Why, When, and How to Vaccinate Your Cat

Your feline is a part of your family. And to keep your cat happy and healthy it’s important to vaccinate them. Vaccinations are necessary for protecting your fur friend from diseases and can also help keep them tick and flea-free. But what vaccines does your cat need and how often should they get them? Below, Cat in a Flat tells you everything you need to know about the why, when, and how to vaccinate your cat.

Why does my cat need to be vaccinated? 

Why does my cat need to be vaccinated? Regardless of whether your fur friend is an indoor or outdoor cat, it’s important to stay up-to-date with vaccinations. Vaccinating your cat will strengthen their immune system and help their bodies fight off viruses and bacteria. Choosing not to vaccinate your cat is dangerous. Mr Whiskers could fall ill or even die from completely preventable illnesses. 

Feline distemper and cat flu are two such illnesses that can prove fatal. Vaccinating your cat will help prevent these diseases. Rabies is another serious virus that is vaccine-preventable. Even if there’s an unlikely chance of your kitty contracingt rabies, you should still get them vaccinated. Not only is rabies dangerous for your cat, but you and any other pets in your home will be at risk too. And remember, the more kitties that are vaccinated, the less such diseases spread. This translates into a healthier overall feline population!  

Important vaccines for your cat

Staying on top of your fur friend’s vaccines may feel intimidating, but luckily your vet can help! Ask Mr Whiskers’ veterinarian for advice on which vaccines are the most important. At the very least, your kitty should get basic immunization and vaccines against feline distemper and cat flu. However, always consult your vet first to see what they recommend. 

Most common vaccines for cats

• Feline distemper (panleukopenia): This is a highly contagious and life-threatening virus. A vaccine will protect your furry friend against this often-fatal disease.
• Cat flu: This is a virus that, much like human flu, can cause your kitty to suffer from fever and runny nose and eyes. Cat flu isn’t usually serious in healthy felines. However, it can be sometimes fatal in very young kittens, elderly kitties, or cats with other underlying health issues such as diabetes. A vaccine will help keep your kitty healthy! 
• Rabies: This is a very serious viral infection that can affect humans too. If you have an indoor cat, you may not need to vaccinate them against rabies. But always consult your vet first to be sure! 
• Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV): A contagious viral infection that weakens the immune system and can lead to cancer. A vaccine can protect your kitty against it. 
• Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV): FIV is one of the most common infectious diseases among felines. It attacks your kitty’s immune system and leaves them vulnerable to other infections. 
• Chlamydia: This bacterial infection can affect your kitty’s eyes and respiratory tract. A vaccination can protect against it. 
• Bordetella bronchiseptica: This illness can cause coughing, fever, and ocular discharge. In some cases—especially in young kittens, older cats, or felines experiencing great stress—this can develop into a more severe illness and can even be fatal. Vaccinating your cat against it can help prevent this from happening.
• Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP):  This is a fatal disease that is most often seen in young cats under two years old. This contagious illness can be passed on from an already infected feline. Check with your veterinary to see if Mr Whiskers needs this vaccine.

Cat parent tip: Traveling with your kitty can be stressful, even if it’s just a quick trip to the vet. If you’re traveling or moving with your cat, you’ll need to ensure your furry friend is up-to-date on all the necessary vaccines. 

And if you’re going on a trip and don’t want the stress of getting extra travel vaccines for your fur friend, why not hire a cat sitter instead? A trustworthy sitter can alleviate tension for you and Mr Whiskers by providing at-home cat care! 

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Why does my cat need vaccines every year?

Why does my cat need vaccines every year? Once your kitty gets their initial vaccines, you will need to take them to the vet periodically for booster shots. Over time, the protection provided by the first vaccines will wear off, hence the need for booster vaccinations. A booster essentially serves as a reminder to Mr Whiskers’ immune system that it needs to continue to fight diseases. Without boosters, your furry friend will become susceptible to otherwise avoidable illnesses. So, it’s important to stay current with them! 

Booster vaccines are usually required annually, but this can vary depending on the disease and vaccine. Some, such as boosters for cat flu and distemper, your cat will need yearly or every two years. Rabies booster are done every three years, but this can vary from country to country. Always check with your kitty’s vet to make sure you understand how frequently Mr Whiskers needs boosters.

Typical vaccination calendar for cats

Kittens

8 weeks: 

• Cat flu (herpes virus and calicivirus)
• Cat distemper (panleukopenia)

12 weeks: 

• Cat flu booster
• Cat distemper booster
• Rabies (optional depending on risk factor)

16 weeks:

• Feline leukemia virus FeLV (recommended for outdoor cats)
• Rabies (if not given at 12 weeks)

1 year:

• Cat flu booster
• Cat distemper booster
• Rabies booster (if required)
• FeLV booster (if required)

Adult cats

Annual: 

• Cat flu (herpesvirus and calicivirus)
• Cat distemper (panleukopenia)

Every 3 years:

• Rabies (depending on local regulations and risk factors)

Every 2-3 years: 

• Feline leukemia virus FeLV (for outdoor cats)

Lifestyle

Outdoor cats:

If your kitty spends time outdoors, they’re more prone to certain infections and more likely to meet other animals that can transmit diseases. Hence, your furry friend will require a certain set of vaccines. Be sure to let your vet know that your fur friend is an outdoor cat, and they can detail which vaccinations are necessary.

Indoor cats: 

Indoor felines have a lower risk of infection because they don’t spend time outside. However, you should still make sure Mr Whiskers gets the basic vaccines against cat flu and feline distemper. Consult your vet to see if any other vaccinations are necessary. 

Travel: 

• Additional vaccines such as Bordetella or chlamydia may be required.
• Your cat may need a rabies vaccine for travel in some countries, regardless of if your kitty spends time outdoors. 

Are there risks to vaccinating my cat? 

Are there risks to vaccinating my cat? Your kitty may experience some mild side effects post-vaccine. These can include tiredness, slight fever, or swelling at the injection site. Generally, these won’t last more than a few days and more severe side effects are extremely rare. 

However, if your furry friend is vomiting, having trouble breathing, or experiencing diarrhea, you should seek help immediately. Although rare, some felines can have allergic reactions to certain vaccines. Always pay extra attention to your kitty after they get a vaccine and contact your vet if you notice any unusual behavior or have any concerns. 

Best way to prepare your kitty for vaccinations

Taking your kitty to the vet is not a fun prospect for either of you, so it’s important to have the right approach. Make sure you have a proper cat carrier and know how to get your cat inside. A few weeks before your feline’s appointment, set the crate out so Mr Whiskers can smell it. This will help them get used to the carrier. 

On the day of your kitty’s vet visit, give yourself plenty of time to get them in their carrier. Although coaxing your fur friend into a crate can sometime be stressful, make sure you stay calm and speak in a soothing voice. Knowing how to gently roll your cat in a purrito can be helpful if your feline stresses out easily or struggles a lot. 

But get your cat vaccinated!

The idea of getting your kitty vaccinated can be scary. After all, you don’t want to hurt your beloved fur friend. But, like with spaying or neutering your cat, the long-term benefits of vaccines far outweigh any short-term discomfort. Vaccinating your cat will keep them healthy and drastically increase their chances of a long, happy life. And it helps prevent the spread of infectious illnesses and keeps the overall feline population healthier too. A win-win for kitties everywhere!