Going to the vet repeatedly over several months for vaccinations, and then for boosters or titers throughout your cat’s life, may seem like an inconvenience, but the diseases that vaccinations will shield our pets from are dangerous but thankfully, mostly preventable.

There are numerous different vaccinations, for so many different illnesses, that it can sometimes be confusing to know which vaccinations cats need and which ones are important but optional. Here is an overview of the diseases that vaccinations will help your pet to avoid.

All cats should receive a vaccination that protects against feline rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus, and feline panleukopenia (FVRCP). These are all diseases that are relatively common and frequently found in the general cat population.

Calicivirus is one of the most prevalent viruses and common causes of feline upper respiratory infections. Protection against all three of these viruses is generally combined into one convenient vaccine.

The vaccinations for FVRCP can be administered at as early as 6 weeks of age. Cats should be vaccinated once every 3-4 weeks until they reach 16 weeks of age or older. However most veterinarians will recommend starting the vaccine at 8 weeks of age, followed by boosters at 12 weeks and 16 weeks old.

Rabies is one of the most crucial cat vaccinations. This is because Rabies is a fatal disease that can affect not only cats but can also be transmitted onto many other animals as well as humans. Your kitten should generally receive a rabies vaccination as early as 12 weeks of age. 

Non-Core Cat Vaccinations

Non-compulsory cat vaccinations include feline leukemia (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), Chlamydophila felis, and feline Giardia vaccines.

The FeLV vaccine is generally recommended by some veterinarians for all cats. The decision is your choice and should be discussed with your vet. Feline leukemia is a viral disease that can be transferred from mother to cat or through close contact with other infected cats. Cats should be tested for FeLV prior to vaccination. Vaccination can begin at eight to twelve weeks of age and requires a booster vaccine repeated three to four weeks later.

The FIV vaccination is reserved for cats at high risk for disease. FIV is a viral disease that is most often spread from cat to cat through bites and scratches. Vaccination for FIV produces a positive FIV test, which causes similar effects to infection. Cats being vaccinated should receive a FIV test prior to vaccination. Vaccination can begin at 8 weeks of age and should be boostered at two- to three-week intervals for a total of three initial vaccines.

  The Chlamydophila felis vaccine is only used in multi-cat environments where the infection is already has a prior existence in the community. Chlamydophila felis causes conjunctivitis and respiratory problems in infected cats. The vaccine can be administered at 9 weeks of age or older, when needed, and should be boostered three to four weeks later.