Introduction
It is estimated that over 60% of pet cats in the US are not vaccinated properly or at all, leaving them vulnerable to preventable but potentially fatal diseases like feline distemper. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/vaccination-importance), keeping your cat up to date on core vaccines is an essential part of preventive care. This is true for cats of all ages, even older cats that were vaccinated properly as kittens.
What is Distemper?
Feline distemper, also known as feline panleukopenia virus, is a highly contagious and life-threatening viral disease that affects cats [1]. The virus targets rapidly dividing cells, like those in the gut and bone marrow, causing severe gastrointestinal issues, immunosuppression, and death in kittens and unvaccinated cats [2].
The distemper virus is transmitted through direct contact with an infected cat’s bodily secretions, such as feces, urine, saliva, or nasal discharge. It can also spread on materials like food bowls, shoes, and clothing. The virus is very hardy and can survive in the environment for up to a year if conditions are favorable [3].
Infected cats will show symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and lethargy within 3-5 days. The disease impacts the production of white blood cells, leaving the cat vulnerable to secondary infections. Without treatment, kittens under 5 months old have an 80-90% mortality rate from dehydration or sepsis [4]. However, adult cats have a better chance of survival with supportive care.
Distemper Vaccines
There are several types of distemper vaccines available for cats. The most common is called the FVRCP vaccine, which protects against three viral diseases: feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), calicivirus (C), and panleukopenia (P). This combination vaccine is considered a “core” feline vaccine and is recommended for nearly all cats by veterinary experts (Types of Vaccines).
Distemper vaccines contain weakened or killed forms of the disease-causing viruses. When given to a cat, the vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against those viruses. If the cat is ever exposed to them in the future, the antibodies will help the cat’s immune system mount a faster, stronger response to fight off infection and prevent disease (Feline Distemper Vaccine).
There are a few different types of FVRCP vaccines available. Some contain adjuvants, which help stimulate a stronger immune response. Others are non-adjuvanted. There are also options for intranasal vaccines that are sprayed into the nose rather than injected. The vaccine schedule typically involves an initial series of two or three doses given 3-4 weeks apart, followed by annual booster vaccinations to maintain immunity.
Vaccine Recommendations
Veterinarians recommend a series of kitten distemper vaccines starting as early as 6 weeks old and given every 3-4 weeks until about 16-20 weeks old. This provides protection as maternal antibodies from the mother wane. Kittens should receive at least one booster 1 year after completing the kitten series. Adult cats that received proper kitten vaccinations may only need a distemper booster every 3 years according to the 2020 AAHA/AAFP Feline Vaccination Guidelines.
For older cats with unknown vaccine history, veterinarians typically recommend an initial distemper vaccine followed by a booster 3-4 weeks later. After that, boosters can be given every 3 years. Some vets may recommend annual boosters for geriatric cats over 10 years old or sick cats, however the core vaccines likely provide immunity beyond 1 year according to the AAFP Feline Vaccination Guidelines.
Do Older Cats Need Distemper Shots?
There is some controversy around whether senior cats need to receive annual distemper boosters. Some veterinarians argue that after receiving the full initial kitten series of distemper vaccines, adult cats develop solid immunity that lasts for many years, perhaps even for life. Annual boosters may not be necessary for all cats after a certain age.
According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), kittens need a series of three distemper vaccines at 8, 12, and 16 weeks old to develop protective immunity. After receiving this initial kitten series, the AAFP states that most adult cats may not need boosters more often than every 3 years.
Some vets point to studies showing measurable antibody levels against common feline viruses like panleukopenia for 5-7 years or longer after vaccination. This indicates established immunity may persist even without yearly boosters. The risks of adverse vaccine reactions may also increase in older cats.
However, other vets argue there is not enough evidence to confidently extend intervals beyond 1 year for core vaccines like distemper. They point out that while antibody levels provide some immunity, cell-mediated immunity and immunological memory are also important. More research is still needed to determine optimal revaccination intervals for older cats.
Risk Factors
Though annual distemper vaccines are typically not needed for senior cats, there are some risk factors that may warrant extra shots according to some veterinarians. As cited in the Pawlicy blog:
Senior cats with the following factors may benefit from more frequent distemper vaccines:
- Cats living in shelters
- Cats with outdoor access who are exposed to other cats
- Cats with weakened immune systems
- Cats being boarded frequently
- Cats in multi-cat households
The main consideration is the cat’s potential exposure risk. According to the Wagwalking guide, frequent exposure means higher risk for disease, so extra vaccines may provide peace of mind.
Consult with your veterinarian to determine if your senior cat may need more frequent distemper vaccination based on lifestyle factors and exposure risk.
Making a Decision
When deciding whether an older cat needs a distemper booster shot, have an open discussion with your veterinarian. Here are some steps to take:
1. Review your cat’s lifestyle and medical history. Consider risk factors like whether your cat goes outdoors, has exposure to unvaccinated cats, or has a compromised immune system.
2. Ask your vet about the distemper risks in your local area and your cat’s individual need for ongoing protection based on their recommendations.
3. Discuss whether your cat has completed their kitten vaccine series and has maintained regular boosters in adulthood. Cats with consistent vaccination history have longer-lasting immunity.
4. Consider antibody titer testing to measure your cat’s existing immunity levels, which can help determine if a booster is needed. This may involve an additional cost.
5. Weigh the pros and cons of continued annual vaccines versus the 3-year or even lifelong protocol recommended by recent research.
6. Work with your vet to make the right decision for your individual cat, their health needs, and your cat parenting peace of mind.
Alternatives to Annual Vaccines
For low-risk cats living indoors, there are some alternatives to getting annual vaccine boosters that may provide adequate protection:
- Get the core vaccines as a kitten, with a booster 1 year later, then re-vaccinate every 3 years. Studies show immunity can last 5-7 years or more for core vaccines like rabies, FVRCP, and FeLV (source: https://catinfo.org/vaccines-for-cats-we-need-to-stop-overvaccinating/).
- Test antibody levels before boosting to determine if immunity is still present from previous vaccines (source: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/vaccines-for-cats).
- Focus on rabies vaccine every 1-3 years as required by law, and forego other vaccines.
- Provide preventive care through nutrition, dental care, parasite control, and vet visits to keep the immune system strong.
Work with your vet to determine the right vaccine schedule for your individual cat based on lifestyle, risk factors, and local regulations.
Signs of Distemper
Cats infected with distemper may show a variety of symptoms. According to WebMD, common signs of feline distemper include:
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Severe, bloody diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Rough, unkempt coat
- Pale gums or conjunctivitis (inflammation of the membranes around the eyes)
According to the Canine Journal, other symptoms may include discharge from the nose and eyes, tremors, seizures, and uncoordinated movements. In the later stages, cats may also develop pneumonia or neurological issues. Owners should monitor their cat closely for any of these signs and contact their veterinarian immediately if distemper is suspected.
Conclusion
To summarize, the distemper vaccine is vital for kittens but its necessity for adult cats depends on various factors. Indoor cats are at lower risk compared to outdoor cats and may not need yearly boosters. However, older cats with weakened immune systems or exposure risks may still benefit from the vaccine. Discuss your cat’s lifestyle and medical history with your vet to determine if distemper shots are recommended past kittenhood. The core vaccines like distemper provide important disease protection. But cats can also stay healthy through regular vet checkups, proper nutrition, stress reduction and safe access to the outdoors. Focus on preventative care tailored to your cat’s individual needs.
