Timetable For Your Cat's Vaccinations

A vaccine is a substance that is made from dead or living pathogens. It is injected into the body through immunization (intranasal versions have also freshly been developed), which causes the body to produce antibodies and, therefore, makes your cat immune to getting the illness in the upcoming.

What vaccines does your cat necessitate, and on what timeline? What are the most common vaccines and what special vaccines may be needed? Find out more about common vaccines, some of the risks, and the appropriate timeframe for getting vaccines to keep your cat healthy.

Vaccines

Some years ago, the VAFSTF (Vaccine-Associated Feline Sarcoma Task Force) published a list of vaccines that were highly suggested for all cats. These included:

†        Feline Panleukopenia Virus Vaccine (aka “Feline Distemper”)

†        Feline Calicivirus

†        Rhinotracheitis AKA Feline Herpes Virus

†        Rabies Vaccine

While the vaccines above are suggested for the health of all cats, others are more treacherous and present a higher risk of bad reactions. For this reason, they are suggested only in definite instances. These vaccines include:

†        Chlamydiosis: suitable for households with multiple cats or where chlamydiosis infections have been established, after vet consultation.

†        Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP): A controversial vaccine, the AAFP (American Association of Feline Practitioners) currently recommends against its use.

†        Bordetella: A recently-approved vaccine is not yet ready for common use, but may be used for multiple-cat environments on a case-by-case basis.

†        Gardiasis: This vaccine is in a like state to that for Bordetella, being too new for universal use but can be approved when disclosure is clinically significant.

There are many different times when vaccination may not be suitable, depending on your cat's health condition. Cats that probably should not be vaccinated include: sick cats (particularly those with weakened immune systems or chronic disease), those receiving cortisone therapy, or kittens under six weeks unless in tremendous conditions. Cats over 10 years old typically do not need booster shots. Finally, it is believed that pregnant queens may experience stillbirths as an effect of some vaccines.

No matter what the condition, always consult a variety of sources and talk with your veterinarian before making vaccination decisions.

Timeline

Kittens are usually first inoculated between six and eight weeks of age. This first round of shots consists of the FVRCP, which can be a three-in-one shot and vaccinates against feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), calicivirus, and panleukopenia virus. A booster round of shots is administered three to four weeks later and booster rounds continue until twelve weeks of age. Rabies shots, however, are not given until twelve weeks of age at the earliest.

If you adopt an older kitten or cat, their initial vaccinations are normally given in one does or two doses that are three to four weeks apart. One dose is given when the vaccine is an MLV, or two doses of a killed virus vaccine are recommended.

Once your cat has been vaccinated, they are usually put on an annual schedule of vaccinations. It is important for you, the pet owner, to keep track of vaccinations. Although your vet's office will keep records and do their best to remind you, it is ultimately your responsibility to ensure your cat's best health.

More recently, pet owners and veterinarians have been forgoing an annual vaccination scheme, due to fears about Vaccine-Related Sarcoma. This condition is most often caused by the rabies or FeLV vaccines. Vaccine-related sarcomas occur when cancerous tumors grow at the site of a vaccination. A small, painless lump often develops at the site of a vaccination; in rare cases, however, it progresses to a sarcoma. Pet owners are encouraged to check a vaccination site for several months after the vaccination, and schedule a vet appointment if the swelling has become a solid lump.

If your cat is an animal that spends all his time inside, forgoing yearly vaccinations may be a chance. However, in general this tactic is not suggested and should only be measured under extenuating circumstances. Even if your cat will not be getting yearly vaccinations, you should still get him in for a check-up and testing. Be sure to carefully research any vaccination-related decisions and discuss the advantages and disadvantages with your veterinarian.