CAT VACCINATIONS

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Vaccination helps protect cats from serious infectious diseases and is an important part of preventive care. Vaccination schedules vary according to the cat’s age, health, lifestyle, exposure risk, vaccine type, and previous vaccination history. A veterinarian should determine the appropriate vaccination schedule for each cat.

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CORE VACCINES

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Core vaccines are generally recommended because they protect against diseases that are widespread and can cause significant illness or death.

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FVRCP VACCINE

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What it protects against:

FVRCP is a combination vaccine that protects against three important feline viruses: feline herpesvirus type 1, feline calicivirus, and feline panleukopenia virus.

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FELINE HERPESVIRUS TYPE 1 — FHV-1

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What it protects against:

Feline herpesvirus is a highly contagious virus that commonly affects the upper respiratory tract and eyes. Signs may include sneezing, nasal discharge, eye discharge, conjunctivitis, fever, and decreased appetite. Some cats remain carriers of the virus after infection and may experience recurring signs during periods of stress or illness.

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FELINE CALICIVIRUS — FCV

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What it protects against:

Feline calicivirus is a contagious virus that primarily affects the respiratory system and mouth. It can cause sneezing, nasal discharge, fever, inflammation of the mouth, and painful ulcers on the tongue or gums. Some strains can cause more severe disease.

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FELINE PANLEUKOPENIA VIRUS — FPV

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What it protects against:

Feline panleukopenia is a highly contagious and potentially fatal viral disease. It attacks rapidly dividing cells, particularly those in the intestinal tract and bone marrow. Infected cats may develop vomiting, diarrhea, severe dehydration, fever, weakness, and dangerously low white blood cell counts. Kittens are especially vulnerable.

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When vaccination begins:

The FVRCP series generally begins at approximately 6–8 weeks of age.

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Initial series:

Additional doses are generally given every 3–4 weeks until approximately 16–20 weeks of age, depending on the vaccine and veterinary recommendation. Cats receiving their first vaccination after 16 weeks of age may require one or two doses depending on the vaccine type and individual circumstances.

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Booster and ongoing protection:

Revaccination intervals after the initial series depend on the vaccine used and veterinary recommendations.

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RABIES VACCINE

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What it protects against:

Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the nervous system and can infect mammals, including people. It is transmitted primarily through the bite or saliva of an infected animal.

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Signs & Symptoms:

Signs can include unusual behavior, anxiety, aggression, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, weakness, paralysis, seizures, and progressive neurological deterioration.

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When vaccination begins:

 

The minimum age for vaccination depends on the vaccine product and applicable local laws and regulations.

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Booster and ongoing protection:

Depending on the vaccine and applicable legal requirements, rabies vaccines may provide either one-year or three-year protection.

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Important:

Rabies vaccination should follow the specific vaccine manufacturer's instructions and applicable local laws and regulations.

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FELINE LEUKEMIA VIRUS — FeLV VACCINE

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What it protects against:

Feline leukemia virus is a contagious viral infection that can weaken the immune system and contribute to anemia, other blood disorders, and certain cancers. FeLV is primarily spread through close contact with infected cats, including saliva and other bodily fluids.

FeLV vaccination is considered a core vaccine for kittens and cats younger than one year of age because young cats are more susceptible to serious consequences following exposure. For adult cats, vaccination is considered based on their individual risk of exposure.

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When vaccination begins:

The initial FeLV vaccination series can begin as early as 8 weeks of age.

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Initial series:

Two doses are generally given 3–4 weeks apart.

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Booster and ongoing protection:

A booster is generally given 12 months after the last dose of the initial series. Continued vaccination after that depends on the cat's risk of exposure and the vaccine being used.

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Important:

FeLV testing and FeLV vaccination are separate. A veterinarian may recommend testing for FeLV infection before vaccination.

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RISK-BASED / NON-CORE VACCINES

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Some vaccines are recommended only when a cat's lifestyle, environment, housing situation, or exposure to other cats creates additional risk.

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CHLAMYDIA FELIS VACCINE

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What it protects against:

Chlamydia felis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the eyes and can cause conjunctivitis, eye discharge, redness, swelling, and discomfort. Respiratory signs may also occur.

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When vaccination may be recommended:

The Chlamydia felis vaccine is considered non-core and is not routinely recommended for every cat. A veterinarian may recommend it when a cat has a higher risk of exposure based on lifestyle and environment.

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Schedule:

The schedule depends on the specific vaccine and the cat's individual risk. Vaccination should be determined by a veterinarian.

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BORDETELLA BRONCHISEPTICA VACCINE

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What it protects against:

Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterium that can cause respiratory illness in cats. Infection may result in coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, fever, and other respiratory signs.

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When vaccination may be recommended:

The Bordetella vaccine is considered non-core for cats and may be considered when there is an increased risk of exposure.

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Schedule:

The vaccination schedule depends on the specific product and the cat's risk of exposure. A veterinarian should determine whether vaccination is appropriate.

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CORE AND NON-CORE CAT VACCINES

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Core Vaccines

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Core vaccines are generally recommended because they protect against diseases that are widespread and can cause significant illness or death.

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For cats, core vaccines include:

• Feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1)

• Feline calicivirus (FCV)

• Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV)

• Rabies

• FeLV for kittens and cats younger than one year of age

 

Non-Core Vaccines

 

Non-core vaccines are considered according to an individual cat's lifestyle and risk of exposure.

 

These include:

• FeLV for certain adult cats

• Chlamydia felis

• Bordetella bronchiseptica

 

Not every cat requires every vaccine. Vaccination decisions should be based on the cat's age, health, lifestyle, exposure risk, previous vaccination history, vaccine type, and veterinary assessment.

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Source: American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), 2020 AAHA/AAFP Feline Vaccination Guidelines.