As a pet owner, it is important to be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of vaccinating your cat. While some cats may remain healthy even without being vaccinated, others may not be able to survive without the protection provided by vaccines against diseases like feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).
Why Are Vaccines Necessary for Cats?
As a cat owner, it is crucial to understand the importance of vaccinating your pet. While cats may not be susceptible to the same diseases as humans, they can still become ill and even die from certain infections. Unfortunately, many of these illnesses are severe in cats, including rabies and feline leukemia virus (FeLV).
Vaccinations play a vital role in protecting cats from these potentially dangerous diseases. They prevent the spread of these infections through contact with other animals or humans. Additionally, vaccinations help reduce the number of cases of these conditions in our communities, especially when cats are allowed outside without proper protection against disease transmission factors like fleas and ticks.
Cat Vaccination Schedule
Numerous factors influence the risk that a cat will contract an infectious disease. Your veterinarian will examine the following variables when determining your cat’s immunization schedule:
- Age
- Medical record
- Immunization record
- Exposure to pathogens
- Infection severity
- State laws
- Manufacturer of the vaccine
Discuss your cat’s lifestyle and risk factors with your vet to select a vaccination plan.
General Cat Vaccination Guidelines
Kittens (up to 1 year of age)
6-8 weeks:
- FVRCP
- FeLV
10-12 weeks:
- FVRCP
- FeLV
14-16 weeks:
- FVRCP
- Rabies
- FeLV
One year after the initial series:
- FVRCP booster
- Rabies booster
Adults and Elderly Cats (Over one year old)
- FELV
Every 1-3 years:
- FVRCP
- Rabies
Contraindications for Vaccinating Cats
The following are contraindications to vaccination:
- Cats with known allergies to any components of the vaccine
- Cats who have experienced an allergic reaction to a previous vaccine. If your cat has had a negative response to this vaccine before, please consult your vet before giving another dose.
- Cats who have had a negative reaction to a previous injection; if you suspect it may be due to this vaccine, contact us immediately for further evaluation.
- Pregnant or nursing female cats - it is recommended to wait until after delivery or nursing has ceased before administering any new vaccines.
How often should cats be vaccinated?
Vaccinations are essential for protecting your cat from diseases. According to the American Animal Hospital Association, cats should receive vaccinations annually or as advised by your veterinarian.
Cats can be vaccinated at any time of the year without any adverse reactions. Vaccines are safe and effective for cats of all ages, including kittens who have not completed their vaccination schedule.
Is it safe to vaccinate pregnant cats?
It is not recommended to vaccinate cats during pregnancy due to the low risk of harm to the fetus and the lack of benefits. However, vaccination during lactation may be considered under the supervision of a veterinarian.
Vaccination during lactation (breastfeeding) may be considered but should only be done under veterinarian supervision.
When should a kitten receive its first vaccine?
According to the current CDC guidelines, kittens should receive their first vaccine at 8, 10, and 12 weeks of age.
If your kitten is older than the recommended ages, it is still possible to vaccinate them. However, it is important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best timing for vaccination. If a kitten does not receive all three doses of the vaccine before reaching 16 weeks of age (4 months old), they will not be protected against feline panleukopenia (kitten parvovirus). This disease can be very serious for young cats if left untreated, so it is crucial to have your vet monitor their health regularly during this period – even if they appear to be healthy!
How long does immunity last after vaccination?
The immunity provided by the vaccine lasts for a year or more. Once your cat has been vaccinated, it will not need another vaccination for at least one year. After this time period, it is recommended to administer another round of vaccinations to ensure protection against any remaining diseases that are still common in our area.
What is the cost of cat vaccinations?
At our clinic in Dubai, the cost of cat vaccinations starts at 409 AED, excluding VAT. Please note that this pricing is specific to our facility and may vary depending on the specific vaccinations that your cat needs.