What Shots Does My Cat Need

Do outdoor cats need shots.

What shots does my cat need. No other medical development has been as successful as vaccination in controlling deadly diseases in 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. Indoor cats should also be vaccinated because the viruses that cause the disease can hitchhike into the house on shoes and clothing. There are a number of non core feline vaccines available but most are not widely recommended.

Core vaccines those recommended for all cats. The feline viral rhinotracheitis calicivirus and panleukopenia vaccinations often come in a combination shot fvrcp which is sometimes called the distemper shot your cat may need extra shots. Kittens can be born with the leukemia virus or cats can get it by bite wounds or other saliva transfer from an infected cat. Rabies is endemic worldwide and the vaccine is recommended for all pet cats.

Vaccination schedule for cats. The final vaccine that we recommend is the feline leukemia vaccine. Like the rabies vaccine veterinarians do recommend that all cats be vaccinated against the feline distemper complex. And non core vaccines those that may or may not be necessary depending on the cat s lifestyle and circumstances.

Indoor cats do need the fvrcp vaccine. As cats age ie greater than 10 years of age they seem to develop some degree of immunity to the leukemia virus. And pet vaccinations like those for humans may sometimes require a booster to keep them effective. These diseases are airborne so every cat needs to be vaccinated against them.

Donna alexander administrator of cook county which includes chicago animal and rabies control says that rabies vaccines for cats should be considered core just as they are for dogs. Core and non core vaccines like people pets need vaccines. Cat vaccinations can be divided into two broad categories. While the rabies vaccine is not listed as a core vaccine by the aafp guidelines it is required by law in most regions.