What exactly are cat vaccinations?
Cat vaccinations are a formulation, specifically an injection, given to help the body recognize and fight diseases.
Are cat vaccinations necessary?
Cat vaccinations are necessary. The types and amounts of vaccines vary depending on your cat's lifestyle. For indoor cats, certain vaccinations are recommended. If your cat is both indoor and outdoor, or strictly outdoor, different vaccines are advised.
What cat vaccinations are typically recommended, and what are they for?
The recommended cat vaccinations include rabies, which helps prevent the disease from rabid animals and wildlife. The feline combination vaccine, known as FVRCP, is recommended for overall health and is crucial if there is any interaction with other cats. The feline leukemia virus vaccine is essential for cats that interact with other cats, especially those visiting boarding facilities or going outdoors. Even for strictly indoor cats, the risk is lower but still present.
What is the vaccination schedule for cats?
The vaccination schedule for cats varies. For kittens, the first shots are recommended at six to eight weeks of age, spaced out every three to four weeks until they reach 14 to 16 weeks old, totaling three different shots. For older cats, the schedule depends on their previous vaccination history. Some vaccines can last longer than one year, sometimes up to three years, based on age and previous vaccination status.
Are there risks or side effects associated with cat vaccinations?
There are risks associated with any vaccine, primarily soreness and pain at the injection site. At Phoenix Mobile Veterinarians, we use non-adjuvanted vaccines, which are the safest for cats, ensuring the best safety for them.
If my cat is going to strictly live indoors, do they still need to be vaccinated?
Absolutely. Indoor cats still need vaccines because people who go outdoors can bring diseases inside. Additionally, if an outdoor cat approaches a screen door, contact is possible. Thus, certain vaccines are recommended even for strictly indoor cats.
Why is it important to avoid missing a cat vaccination?
It's crucial to avoid missing a cat vaccination because maintaining the recommended schedule ensures optimal immunity levels, just as with all animals and humans. Sticking to the protocol maximizes the effectiveness of the vaccines.
FAQ About Cat Vaccinations
Are all kitten and cat vaccinations necessary?
Not all vaccines are necessary. It really depends on the lifestyle of the kitty cat. If you're going to be strictly indoors, then we recommend the rabies and the feline combination vaccine, which is the FVRCP. If you're going to be outdoors, then we also recommend adding on the feline leukemia virus vaccine.
Are core cat vaccinations mandatory?
They are not mandatory by law. They're strongly recommended by the veterinarian, but they're not mandatory by law, no.
What are the non-core vaccinations and why would my cat need them?
The non-core vaccination that we're going to be talking about primarily in cats is going to be the feline leukemia virus. Feline leukemia virus vaccine is going to be for cats that are interacting with lots of other cats. I don't mean if you just have one cat at home, but if we're going to communal settings, such as boarding facilities or grooming, then we do recommend those kitty cats get vaccinated. Also, if you have an indoor-outdoor cat or if they use the dog door, if there's any possibility they can interact with other cats, then absolutely we're going to want the feline leukemia virus vaccine as well.
If my cat seems healthy, does she still need vaccinations?
Absolutely. Keeping your cat updated on vaccines is one of the best things we can do to maintain and ensure that they stay healthy over the course of their lifetime.
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