{"id":12979,"date":"2022-12-19T07:34:40","date_gmt":"2022-12-19T07:34:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/?p=12979"},"modified":"2022-12-19T07:35:02","modified_gmt":"2022-12-19T07:35:02","slug":"cat-vaccine-checklist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/cat-vaccine-checklist\/","title":{"rendered":"Cat Vaccine Checklist: Dos and Don\u2019ts of Protecting Your Kitty"},"content":{"rendered":"

When you get a new kitten, providing the best possible care is undoubtedly your top priority. Among the recommended healthcare steps you should take, vaccination is certainly one of the crucial aspects of your pet\u2019s well-being. You should follow a pre-determined <\/span>cat vaccine checklist<\/span> to ensure you\u2019ve got all the bases covered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cat Vaccine Checklist<\/span><\/h2>\n

There\u2019s a specific distinction to be made between core and non-core vaccinations. The former refers to all the jabs that are deemed necessary and sometimes even required by law. In contrast, the others fall into the recommended category, based on your pet\u2019s current status and living conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Age<\/b><\/td>\nCore Vaccines<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
6 weeks<\/span><\/td>\nFPV + FHV-1 + FCV<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
4\u20136 weeks<\/span><\/td>\nFHV-1 + FCV<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
8 weeks<\/span><\/td>\nFeLV<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Annual<\/span><\/td>\nRabies<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Application<\/b><\/td>\nNon-Core Vaccines<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Follow the label instructions<\/span><\/td>\nFeline Chlamydia<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bordetella<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
FeLV (non-core for cats over the age of 1)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

While there are some general guidelines as to which shots are necessary for feline health, your vet should offer a tailored <\/span>cat vaccine schedule<\/span> for your specific breed. After all, not all felines have the same medical history or immune response, so having a custom plan with specific dates is your best bet for fending off known illnesses.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Vaccines Do Cats Need<\/span><\/h2>\n

Overall, the <\/span>cat vaccination<\/span> requirements are fewer than those for dogs, which means your pet needs fewer jabs to be safe. But even so, knowing what each one is for can give you a clear perspective on your little companion’s overall health and well-being.<\/span><\/p>\n

Core Vaccines<\/span><\/h3>\n

According to the AAHA\/<\/span>AAFP guidelines<\/span>[1]<\/b>, these are the <\/span>required cat vaccinations<\/span> by law in most areas. They\u2019re an integral part of boosting the feline immune system and providing the blueprint to fight off some major threats.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rabies<\/span><\/h4>\n

This contagious disease is normally transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal. It attacks the central nervous system and causes a number of disruptions. The early symptoms during the <\/span>incubation stage<\/span> might be hard to spot, but they become more evident around 2-4 days after exposure.<\/span><\/p>\n

They tend to progress quickly afterward and may include general weakness, difficulty breathing, aggression, <\/span>disorientation<\/span>, excessive saliva production, seizures, and even paralysis. Since there is no direct form of treatment, getting the <\/span>Rabies vaccines<\/span> are the only way to prevent more serious consequences.<\/span><\/p>\n

FVRCP<\/span> Vaccine<\/span><\/h4>\n

Next on the list of immunizations is the <\/span>FVRCP vaccine for cats<\/span>,<\/span> which is <\/span>essentially a three-in-one shot for <\/span>Feline Calicivirus<\/span> (FCV), <\/span>Feline Panleukopenia<\/span> (FPV), and the <\/span>Feline Rhinotracheitis Virus<\/span>, which is also known as herpes (FVR\/FHV-1). All of these are <\/span>infectious diseases<\/span> that may do some serious damage.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, FPV is commonly known as feline distemper or parvovirus, which is a condition that usually starts with seemingly harmless symptoms such as decreased appetite and low energy. But this quickly takes a turn for the worse, as it can lead to fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and even death.<\/span><\/p>\n

On the other hand, FCV is primarily a <\/span>respiratory infection<\/span> characterized by sneezing, <\/span>nasal congestion<\/span>, inflamed gums, fever, and excessive drooling. More severe cases may develop inflammation or <\/span>ulceration<\/span> of the tongue and the inner lining of the mouth. This illness is fatal for up to 60% of felines that show symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n

As for FVR\/FHV-1, or the herpes virus\u2014it\u2019s transmitted through direct contact with an infected animal, whether through sharing food or toys or inhaling droplets from the air. The incubation period is anywhere from two to five days. Symptoms include uncontrollable sneezing, nasal discharge, fever, lethargy, <\/span>sleeping more than usual<\/b><\/a>, and enlarged lymph nodes.<\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span>feline vaccines<\/span> for these conditions have proven to be quite effective in mitigating the symptoms. They prevent the infection from reactivating in the future as well, regardless of the amount of time it remains dormant in the body.<\/span><\/p>\n

FeLV<\/span><\/h4>\n

Also known as the <\/span>leukemia<\/b> virus<\/b><\/a>, this disease is primarily transferred through bodily fluids, including saliva, urine, and feces. It\u2019s worth noting that infection doesn\u2019t always mean that felines will fall ill. In fact, there are plenty of instances where the feline falls into a regressive state and is perfectly healthy for the rest of their lives.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sadly, some kitties aren\u2019t that fortunate. In some cases, after a <\/span>latency period<\/span> lasting months and maybe even years, the disease progresses into one of its associated stages\u2014<\/span>immunosuppression<\/span>, anemia, or lymphoma. This is why the <\/span>FeLV vaccine for cats<\/span> is considered one of the most crucial jabs in the immunization process.<\/span><\/p>\n

The initial dose of the <\/span>FeLV vaccine<\/span> consists of two shots being administered at specific times. But <\/span>cats\u2019 booster shots<\/span> aren\u2019t unusual, with high-risk cases often requiring yearly visits.<\/span><\/p>\n

Non-Core Vaccines<\/span><\/h3>\n

This part of the <\/span>kitten vaccine schedule<\/span> is perhaps the most personalized one. It contains shots deemed necessary for your pet and its particular situation, offering an all-around balanced level of protection. The list of <\/span>recommended vaccines for cats<\/span> is as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n

FIV<\/span><\/h4>\n

The Feline Immunodeficiency Virus targets the immune system, weakening its fundamental defenses and leaving it susceptible to all kinds of illnesses. If your kitty comes into regular contact with other felines, whether at daycare or the vet, you should consider administering the shot just to be safe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Even though the acute period of the infection could happen anywhere from one to three months, the gradual degradation of the immune system and white blood cells can be detrimental in the long run. Felines may develop chronic or recurrent <\/span>conjunctivitis<\/span>, skin rashes and <\/span>allergic reactions<\/span>, and urinary or respiratory tract inflammation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Feline Chlamydia<\/span><\/h4>\n

This illness is caused by a bacteria known as Chlamydophila Felis, which results in chronic conjunctivitis and upper respiratory tract infections. Kittens and younger cats are particularly prone to this infection as their immune systems haven\u2019t fully developed.<\/span><\/p>\n

For the most part, the vaccine is recommended for all felines that spend lots of time at the groomers and kennels or live in a household with multiple cats. The usual clinical signs include watery or yellowish discharge from the eyes, swelling and redness around the same area, and mild sneezing or fever.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bordetella<\/span><\/h4>\n

Finally, the disease that\u2019s commonly referred to as kennel cough results in upper respiratory tract complications in felines that are particularly social with other animals. Any close contact with an infected animal could eventually cause mild sneezing, coughing, discharge from the eyes or nose, and fluctuating fever.<\/span><\/p>\n