Our Southborough vets understand that it can be tempting it can be to skip vaccinations for indoor cats, since they won't be wondering the neighborhood and fighting with other cats. But it is imperative that you still get your cat vaccinated, even if they're staying home. Today's post will teach you why and when you should get your indoor cat vaccinated.
Vaccines & Your Cat's Longterm Health
Serious diseases spread between cats affect vast numbers of our feline friends every year. To help protect your cat from contracting a serious but preventable condition, it’s critical to begin having your kitty vaccinated right from the time they are just a few weeks old and continue with 'booster shots' on a regular basis throughout their lifetime.
As the name suggests, booster shots “boost” your cat’s protection against a variety of feline diseases after the effects of the initial vaccine wear off. Booster shots for cats are given on specific schedules. Your vet will advise you when to bring your cat back for their booster shots.
But My Cat Stays Indoors
You may not think your indoor cat needs vaccinations, however, in many states all cats must have certain vaccinations by law. For example, many states require that cats over the age of six months be vaccinated against rabies. Once your cat has their shots your veterinarian will provide you with a certificate showing that your cat has been vaccinated as required.
Another important reason to have your indoor cat vaccinated is that indoor cats have been known to sneak out the door when their owner isn't looking. Just a quick sniff around your backyard could be enough for your kitty to develop one of the very contagious viruses that cats are susceptible to.
If your indoor cat visits a groomer or spends time in a boarding facility while you are away from home, vaccines are very important for protecting your pet's health. Wherever other cats have been, there is a chance of getting and spreading viruses - so make sure that your indoor cat is protected.
There are two categories of vaccinations available for pets: 'core vaccines' and 'lifestyle vaccines'. Our Southborough vets recommend that all cats - both indoor cats and outdoor cats - receive core vaccinations to protect them against highly contagious diseases they could be exposed to.
Vaccinations All Cats Should Receive
Core vaccinations should be given to all cats, as they are essential for protecting them against the following common but serious feline conditions:
- Rabies - rabies kills many mammals (including humans) every year. These vaccinations are required by law for cats in most states.
- Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia (FVRCP) - Typically known as the “distemper” shot, this combination vaccine protects against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia.
- Feline herpesvirus type I (FHV, FHV-1) - This highly contagious, ubiquitous virus is one major cause of upper respiratory infections. Spread through sharing of litter trays or food bowls, inhalation of sneeze droplets or direct contact, the virus can infect cats for life. Some will continue to shed the virus, and persistent FHV infection can lead to eye problems.
Lifestyle Vaccines for Some Cats
Non-core vaccinations are appropriate for some cats depending on their lifestyle. Your vet is in the best position to recommend which non-core vaccines your cat should have. Lifestyle vaccines protection against:
- Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia (FeLV) - These vaccines protect against viral infections that are transmitted via close contact. They are only usually recommended for cats that spend time outdoors.
- Bordetella - This bacteria causes upper respiratory infections that are highly contagious. This vaccine may be recommended by your vet if you are taking your cat to a groomer or boarding kennel.
- Chlamydophila felis - Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that causes severe conjunctivitis. The vaccination for the infection is often included in the distemper combination vaccine.
Indoor Cat Vaccination Schedule
Your kitty should receive their first vaccinations - regardless of if they'll live indoors full time or not - when they are around about six to eight weeks old. Following this, your cat should get a series of shots at three-to-four-week intervals until they reach about 16 weeks old.
The recommended vaccine schedule for all cats is the same. When it comes to the differences between vaccinating indoor cats vs outdoor cats it is really just a question of which vaccines are best suited to your cat's lifestyle. Your vet will advise you on which vaccines are best for your cat's lifestyle and location.
Shots for Kittens & When to Get Them
When you bring your kitten in for their first examination, your vet will ask you a series of questions to help us assess your kitten's risk of exposure to various diseases. Then we'll put together a custom prevention plan to suit your kitty's unique needs.
First vet visit (6 to 8 weeks)
- Review nutrition and grooming
- Blood test for feline leukemia
- Fecal exam for parasites
- Vaccinations for chlamydia, calicivirus, rhinotracheitis and panleukopenia
Second visit (12 weeks)
- Examination and external check for parasites
- First feline leukemia vaccine
- Second vaccinations for calicivirus rhinotracheitis, and panleukopenia
- First feline leukemia vaccine
Third visit (follow veterinarian’s advice)
- Rabies vaccine
- Second feline leukemia vaccine
Cat Booster Shots
Depending on the vaccine, adult cats should get booster shots either annually or every three years depending on which vaccinations they received. Your vet will tell you when to bring your adult cat back for booster shots.
Full Protection
Until your cat has received all rounds of their vaccinations, they will not be fully covered. After all of their initial vaccinations have been completed, your kitten will be protected against the diseases or conditions covered by the vaccines.
If you plan to let your kitten outdoors before they have been fully vaccinated against all the diseases listed above, we recommend keeping them restricted to low-risk areas such as your own backyard.
Possible Side Effects From Cat Vaccines
The vast majority of cats will not experience any side effects as a result of getting their shots. If reactions do occur, they are usually minor and short in duration. That said, in rare cases more serious reactions can occur, including:
- Lameness
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Redness or swelling around the injection site
- Hives
- Severe lethargy
- Fever
If you believe that your cat is experiencing side effects from a vaccine, call your vet immediately. Your vet can help you determine if any special care or follow-up is needed.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.