, they need to be boosted again. Every three to four weeks, a series of shots is given. Adult cats typically only require vaccinations once every year or every three years, depending on how long the vaccine’s shelf life is.

5. How to administer vaccines for an older cat?
Ans: Even though older cats may have experienced a greater number of illnesses throughout their lives, immunizations are still beneficial for them. Your cat’s immune system may be weakened and less equipped to fend off illnesses if it is getting older. Consult your veterinarian about the best course of action, but in general, older cats should, if at all possible, receive vaccinations.