Cat Vaccinations

Cat vaccinations are an important part of preventative medicine. Vaccines allow your pet to avoid many diseases, some of which can be life-threatening. At TLC for Pets, in Reisterstown, MD, we offer cat vaccinations and other preventative care.

Initial Vaccines

Initial vaccines are typically given to kittens when they are 8 weeks old. These include rabies, Feline Distemper (Panleukopenia), Feline Herpesvirus, Calicivirus, Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), and Bordetella.

Vaccine Series

After the initial vaccine, your kitten will need to complete the series for each vaccine. Calicivirus, Feline Distemper (Panleukopenia), and Feline Herpesvirus will be given every 3-4 weeks until your kitten reaches 16 weeks old, which means they should get 4 doses of these vaccines.

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) should be given 3-4 weeks after the initial vaccine.

Booster Vaccines

Most vaccines will be given once a year after the initial series is completed. Rabies may be given either every year or every three years, depending on the vaccine.

Feline Distemper (Panleukopenia), Calicivirus, and Feline Herpesvirus should be given at one year, and then once every 3 years.

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) should be given at one year. In most cases, your cat won't need any further doses. Bordetella should be given once a year.

Core and Non-core Vaccines for Cats

Cats have core and non-core vaccines. Core vaccines are essential for your cat's health and safety. Rabies is required for both dogs and cats by law.

Non-core vaccines are recommended in some cases, but they aren't considered essential. However, your cat may need these vaccines if you plan to use a boarding facility.

Core cat vaccines include Calicivirus, Feline Herpesvirus, Feline Distemper, and rabies are core cat vaccines. Non-core vaccines include Bordetella and Feline Leukemia Virus.

Does My Cat Really Need Vaccination?

The short answer is yes. However, it's helpful to understand the diseases these vaccines prevent.

• Rabies is fatal to cats, and poses a serious danger to humans as well. If a cat with rabies bites a person, the person can get rabies.

• Feline distemper is often fatal, and it is highly contagious. It usually occurs in kittens.

• Feline Herpesvirus causes a contagious upper respiratory infection as well.

• Calicivirus is a very contagious upper respiratory condition. It can cause mouth ulcers, joint pain, fever, and anorexia.

• Feline Leukemia Virus is contracted by contact with infected cats. It can cause immune system issues and cancer.

• Bordetella is highly contagious, and causes an upper respiratory infection. Most cats recover from the disease relatively quickly, but there is a risk of complications.