What Shots Does My Cat Need

Kittens should receive this shot at 6 8 weeks because they are very vulnerable to calicivirus and distemper.

What shots does my cat need. As cats age ie greater than 10 years of age they seem to develop some degree of immunity to the leukemia virus. Core vaccines those recommended for all cats. The fvrcp vaccine is important for all cats including indoor cats because it protects against three viruses that are airborne and spread without cat to cat contact. No other medical development has been as successful as vaccination in controlling deadly diseases in cats.

According to the american association of feline practitioners aafp the core vaccines those that are recommended for all cats are feline panleukopenia virus fpv feline herpesvirus 1 fhv 1 and feline calicivirus fcv as well as rabies. Vaccination schedule for cats. Most of all this vaccine helps your cat s immune system remain ready to respond to these diseases. Indoor cats do need the fvrcp vaccine.

Donna alexander administrator of cook county which includes chicago animal and rabies control says that rabies vaccines for cats should be considered core just as they are for dogs. The feline viral rhinotracheitis calicivirus and panleukopenia vaccinations often come in a combination shot fvrcp which is sometimes called the distemper shot your cat may need extra shots. Kittens can be born with the leukemia virus or cats can get it by bite wounds or other saliva transfer from an infected cat. While the rabies vaccine is not listed as a core vaccine by the aafp guidelines it is required by law in most regions.

The final vaccine that we recommend is the feline leukemia vaccine. These diseases are airborne so every cat needs to be vaccinated against them. Indoor cats should also be vaccinated because the viruses that cause the disease can hitchhike into the house on shoes and clothing. Rabies is endemic worldwide and the vaccine is recommended for all pet cats.

Cat vaccinations can be divided into two broad categories. And pet vaccinations like those for humans may sometimes require a booster to keep them effective. And non core vaccines those that may or may not be necessary depending on the cat s lifestyle and circumstances. Like the rabies vaccine veterinarians do recommend that all cats be vaccinated against the feline distemper complex.