Cat vaccines made easy

Melissa Evans, LVT, CVT, VTS(ECC) for VetCandy, LLC.

Just like humans, animals need to be vaccinated against common illnesses. Vaccines are designed to trigger an immune response in the body so it will be prepared to fight off future infections. The substances in the vaccine are bits of the virus or bacteria that you are vaccinating against, or fragments of the infectious organism. When these are introduced to the body via the vaccine, the immune system responds by making antibodies against the disease and modifying cells in the body to recognize and target the disease at a later time. That way, if your cat is exposed to the ‘real’ organism her body will recognize it and be able to fight it off quickly and efficiently. 

Vaccines provide immunity against illness and can lessen the severity or prevent an animal from ever catching the disease.

Certain local or state ordinances may require pets to be vaccinated for certain diseases, but there are many other reasons that it is important to vaccinate your pet. Scientific evidence shows that widespread use of vaccines has prevented disease in millions of animals over the last century. Vaccination can protect your pet from certain diseases that could severelyimpair their quality of life or that could be life threatening. Many diseases that we vaccinate against, such as rabies, have no cure and almost always end in death. Especially in homes with multiple pets, vaccination can protect all your furry family members from getting sick. In addition to protecting your pets’ vaccinations save money by keeping your pet from suffering from a preventable illness that may have costly treatments. Vaccines protect humans as well as animals. By getting your cat vaccinated against certain illnesses that they can pass to humans you protect yourself and other humans that come into contact with your cat. 

Are there risks to vaccines?

All of the vaccines that are currently available for your cat have been through extensive testing before being declared safe when administered by a veterinarian. However, many medical treatments have risks and vaccines are no exception. Luckily, the risks associated with vaccines are usually minimal. Some animals have mild vaccine reactions ranging from discomfort at the injection site to hives to vomiting and diarrhea. These side effects usually appear within a few hours of the injection and will only last for a day or two. If your pet shows any reactions after a vaccine, particularly if they appear to be causing discomfort, you should contact your veterinarian immediately for direction. They will be able to tell you if the reaction is a normal side effect of the vaccine and nothing to be overly concerned about or if you will need to have your cat rechecked by a vet. 

If your pet has had a reaction to previous vaccines, even a different type of vaccine, make sure your veterinarian is aware. Your vet may suggest that you and your pet wait in the office for a little while after the vaccine to ensure your pet is ok. 

An uncommon but serious reaction in some cats is the development of a sarcoma at the injection site. A sarcoma is a tumor that develops anywhere from weeks to years after the vaccine at the site of injection.  The reason that these sarcomas occasionally occur is not currently clear, but it is suspected to be related to inflammatory processes related to injection. This is important to understand it is NOT the vaccine itself that is causing the sarcoma it is a reaction to the injection. These sarcomas can happen from any injection given to your cat. The occurrence of these sarcomas is extremely rare and should not deter you from vaccinating your cat. Vaccines protect against COMMON diseases that can be detrimental or fatal to your cat, avoiding vaccination due to an uncommon risk can put your pet in danger. As always, if you are concerned or have questions consult your veterinarian for guidance. 

Which vaccines does my cat need?

There are a number of vaccines that are available for cats, but not every pet needs every vaccine. Vaccines are broken into 2 categories. Core and non-core. A core vaccine is one that all pets should receive. These protect against the most commonly encountered diseases. For cats, those vaccines are rabies, feline calcivirus, feline viral rhinotracheitis (also known as feline herpesevirus) and feline panleukopenia. Non-core vaccines are ones that are considered optional, but can be beneficial to a pet based upon their lifestyle and risk for disease exposure.

When does my cat need to get vaccinated?

Like human children, Kittens need to get their vaccines in a series, and some vaccines need to be given more than once in a short period of time. They then may need to get a booster shot for some vaccines. The reason that young animals need to get a series of vaccines is because of their immature immune system. Kittens get antibodies from their mother’s milk when they are nursing, but this is a short term solution. The first vaccine in a series prepares your pet’s immune system against the disease. The following vaccines produce more and more antibodies to protect her.

The core vaccines are really only 2 shots, so you don’t have to worry about your tiny kitten being stuck too many times! FVRCP is a combination vaccine. The FVR stands for feline viral rhinotracheitis which can lead to severe upper respiratory disease. The C stands for feline calicivirus, another virus which can cause upper respiratory disease. And the P stands for feline panleukopenia, is a highly contagious and highly fatal disease. This shot is given in a series of 3 with the first shot at around 6- 8 weeks old, the next at 10-12 weeks old, the third at 14-16 weeks old and then at 1 year old. Your kitten will then need a booster 1 year after their initial series and then every 1 - 3 years. 

The other core vaccine is rabies. This vaccine not only protects your pet (and you!)  from a disease that is fatal, it is mandated by most local governments. Your kitten’s first rabies vaccine is given at 12-16 weeks old, and is given in a series of two. It can be given at the same time as the combo vaccine. The second injection is given at one year. Similarly, to the combo vaccine your pet will need to get boosters of the rabies vaccine. The first booster is usually given one year after the final series is completed and then every 1 -3 years after that. 3 year rabies vaccines are common, but some local requirements may mandate that pets are revaccinated annually.  In addition, if your vaccinated cat is bitten by a cat (or dog or any animal) with an unknown vaccine status it is recommended that your pet get a rabies booster.

Non-core vaccines come in multiple administration forms. The Bordetella vaccine is administered intranasally. Recommendations for non-core vaccines are 2 doses of initial vaccination 2 - 6 weeks apart. None of the non-core vaccines are recommended for kittens under the age of 12 weeks. The booster recommendations for non-core vaccines are to revaccinate yearly. The decision for which non-core vaccines to give your kitten should be a conversation between you and your veterinarian.

Infectious disease can pose a real threat to cats that are unvaccinated, so vaccines are an important part of keeping your cat healthy. By working with your veterinarian to develop a vaccine protocol that is best for your cat, you can ensure the best quality of life for your pet.