Vaccinations are a cornerstone of preventive care that provide your cat or kitten protection against many serious illnesses and diseases. Today, our Murfreesboro vets share an outline of recommended vaccines and why your cat needs them.
What shots do cats and kittens need?
While the vaccination schedule your vet recommends for your cat may vary due to factors such as indoor/outdoor living situations and pre-existing health conditions, here is an approximate schedule based on the average indoor cat and the vaccination schedule we practice at Brogli Lane Weaver & Alexander Animal Hospital. Your vet can provide specific information and the schedule they recommend for your pet's unique circumstances.
Kitten Vaccination Schedule
6 - 8 Weeks
- FVRCP for Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia (also known as feline distemper)
- Rabies vaccine*
- Chlamydia
10 - 12 Weeks
- Booster: FVRCP for Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia (also known as feline distemper)
- FeLV Feline leukemia
- Chlamydia
14 - 16 Weeks
- FVRCP final booster for Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia (also known as feline distemper)
- Chlamydia
- Feline Leukemia 2
Adult Cat Vaccination Schedule
Annually
- Rabies vaccine*
- FeLV Feline leukemia
Every 3 Years
- Panleukopenia (feline distemper)
- Calicivirus
- Feline herpesvirus
*Rabies: Rabies is 100% fatal. There is no treatment is available, and it's contagious. Prevention is crucial. The rabies vaccination may be required annually or every 3 years, depending on the vaccine used.
Other Vaccinations
Your vet may recommend other vaccinations outside of this list, depending on where you live, your cat's history, risk levels for certain diseases, and other factors. Always follow your vet's recommendation for the best care for your cat or kitten.Possible Side Effects
While most cats will not experience side effects due to vaccinations or may experience only a brief or minor reaction to the medication, sometimes the following side effects can occur. If this is true for your cat, contact your vet immediately to determine whether other treatment might be necessary.
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Immobility or limping
- High fever
- Lethargy
- Swelling near the area of injection
The Importance of Vaccinations
As a pet owner, your kitten or cat depends on you to provide care that will help them live long, healthy lives. Vaccinations are a preventive approach to avoid serious, and sometimes fatal, diseases. Prevention is always better than having to treat a disease once your pet has developed it.
Vaccines are important for all cats and kittens, but cats that spend time outdoors may require other specific vaccinations as well. Indoor/outdoor cats can come into contact with other animals, diseases, or parasites that make them vulnerable to more illnesses.
Speak with your vet to determine the right vaccination schedule for your cat or kitten.