Cats are susceptible to various transmissible viruses and illnesses that can range from mild and chronic to rapidly fatal. Fortunately, vaccines can simply and effectively protect against most of these common health threats.

To help you understand exactly what happens when your cat is vaccinated, and why these appointments are necessary for lifelong health, the Stanton Pet Hospital team has a simple, need-to-know guide to feline vaccines.

How vaccines protect your cat

Vaccines contain inactivated (i.e., harmless) virus particles that prompt an immune response when introduced (i.e., injected) under your cat’s skin. If the vaccine is the first for a specific virus, the body’s immune system will analyze the harmless virus particles and develop protective antibodies. Then, if your cat is naturally exposed to the virus after vaccination, the immune system can deploy the ready-made antibodies and rapidly eliminate the invading threat.

A booster vaccine challenges or tests the immune system to ensure the desired protective response has not faded and remains strong throughout your cat’s life.

Vaccine safety for cats

Most cats tolerate vaccines well. To minimize undesirable side effects, the Stanton Pet Hospital veterinarians use only the highest safety vaccines and expert-recommended administration techniques. 

Adverse vaccine reactions in cats are extremely rare but may include vomiting, allergic reaction, lethargy, and injection site pain or swelling. Notify your Stanton Pet Hospital veterinarian if your cat experiences illness or pain signs after a vaccination.

Why so many vaccines? The kitten vaccination schedule

First-time kitten owners are surprised to learn that their small-statured feline friend needs several vaccine visits. Kittens are born with a temporary immunity passed down from their mother that fades away as the kitten’s own immune system develops. Vaccines administered when the kitten has protective maternal immunity are ineffective, while a gap in protection can leave the kitten vulnerable to deadly disease. Because knowing when maternal protection has faded is impossible, veterinarians recommend critical vaccines every three to four weeks until the kitten is approximately 16 weeks old.

Your cat’s vaccine protocol

Because cats live vastly different lives (e.g., indoors, outdoors, or both, or single cat or multi-cat homes) and their health-related considerations are unique, your veterinarian will likely customize your cat’s individual vaccine protocol. However, rabies is a public health threat, so the rabies vaccine is required every one to three years. Other vaccinations for cats include:

  • FVRCP vaccine — A combination vaccine that protects against multiple disease strains, including:
  • Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR) — Feline viral rhinotracheitis is an upper respiratory infection caused by herpesvirus type-1. Cats contract the virus through direct contact with an infected cat’s saliva, or eye or nasal discharge, or contaminated objects, such as care supplies, dishes, or toys. Although the virus generally remains dormant in affected adult cats, stress and illness can trigger a flare up.
  • Calicivirus — Calicivirus is another upper respiratory virus and is characterized by classic respiratory signs (e.g., conjunctivitis, sneezing, eye and nasal discharge) and painful oral lesions. Calicivirus spreads rapidly in cats housed in high numbers, such as in shelters and catteries.
  • Panleukopenia (feline parvovirus) — Panleukopenia was once a common cause for unexplained death in kittens, but widespread vaccination efforts have minimized its threat. Panleukopenia attacks body systems whose cells are rapidly growing and dividing, such as the intestines and bone marrow. The virus is spread through direct contact with infected urine, stool, or nasal drainage, and contaminated objects, such as bedding, dishes, and toys. Sadly, affected kittens generally have a poor prognosis, so vaccination is the best protection.
  • Rabies vaccine — Rabies virus is a zoonotic disease, meaning the virus can be transmitted from pets to humans. Rabies in humans cannot be cured once clinical signs appear and is considered a public health threat, so pet vaccination is required in most areas. Rabies transmission most often occurs when pets or humans are bitten by an infected animal, such as wildlife that includes bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes, which are common rabies hosts.
  • Bordetella vaccine — Bordetella vaccination in cats is considered a non-core or elective vaccine that can protect cats against a less common upper respiratory infection similar to kennel cough in dogs. This vaccine may be elective but is required by some cat boarding facilities.
  • Feline leukemia (FeLV) — Feline leukemia is an immunocompromising disease that leads to multiple other conditions, including cancer, blood disorders, and opportunistic infections. FeLV is transmitted by infected cats through contact with contaminated body fluids (e.g., saliva, urine, feces, nasal or eye discharge), but clinical signs may not be obvious for months or years after the initial infection. The disease can also be passed to kittens in utero. Kittens are most susceptible to FeLV, although unvaccinated adult cats are also at risk.  

Does your cat suffer from veterinary stress? Let us help

Have you postponed your cat’s vaccinations and other wellness care because of their behavior before, during, or after a veterinary visit? The Fear Free Certified Stanton Pet Hospital team provides positive, effective one-on-one solutions that decrease feline veterinary stress and anxiety and make the veterinary visit a calm and safe experience for all. Call or contact our team to schedule your cat’s next appointment.