Vaccines for cats are just as important for their wellbeing as they are for humans. Some vaccines are considered core while others may be elective, and certain ones may require boosters to keep them effective. Our veterinarians at Lincoln Animal Hospital at Cypress, CA, will determine which vaccinations are necessary for your feline and provide a schedule that should be followed to keep your cat healthy. Learn more about shots that are required for your cat and when they should receive them below:
Rabies Vaccinations
Rabies is a disease that is fatal, and while many states, counties, and cities make this core vaccine mandatory, there is no statewide mandate for felines. However, it’s recommend to have your cat receive the rabies shot as a part of effective preventative care. Felines ideally receive a single dose at 8 weeks of age, and they will need to be re-vaccinated annually or every 3 years, depending on the vaccine that was administered.
Feline Distemper (Panleukopenia)
Panleukopenia is a contagious disease and can be fatal, especially in kittens. Feline distemper is a core vaccination that kitties can receive as early as 6 weeks of age. This will be repeated every 3-4 weeks until they reach 16-20 weeks of age. One dose is given 1 year after the first series and every 3 years after.
Feline Herpesvirus
Core kitty vaccines, such as the feline herpesvirus shot, prevent feline viral rhinotracheitis, which is a rare but highly contagious respiratory disease. Cats can receive their first dose at 6 weeks old, and just like the distemper shot, they receive boosters every 3-4 weeks until 16-20 weeks with another dose a year after the initial series. They should also be re-vaccinated every three years.
Calicivirus Vaccine
This core vaccination is given around 6 weeks of age along with two boosters every month until they are 16-20 weeks old. After the first dose, another is administered a year later and then every 3 years afterward. This vaccine is intended to prevent a contagious respiratory condition that can cause fever, joint pain, anorexia, and oral ulcerations.
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
Ccats who go outside may contract FeLV, which is contagious and can cause cancer or compromise their immune system. While this is a non-core vaccine, it is still recommended that felines receive the FeLV vaccine. Cats are recommended to get this vaccination at 2 months old, with 2 boosters 3-4 weeks apart and a booster one year later. Unless your cat goes outside frequently, no further vaccination is needed. In addition, high-risk kitties should get a booster annually.
Bordetella
Cats can receive this vaccine as early as 1 month old, and it consists of 2 doses that are one year apart. This non-core vaccination also prevents the contraction and spread of Bordetella, which is a serious upper respiratory disease.
Contact us for an Appointment Today!
To learn more about cat vaccinations and the treatments we offer, contact Lincoln Animal Hospital in Cypress, CA, at (714) 995-9200 today. We would be happy to set you up with an appointment and help your pet live a healthy life free of disease and discomfort with preventative care and emergency services.
