What Shots Does My Cat Need

Like the rabies vaccine veterinarians do recommend that all cats be vaccinated against the feline distemper complex.

What shots does my cat need. No other medical development has been as successful as vaccination in controlling deadly diseases in cats. And non core vaccines those that may or may not be necessary depending on the cat s lifestyle and circumstances. The final vaccine that we recommend is the feline leukemia vaccine.

Kittens can be born with the leukemia virus or cats can get it by bite wounds or other saliva transfer from an infected cat. These diseases are airborne so every cat needs to be vaccinated against them. And pet vaccinations like those for humans may sometimes require a booster to keep them effective.

Rabies is endemic worldwide and the vaccine is recommended for all pet cats. According to the american association of feline practitioners aafp the core vaccines those that are recommended for all cats are feline panleukopenia virus fpv feline herpesvirus 1 fhv 1 and feline calicivirus fcv as well as rabies. Core and non core vaccines like people pets need vaccines.

Indoor cats should also be vaccinated because the viruses that cause the disease can hitchhike into the house on shoes and clothing. Cat vaccinations can be divided into two broad categories. Indoor cats do need the fvrcp vaccine.

Core vaccines those recommended for all cats. There are a number of non core feline vaccines available but most are not widely recommended. Most of all this vaccine helps your cat s immune system remain ready to respond to these diseases.

The fvrcp vaccine is important for all cats including indoor cats because it protects against three viruses that are airborne and spread without cat to cat contact. While the rabies vaccine is not listed as a core vaccine by the aafp guidelines it is required by law in most regions. Kittens should receive this shot at 6 8 weeks because they are very vulnerable to calicivirus and distemper.