A cornerstone of preventive care, vaccinations offer your cat or kitten protection against a number of serious diseases. Here, our Gainesville vets provide a guidline of recommended vaccines and why your cat or kitten needs them.
What shots do cats and kittens need?
There may be variations in schedules due to factors such as pre-existing health conditions and indoor/outdoor living situations. We've provided an approximate schedule below, based on an average indoor cat. Your vet can provide specific information and the schedule they recommend for your unique pet.
Kitten Vaccination Schedule
6 - 10 Weeks
- FVRCP for Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia (also known as feline distemper)
- Rabies vaccine*
- FeLV Feline leukemia
- FIV Booster for Feline immunodeficiency virus
- Feline herpesvirus
- Bordatella
- Chlamydia
11 - 14 Weeks
- FVRCP for Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia (also known as feline distemper)
- FeLV Feline leukemia
- FIV Booster for Feline immunodeficiency virus
15+ Weeks
- FVRCP final booster for Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia (also known as feline distemper)
- FeLV Feline leukemia
- FIV Booster for Feline immunodeficiency virus
Adult Cat Vaccination Schedule
Annually
- Rabies vaccine*
- FeLV Feline leukemia
- Bordatella
Every 3 Years
- Panleukopenia (feline distemper)
- Calicivirus
- Feline herpesvirus
*Rabies: Rabies is 100% fatal. There is no treatment is available, and it's contagious. Prevention is crucial. The rabies vaccination may be required annually or every 3 years, depending on the vaccine used.
Other Vaccinations
Your vet may recommend other vaccinations outside of this list, depending on where you live, your cat's history, risk levels for certain diseases, and other factors. Always follow your vet's recommendation for the best care for your cat or kitten.Possible Side Effects
Most cats will not have side effects from their vaccinations or may experience a brief or minor reaction to the medication. However, if you notice any of the following side effects, contact your vet immediately to determine if other treatment may be necessary.
- High fever
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Immobility or limping
- Lethargy
- Swelling near the area of injection
- Loss of appetite
The Importance of Vaccinations
As a pet-owner, your kitten or cat depends on you to provide care that will help them live long, healthy lives. Vaccinations are a preventive approach to avoid serious, and sometimes fatal, diseases. Prevention is always better than having to treat a disease once your pet has developed it.
Vaccines are important for all cats and kittens, but cats that spend time outdoors may require other specific vaccinations as well. Indoor/outdoor cats can come into contact with other animals, diseases, or parasites that make them vulnerable to more illnesses.
Speak with your vet to determine the right vaccination schedule for your cat or kitten.