Whether you’ve adopted a stray, took in a neighbor’s new kitten or have purchased a pedigreed cat, your new feline will need vaccines to ensure they are protected against infections, parasites and diseases throughout their lifetime. This also reduces the risk of your cat spreading those parasites and diseases to other animals and humans.
Below are the implications of not vaccinating your new cat, which vaccines and booster shots they’ll need, vaccine timelines, possible risks and allergies associated with the vaccines, and the recovery times after a vaccination.
Vaccinating a Cat
Immunizations are administered to cats in order to train its immune system to recognize external bacteria and viruses, and to fight them off. This protects them from diseases or death, keeps them healthy and contributes to a higher quality of life.
If your cat is not vaccinated, he or she will be at risk for getting and spreading parasites and diseases.
Implications include the following ailments:
It is important to know which vaccines your new kitten or cat is going to need. Core vaccines are highly recommended for all cats, whereas non-core are recommended based on the cat’s environment and their lifestyle. Below is an expansion of both categories.
Core vaccinations are needed, regardless of the cat’s lifestyle, they include the following:
Kittens and cats alike typically require the same vaccinations, it is the timelines that differ. With this in mind, the FeLV should be administered to kittens between six and eight weeks, though it is optional for adult cats.
Timeframes for general immunizations are as follows:
You may consider getting your cat a core vaccine booster about a week before boarding, traveling or any otherwise stressful conditions.
Unfortunately, immunizations do have potential risk factors which may cause immediate reactions, so please discuss the likelihood with your veterinarian.
Adverse reactions may include:
Allergic reactions may include:
These reactions may be caused by improper vaccination and may result in the failure to, or a delay in, fully immunizing your cat.
You can expect your cat to have a loss of appetite or to be less active for a day or two following an immunization. If they don’t seem to be getting better by the end of day two, please call your veterinarian. Especially if their symptoms worsen.
Cats are exposed to bacteria, viruses and deadly diseases from their surroundings, therefore people and other animals alike can contribute to feline illness.
If you are thinking about getting a new cat, consider their age, previous immunizations and their lifestyle — past and future. This (and your veterinarian) will help you determine which core and non-core vaccines your new kitty will need.
Which viruses can my unvaccinated kitten or cat get?
Cats can get viruses such as Feline Panleukopenia Virus, Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis and Feline Caliciviruses, which are all a part of the Feline Parvo and Distemper complex.
Which vaccines do cats need?
Feline Rabies Vaccine, FeLV and FVRCP (FVR/FHV-1, FCV and FPV). More information about each can be found in the Vaccinating a Cat section above.
How long does it take for cats to recover from vaccines?
It is normal for cats to experience a loss of appetite or inactivity after a vaccine. This typically lasts for about one or two days. If the symptoms are more severe, your cat may have had an adverse reaction to the shot and may need immediate medical attention from your veterinarian.
