Basic Vaccination Schedule for Cats
Cats are wonderful companions that deserve to be protected from diseases and infections. One of the best ways to do that is to follow a vaccination schedule that covers the most common and serious feline illnesses. Vaccines help stimulate your cat’s immune system to produce antibodies that can fight off harmful pathogens. However, not all vaccines are necessary for every cat, and some may have side effects or risks. Therefore, it is important to consult with your veterinarian before vaccinating your cat and to tailor the schedule according to your cat’s age, lifestyle, and health status.
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| Basic Vaccination Schedule for Cats |
Core Vaccines
Core vaccines are those that are recommended for all cats, regardless of their exposure or risk factors. They protect against diseases that are widespread, severe, or transmissible to humans. The core vaccines for cats are:
- Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV): Also known as feline distemper, this is a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease that affects the gastrointestinal tract, bone marrow, and nervous system of cats. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, anemia, and neurological signs. Kittens are especially vulnerable to this disease and may die within hours of infection. The FPV vaccine is usually given as a combination shot with feline herpesvirus-1 and feline calicivirus (FHV-1/FCV).
- Feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1): Also known as feline viral rhinotracheitis, this is a common respiratory infection that causes sneezing, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, fever, and loss of appetite. It can also lead to chronic eye problems and secondary bacterial infections. FHV-1 is highly contagious and can be spread through direct contact, aerosols, or contaminated objects. The FHV-1 vaccine is usually given as a combination shot with feline panleukopenia virus and feline calicivirus (FPV/FCV).
- Feline calicivirus (FCV): This is another common respiratory infection that causes similar symptoms as FHV-1, but may also cause oral ulcers, pneumonia, arthritis, and lameness. FCV is also highly contagious and can be spread through direct contact, aerosols, or contaminated objects. The FCV vaccine is usually given as a combination shot with feline panleukopenia virus and feline herpesvirus-1 (FPV/FHV-1).
- Rabies: This is a fatal viral disease that affects the central nervous system and causes aggression, paralysis, and death. Rabies can be transmitted to humans and other animals through bites or scratches from infected animals. Rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be passed from animals to humans, and is a serious public health concern. The rabies vaccine is given as a single shot and is required by law in most countries.
Non-Core Vaccines
Non-core vaccines are those that are optional and depend on your cat’s risk of exposure to certain diseases. They protect against diseases that are less common, less severe, or not transmissible to humans. The non-core vaccines for cats are:
- Feline leukemia virus (FeLV): This is a retrovirus that causes immunosuppression, anemia, lymphoma, and other cancers in cats. FeLV is transmitted through saliva, blood, urine, or milk from infected cats. It can also be passed from mother to kittens during pregnancy or nursing. FeLV is more prevalent in outdoor cats, stray cats, or cats that live in multi-cat households. The FeLV vaccine is given as a single shot or as a series of two shots, depending on the product.
- Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV): This is another retrovirus that causes immunosuppression, opportunistic infections, and chronic diseases in cats. FIV is transmitted through bite wounds from infected cats. It is more common in outdoor cats, male cats, or cats that fight with other cats. The FIV vaccine is given as a series of three shots, but its efficacy and safety are controversial. Some experts do not recommend this vaccine because it may interfere with the diagnosis of FIV infection, as the vaccine can cause a positive result on the FIV antibody test.
- Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP): This is a fatal disease caused by a mutation of the feline coronavirus (FCoV). FIP causes inflammation of the abdominal cavity, chest cavity, or organs, resulting in fluid accumulation, weight loss, fever, and organ failure. FCoV is transmitted through feces from infected cats and is very common in multi-cat environments. However, only a small percentage of cats exposed to FCoV develop FIP, and the factors that trigger the mutation are unknown. The FIP vaccine is given as a series of two shots, but its efficacy and safety are also controversial. Some experts do not recommend this vaccine because it may not prevent FIP, and it may even increase the risk of FIP in some cats.
- Chlamydophila felis (C. felis): This is a bacterial infection that causes conjunctivitis, nasal discharge, and sneezing in cats. C. felis is transmitted through direct contact with infected cats or contaminated objects. It is more common in young cats, shelter cats, or cats that live in crowded conditions. The C. felis vaccine is given as a series of two shots, but its efficacy and necessity are questionable. Some experts do not recommend this vaccine because it may not prevent C. felis infection, and it may cause adverse reactions in some cats.
- Bordetella bronchiseptica (B. bronchiseptica): This is a bacterial infection that causes respiratory signs, such as coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge, in cats. B. bronchiseptica is transmitted through direct contact, aerosols, or contaminated objects. It is more common in young cats, shelter cats, or cats that live in crowded conditions. The B. bronchiseptica vaccine is given as a single shot or as a nasal spray, but its efficacy and necessity are also questionable. Some experts do not recommend this vaccine because it may not prevent B. bronchiseptica infection, and it may cause adverse reactions in some cats.
Vaccination Schedule
The vaccination schedule for cats depends on several factors, such as the type and brand of vaccine, the age and health status of the cat, the lifestyle and risk factors of the cat, and the recommendations of the veterinarian. However, here is a general guideline to use as a starting point:
- Kittens (up to 1 year of age): Kittens should start getting vaccinations when they are 6 to 8 weeks old until they are about 16 weeks old. Then they must be boostered a year later. The shots come in a series every 3 to 4 weeks. Adult cats need shots less often, usually every year or every 3 years, depending on how long a vaccine is designed to last1.
- 6-8 weeks: FPV/FHV-1/FCV (core), FeLV (core)
- 10-12 weeks: FPV/FHV-1/FCV (core; first or second shot), FeLV (core; first or second shot)
- 14-16 weeks: FPV/FHV-1/FCV (core; second or third shot), FeLV (core; second or third shot), Rabies (core)
- 12 months: FPV/FHV-1/FCV (core; booster), FeLV (core; booster), Rabies (core; booster)
- Adult cats (over 1 year of age): Adult cats need booster shots less often, usually every year or every 3 years, depending on how long a vaccine is designed to last. Some vaccines may need to be administered more frequently, depending on your local laws or your cat’s risk factors. Your veterinarian will advise you on the best vaccination schedule for your cat.
- Every year: FeLV (core; booster), FIV (non-core; booster), FIP (non-core; booster), C. felis (non-core; booster), B. bronchiseptica (non-core; booster)
- Every 3 years: FPV/FHV-1/FCV (core; booster), Rabies (core; booster)
Side Effects and Risks
Vaccines are generally safe and effective, but they may cause some side effects or risks in some cats. The most common side effects are mild and temporary, such as soreness, swelling, or redness at the injection site, lethargy, fever, or loss of appetite. These usually resolve within a few days and do not require treatment. However, some cats may experience more serious or rare reactions, such as allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, or autoimmune diseases. These require immediate veterinary attention and may be life-threatening. Another rare but serious complication of vaccination is feline injection-site sarcoma (FISS), which is a type of cancer that develops at the site of injection. The exact cause of FISS is unknown, but it may be related to inflammation, genetic factors, or the type of vaccine. FISS usually occurs months or years after vaccination and requires aggressive treatment, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation.
To reduce the risk of side effects or complications, you should follow these tips:
- Consult with your veterinarian before vaccinating your cat and discuss the benefits and risks of each vaccine.
- Choose the appropriate vaccines for your cat based on their age, lifestyle, and health status.
- Follow the recommended vaccination