Clinton Parkway

Vaccines for Cats

How does a vaccine work?

A vaccine stimulates the cat’s immune system to protect itself against disease. When an infectious agent enters the cat’s body, it is recognized as foreign and antibodies are produced to bind to it and destroy it.

CPAH Video on Vaccinations for Your Pet

Do cats get sick from a vaccination?

When vaccines were first used, human patients were actually given a less severe form of the disease, with the idea that it was better to be a little bit sick now rather than a lot sicker later (cowpox to prevent smallpox was an early example). Today’s pet vaccines are attenuated (weakened), killed, or only pieces of the virus and don’t actually transmit the disease.

“If animals could speak, the dog would be a blundering outspoken fellow, but the cat would have the rare grace of never saying a word too much.” – Mark Twain

What about vaccine reactions?

Some cats may have a slight reaction, including a low-grade fever or muscle aches and pain that may last for up to 24 hours. This reaction is more common in kittens. Rarely, cats may develop hives, swelling of the face, or even vomiting. Giving antihistamines at the time of subsequent vaccinations easily prevents this reaction.

What vaccinations do I need for my kitten?

Typically, we will vaccinate your kitten for the following diseases:

• Panleukopenia – sometimes called feline distemper, is common, and can affect cats of any age. The virus can attack many parts of a cat’s body, causing fever, diarrhea, weakness, and death.
• Feline Respiratory Diseases – are easily passed from one cat to another by droplets in the air from coughing or sneezing. Kittens can die from the disease, especially if they get pneumonia. Cats may have watery or sticky discharge from the nose and eyes, nose and mouth sores, inflamed eyes, and fever. Most respiratory diseases are caused by one of two viruses – feline rhinotracheitis virus or feline calicivirus.
• Rabies – is caused by a virus that is shed in saliva and thus transmitted by the bite of an infected animal. The disease attacks the nervous system, resulting in paralysis and death.

How many shots does my kitten need?

Kittens should receive their first series of immunizations at 6 to 8 weeks old, with boosters every 3 to 4 weeks until they are 16 weeks old. Booster immunizations should be repeated in one year to maintain adequate levels of immunity. Thereafter, vaccinations are boostered as needed to protect your pet. Individual adjustments may be made depending on your cat’s risk factors.

What about Feline Leukemia?

Feline Leukemia (FeLV) suppresses the cat’s immune system, leaving it unable to fight off other infections. It is one of the most common causes of deaths in cats today.

Our Recommendations for FeLV Testing and Vaccination:

• All cats should be tested for FeLV.
• All cats that go outdoors should be vaccinated against FeLV.
• We strongly recommend vaccinating all cats in a multiple-cat household if any of these cats go outdoors.
• We do not recommend vaccinating indoor cats.

“It has been the providence of Nature to give the cat nine lives instead of one.” – Bidpai (circa 326 B.C.)