If this is your first time owning a cat, you've likely turned to the internet for answers about how to care for your new and precious pet. At SAVA Animal Hospital, we work extremely hard to get you the accurate information you need. Unfortunately, many well-meaning pet parents share material that isn't factually accurate or what your veterinarian would want you to do or know. That's why we've answered the most frequently asked questions about cat vaccinations thoroughly and accurately so that you can get your cat on the path to optimal wellness.
If you're looking for a highly trained veterinarian in Toms River, NJ, we'd love to help you care for your cat and any other pets. The first order of business is to get your cat seen to ensure they have no undisclosed illnesses, so please call us right away at (732) 244-3344.
What exactly are cat vaccinations?
Like any vaccination, a cat vaccination is an injection of a modified version of a pathogen – usually a virus or bacteria – that stimulates an immune response. Hence, the body recognizes the pathogen and fights it off when encountered. You want your cat's body to produce antibodies against that substance if they are exposed to it, so they have some immunity to fight it off more effectively.
Are vaccinations for my cat necessary?
Yes. Certain cat vaccines are necessary, or what we would call core vaccines, which means we recommend them in all cats. That's going to include the rabies vaccine and the core viral vaccine called FVRCP; some individuals call it feline distemper. And then, other vaccines might be necessary based on the lifestyle of your cat, particularly the feline leukemia vaccine.
What cat vaccinations are typically recommended, and what are they for?
- Rabies – This is highly recommended and required by law for all domestic cats in the United States. The rabies vaccination starts when they are a kitten and continues throughout their life.
- Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (FVRCP) – This combination vaccine covers upper respiratory infections common in cats. Since these are viral, they can be inadvertently brought into the home from outside. Even if you have an indoor cat, we recommend protecting them against these viral infections every year.
- Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) – Feline leukemia is spread through close contact between cats, especially through bite wounds, and cats that spend time outdoors are at the greatest risk. The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) recommends that all kittens receive the FeLV vaccine series and a booster at 1 year of age, even if they are expected to remain indoors. Sometimes plans change, and some cats end up going outside—or prove to be talented escape artists—so vaccinating kittens helps ensure they are protected if their lifestyle changes later on.
We recommend these core vaccines at a bare minimum, covering the most life-threatening illnesses and those your cat will most likely be exposed to.
What is the vaccination schedule for kittens, as opposed to adult and senior cats?
Kittens receive their initial vaccines starting at 8 weeks of age. Prior to vaccination, kittens are often tested to ensure they are not already carrying feline leukemia virus (FeLV), which can be transmitted from their mother. FVRCP (distemper) and FeLV vaccines are started at 8 weeks, with boosters given every 3–4 weeks until the kitten series is complete. Rabies vaccination is administered at 16 weeks of age.
After the kitten series, cats receive booster vaccines at 1 year of age. Following that, Rabies and FVRCP vaccines are typically administered every 3 years. Cats that continue to go outdoors should also receive the FeLV vaccine annually.
If an adult cat has never been vaccinated, they will receive their initial vaccines and then return in 3–4 weeks for booster vaccinations. After that, they will follow the standard adult vaccine schedule.
Vaccination remains an important part of preventive healthcare for senior cats. As cats age, their immune systems are not as strong as they once were, making them more vulnerable to illness. Continuing to vaccinate helps maintain protection against serious infectious diseases. Even if your cat is only due for vaccines every 3 years, we still recommend annual wellness examinations. These visits allow us to monitor for age-related changes, detect health problems early, and help keep your cat healthy and comfortable throughout their life.
Are there risks or side effects associated with cat vaccines?
Cat vaccines are very safe, and most cats experience little to no side effects. The most common reaction is mild tiredness for the rest of the day after vaccination. Some cats may also have a temporary decrease in appetite or mild soreness at the injection site. These effects are typically mild and resolve on their own within a day or two.
The more rare side effects are vomiting, diarrhea, severe lethargy, hives, swelling of the face, and, while they aren't very common, they require immediate evaluation. The most discussed vaccine reaction in the cat is called the feline injection site-associated sarcoma. Fortunately, that is extremely rare. Some studies show it's as rare as 0.0001% of the time, but that is always a possibility that's important to consider, which is why we only want to vaccinate as often as we need to keep their immunity up, and no more than that.
If any of those symptoms present, owners should bring their cat back to SAVA Animal Hospital immediately, and future vaccinations will be reconsidered. This is why it's so essential that all cats that can be vaccinated are vaccinated, so the occasional cat that cannot is still protected by other cats in the area being vaccinated.
If my cat is going to strictly live indoors, do they still need to be vaccinated?
Yes, indoor cats still need to be vaccinated, and the rabies vaccination is required by law regardless of your cat being indoors or outdoors. Despite assuming your indoor cat is safe from rabies, infected bats have gotten into homes and bitten cats. Cats can escape out an open door or window and unexpectedly come into contact with another cat or rabid animal. (Another reason microchipping your cat is also always recommended!) While the likelihood is low, it only takes one escape for an unprotected cat to become infected. Vaccinating indoor cats when they're kittens is also crucial because their living environment may change. While you might have adopted the cat while living in a high-rise apartment with minimal opportunity for escape, you might find yourself living in a single-family home with a yard in the future.
Why is it important to avoid missing a cat vaccination?
Vaccines rely on immune memory cells, so when you booster a vaccine, you remind those cells of what this pathogen looks like and how to respond to it. If you miss boosters, your cat no longer has the proper protection and may need to restart the series to ensure adequate protection.
It's also vital that you don't administer vaccines any closer than three weeks apart because the immune system cannot form an anamnestic response and produce adequate antibodies to that second or third set. Conversely, you don't want them to be administered more than six weeks apart. After six weeks, the antibody production will spike and then dwindle to the point that it's almost like starting again.
The AVMA has released its vaccination guidelines for cats, which can also be highly beneficial. At SAVA Animal Hospital, your pet is our priority. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call our team at (732) 244-3344, or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you! Don't forget to follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram.