Introduction
Vaccines help protect cats against diseases caused by viruses and bacteria. They contain small amounts of weakened or killed viruses, bacteria, or other disease-causing organisms. When given to cats, vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies that can provide future protection against those specific diseases.
Some of the most common and deadly feline diseases prevented by vaccination include: panleukopenia (feline distemper), feline leukemia virus, rabies, feline calicivirus, and feline herpesvirus. Vaccinating cats is important to help them live longer, healthier lives. It also reduces the spread of contagious diseases between cats and other animals.
There are core vaccines that all cats should receive, as well as non-core vaccines that may be recommended in certain circumstances. Kittens and cats have different vaccine schedules based on their age and risk factors. It’s important for cat owners to understand what vaccines their cat needs and when they should be administered by a veterinarian.
Kitten Vaccines
Kittens need a series of vaccinations starting around 6-8 weeks of age to protect them against dangerous diseases. The core kitten vaccines include:
Distemper – Also called panleukopenia or “the feline distemper”, this viral infection attacks the gastrointestinal tract and bone marrow. Kittens should receive a series of 3 vaccinations for distemper, starting as early as 6 weeks old and given every 3-4 weeks until around 16 weeks old. [1]
Rhinotracheitis – Caused by the feline herpesvirus, rhinotracheitis causes severe upper respiratory infection. The distemper vaccine provides cross-protection for this disease. [2]
Calicivirus – Another upper respiratory illness, calicivirus is also covered by the distemper vaccine series. [3]
Rabies – Required by law in most jurisdictions, the rabies vaccine is given as a single dose around 12-16 weeks old, with a booster 1 year later. [1]
Some non-core vaccines may be recommended by your vet depending on risk, such as feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Discuss these options with your veterinarian.
Annual Vaccines
Adult cats need to receive certain core vaccines every year to maintain immunity and protection against serious feline diseases like rabies (PetMD, 2022). The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) recommends that all adult cats receive a rabies vaccine annually as mandated by law in most states, territories and provinces (LowCostPetVaccinations). Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease that is transmissible from animals to humans, so keeping rabies vaccination up-to-date is critical for cats going outdoors and for public health.
In addition to the rabies vaccine, indoor adult cats should receive a distemper combination vaccine known as FVRCP annually as recommended by veterinarians (PetMD, 2022). The FVRCP vaccine protects against three upper respiratory infections – rhinotracheitis virus, calicivirus and panleukopenia virus. Though indoor cats are at lower risk, vaccinating annually is important because these viruses can be easily transmitted if an infected cat enters the home. Annual FVRCP boosters will maintain immunity against these dangerous feline diseases that can lead to severe illness if caught by an unvaccinated adult cat.
For adult cats going outdoors, veterinarians may recommend including the feline leukemia virus (FeLV) vaccine annually as well given the risk of exposure. Though immunity from core vaccines can last longer than one year, annual boosters for indoor/outdoor adult cats provide the best disease protection (LowCostPetVaccinations). Regular adult cat vaccines prevent contagious illness, minimize serious health complications, and extend feline life expectancy and quality of life.
Non-Core Vaccines
Non-core vaccines are vaccines that are recommended for some cats based on risk factors like lifestyle, environment, and health status. They are not considered core vaccines which are recommended for all cats (American Animal Hospital Association).
Some of the most common non-core vaccines for cats include:
- Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) – Protects against the contagious retrovirus that suppresses the immune system. Recommended for cats going outdoors or with exposure to other cats.
- Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) – Protects against the feline equivalent of HIV that weakens the immune system. Recommended for cats at risk of bites from infected cats.
- Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) – Protects against the fatal coronavirus that causes FIP. Some vets may recommend for cats in multicat households.
- Chlamydophila felis – Protects against bacteria that causes upper respiratory infections. May be recommended for cats in shelters.
- Bordetella bronchiseptica – Protects against bacteria that causes kennel cough. Recommended for cats boarded frequently.
- Ringworm – Protects against the fungal skin infection. May be recommended for high-risk cats.
These non-core vaccine options provide protection against diseases that some cats may be at higher risk of catching. Consult with your veterinarian to determine which non-core vaccines may be appropriate for your cat.
Vaccine Schedules
Kittens require a series of vaccinations starting as early as 6-8 weeks of age. According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) vaccination guidelines, the recommend schedule for kittens is:
- 6-8 weeks: FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia)
- 9-12 weeks: FVRCP booster
- 12-16 weeks: FVRCP booster and FeLV (feline leukemia virus)
For adult cats, the core FVRCP vaccine should be administered every 3 years per the AAFP guidelines. The FeLV vaccine is recommended annually for cats with outdoor access. Here is a typical schedule for adult cats:
- Year 1: FVRCP and FeLV
- Year 2: FVRCP and FeLV
- Year 3: FVRCP
- Year 4: FVRCP and FeLV
For full vaccination schedules for kittens and adult cats, refer to the PetMD article on cat vaccinations.
Vaccine Brands
There are several major brands that manufacture vaccines for cats in the United States, including some of the top animal health companies like Zoetis, Merck Animal Health, and Elanco Animal Health (Top 10 animal health companies of 2013).
Some of the most commonly used vaccine brands for cats include:
- Nobivac: Manufactured by Merck Animal Health, Nobivac offers both core and non-core vaccine options for cats.
- PureVax: A recombinant vaccine line by Merial that contains no adjuvants.
- Prozinc: Also from Merial, Prozinc is a line of injectable vaccines.
- Fel-O-Vax: From Boehringer Ingelheim, Fel-O-Vax vaccines prevent major feline diseases.
- Vanguard: Zoetis’s vaccine line includes options for FVRCP and FeLV.
- Trufor: A Trufor vaccine from Zoetis helps protect against feline distemper.
Pet owners should consult their veterinarian to determine which specific vaccine brands and formulations may be recommended for their cat based on lifestyle, risk factors, and geographic location.
Vaccine Prices
The cost of cat vaccines can vary depending on the specific vaccine, the vet clinic, and your cat’s age and health. However, some typical price ranges are:
– Kitten vaccinations – For the full series of core kitten shots (FVRCP and rabies), expect to pay $75-$150 in the first year. The initial FVRCP series is usually around $60-$100.
– Adult cat vaccinations – The core FVRCP and rabies shots cost $15-$45 each per year. So budget around $30-$90 annually for an adult cat’s basic vaccines.
– Non-core vaccines – These range from $20-$60 each. Common optional vaccines include feline leukemia (FeLV), $25-$50, and Chlamydia, $20-$30.
– Initial kitten vet exam – When getting your kitten’s first vaccines, there is usually an exam fee of $40-$75.
– Additional fees – Other costs like the office visit fee ($30-$50) and vaccine administration fee ($15-$25) may also apply.
According to Los Angeles Times, low-cost vaccine clinics can offer savings of 20-50% compared to regular vet prices. But make sure the vaccines are administered by a licensed vet.
Vaccine Reactions
Like any medication, vaccines can cause side effects in some cats. Reactions are usually mild and short-lived, but in rare cases can be more severe. According to PetMD, the most common vaccine reactions in cats include:
- Mild soreness, tenderness, or swelling at the injection site
- Lethargy
- Decreased appetite
- Slight fever
More severe reactions are less common, but can include facial swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, hives, itchiness, respiratory distress, and collapse. Reactions usually start within hours of vaccination and resolve within a day or two (PetMD).
If your cat experiences concerning symptoms like facial swelling, trouble breathing, vomiting/diarrhea, or lethargy lasting over 24 hours post-vaccination, contact your veterinarian immediately. With prompt treatment, most cats recover fully from vaccine reactions.
To help avoid reactions, only vaccinate healthy cats and discuss any prior reactions with your vet. You can also request non-adjuvanted vaccines, administer vaccines separately instead of in combination, or pre-treat with antihistamines if your cat has reacted before (Argyle Veterinary Hospital). While reactions can be concerning, the benefits of protection from deadly infectious diseases far outweigh the small risk.
Exemptions
Sometimes cats may not be able to receive certain vaccines due to underlying health conditions. According to the AVMA, exemptions for the rabies vaccine should only be provided with approval from public health authorities upon recommendation from a licensed veterinarian. The rabies vaccine is critically important for public health, so exemptions are very rare. According to the Virginia Department of Health, some medical conditions that may warrant an exemption include animals with a history of severe adverse reaction to a rabies vaccine, animals with a debilitating medical condition, or animals under a treatment protocol with immunosuppressive drugs.
For core vaccines other than rabies, exemptions may be provided more readily if a cat has had a severe adverse reaction to a vaccine in the past. However, the risks and benefits should be weighed carefully, as these vaccines help protect against dangerous diseases like panleukopenia and feline leukemia virus. Any exemptions should be granted judiciously and in consultation with a veterinarian.
Conclusion
To summarize the key points, kittens need vaccines starting around 6-8 weeks of age to protect them from dangerous viruses such as distemper and leukemia. Most kittens require 3-4 rounds of shots at 3-4 week intervals, with a rabies vaccine given around 12-16 weeks of age. Adult cats typically need annual boosters of core vaccines like rabies, distemper, and rhinotracheitis in order to maintain immunity. Optional non-core vaccines may also be recommended based on lifestyle factors. Vaccine schedules can vary slightly by location and veterinarian, but following the guidelines provided by major veterinary health organizations is imperative.
Getting timely vaccinations for your cat is extremely important to protect them from deadly infectious diseases. Unvaccinated cats are at risk of severe illness, permanent disability, and even death from preventable viruses. While mild vaccine reactions can occasionally occur, the dangers of these viruses far outweigh any potential side effects. There are almost no medical reasons to skip or delay core vaccines like distemper and rabies. As a responsible cat owner, following vaccine guidelines is crucial for preserving your cat’s health and safety.