Our Los Angeles veterinarians offer insight and advice on why it's important to vaccinate your indoor cat.
What are cat vaccinations?
Several serious Feline-specific diseases afflict many cats every year. To protect your kitten from contracting a preventable condition, it’s critical to have them vaccinated. It’s equally imperative to follow up your kitten’s first vaccinations with regular booster shots during their lifetime, even if you expect Fluffy to be an indoor companion.
After the effects of the initial vaccine wear off, booster shots "boost" your cat's protection against a variety of feline diseases. Vaccine booster shots are given on specific schedules for various vaccines. When you should bring your cat back for more booster shots, your veterinarian can advise you.
Why should I get my indoor cat shots?
Though you may not believe your indoor cat requires vaccinations, many states require cats to have certain vaccinations. The common law, for example, mandates rabies vaccination for cats over the age of six months. Your veterinarian will give you a vaccination certificate in exchange for the vaccinations, which you should keep safe.
When considering your cat’s health, it’s always prudent to be cautious, as cats are often curious by nature. Our vets recommend core vaccinations for indoor cats to protect them against diseases they could be exposed to if they happen to escape the safety of your home.
Cat Vaccines
There are two basic types of vaccinations for cats.
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)
One of the most common causes of upper respiratory infections is this highly contagious and widespread virus. The virus can infect cats for life if they share litter trays or food bowls, inhale sneeze droplets, or come into direct contact. Some people will continue to shed the virus, and FHV infection can lead to vision problems.
Non-core vaccinations are appropriate for some cats depending on their lifestyle. Your vet will provide advice about which non-core vaccines your cat should have. These offer 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.
When should my kitten receive their first shots?
When your kitten is six to eight weeks old, take him or her to the veterinarian for their first round of vaccinations. Following that, your kitten should receive a series of vaccines every three to four weeks until they reach the age of about 16 weeks.
Kitten and Indoor Cat Vaccination Schedule
First 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
When will my kitten need booster shots?
Depending on the vaccine, adult cats should get booster shots either annually or every three years. Your vet will tell you when to bring your adult cat back for booster shots.
Is my kitten protected after its first round of shots?
Your kitten will not be fully vaccinated until they have received all of their vaccinations (around 12 to 16 weeks old). Your kitten will be protected against the diseases or conditions covered by the vaccines once they have received all of their initial vaccinations.
If you’d like to allow your kitten outdoors before they have been vaccinated against all the diseases listed above, we recommend keeping them restricted to low-risk areas, like your own backyard.
What are the potential side effects of cat vaccinations?
The majority of cats will have no adverse reactions to receiving cat vaccines. When reactions do occur, they are typically minor and brief. Keep in mind the following potential negative side effects:
- Lameness
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Redness or swelling around the injection site
- Hives
- Severe lethargy
- Fever
Call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your cat may be experiencing side effects from a cat vaccine. They can help you determine any special care or follow-up that may be required.