People often become cat parents because of their well-popularized “self-sufficient” nature and low-maintenance care, but cats are just like us: They need routine doctor visits and preventative care.
Some examples of preventative care for cats include dewormers, fecal testing, blood work, urine testing, and, most importantly, vaccines. Continue reading to learn more about the importance of cat vaccines and what you can do to be prepared for your cat’s next shot.
What is the purpose of cat vaccines?
Simply put, vaccines are recommended to help protect cats from various pathogens, or living organisms that can cause disease. Vaccines stimulate the immune system and help it better recognize and fight against common pathogens; this makes the likelihood of cats actually contracting those viruses or bacteria significantly lower. And if cats do get them, it is often much less severe due to the strength of the immune system because of the vaccines. The goal is to help keep your cat healthy, and vaccines are essential in doing this.
What vaccines do cats need? Core and non-core vaccines
Not all vaccines are created equal: there are core and non-core vaccines. A core vaccine is recommended for all cats whereas the recommendation of a non-core vaccine is based upon that cat’s history, location, and anticipated lifestyle.
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) released updated vaccine guidelines for cats in 2020; these associations apply up-to-date research to adjust the recommendations for which vaccines are needed and at what frequency.
Additionally, just like in human medicine, there are different manufacturers creating similar products with the same end goal: protecting your cat from preventable disease. When you take your cat to the vet, they will most likely recommend some variation of the following:
- FVRCP combination vaccine, which covers your cat for Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis or Herpes Virus (FHV-1), Calicivirus (FCV), and Panleukopenia (FPV). There are two main versions of this vaccine: 1 that vaccinates for all three of these viruses and the other that only covers Feline Herpes and Feline Calicivirus.
- Rabies vaccine, which covers your cat for rabies.
- FeLV vaccine, which covers your cat for Feline Leukemia Virus; this is dependent on the cat’s age.
Let’s discuss more in depth what these viruses do and consequently, why it is important to vaccinate against them.
What are cat vaccines protecting them from?
The core and non-core vaccines are protecting cats against various pathogens. Here are the main symptoms caused by those pathogens.
Core vaccine pathogens
FVRCP combination - Feline Herpesvirus-1 or viral rhinotracheitis (FHV-1) symptoms:
- Fever
- Sneezing
- Eye and nasal discharge
- Conjunctivitis
- Lethargy
FVRCP combination - Feline Calicivirus (FCV) symptoms:
- Sneezing
- Eye and nasal discharge
- Conjunctivitis
- Lethargy
- Inappetence
- Lesions in the mouth
- Lameness
FVRCP combination - Feline Panleukopenia Virus, also known as Feline Distemper (FPV) symptoms:
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Inappetence
Rabies Virus symptoms in 3 stages:
- The prodromal stage includes change in temperament and dilated pupils
- Furious rabies (stage 2) includes nervous, irritable, and vicious behavior; muscle spasms; and excessive drooling
- The paralytic stage includes coma and death
Feline Leukemia (FeLV) symptoms (for cats younger than 1 year old):
*FeLV vaccination is considered a core vaccine for all cats less than one year of age and a non-core vaccine for cats one year of age and older that have no potential for exposure to FeLV-infected cats or cats of unknown FeLV status.
- Inappetence
- Weight loss
- Poor coat condition
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Fever
- Pale gums
- Gingivitis
- Diarrhea
- Seizures
- Eye abnormalities
Non-core vaccine pathogens
Feline Leukemia (FeLV) (for cats older than 1 year) *symptoms listed above*
Chlamydia felis (Bacteria) symptoms:
- Sneezing
- Eye and nasal discharge
- Conjunctivitis
- Lethargy
- Inappetence
Bordetella bronchiseptica or Kennel Cough (Bacteria) symptoms:
- Sneezing
- Eye and nasal discharge
- Coughing
What types of vaccines are there?
Sometimes, your cat’s vaccines are given via different methods: some are given up the nose, while others are given underneath the skin or subcutaneously. There are 3 main types of vaccines, and their effectiveness is directly impacted by how they are made and, therefore, how they are given.
- Modified live vaccines have live organisms that are weakened (or modified) so they will not produce disease.
- Inactivated or killed vaccines have genetically modified organisms that have been killed.
- Recombinant vaccines have reorganized and restricted the DNA used to create the vaccines.
The type of vaccine, the age of your cat, and your cat’s vaccine history all play a role in determining when your cat needs their next dose of that vaccine.
Cat vaccine schedule
Many pet parents are confused about keeping up with the cat vaccine schedule. While there is a general schedule for vaccines, knowing when each vaccine is due is not always as simple as following that schedule. Also, kittens have a different vaccine schedule than adult cats.
An adult cat should be getting their vaccines every 1 to 3 years as determined by your veterinarian. This number is variable due to the type of vaccine, whether your cat is getting their vaccines routinely, and your local laws. In some places, vaccines that are being updated on time can be good for 3 years, while in others, it may only be 1 or 2 years. Adult cats should be revaccinated periodically to boost their immune system against those diseases.
Kitten vaccine schedule
While it would be nice to have a simple answer to what kitten vaccine schedules are, they are sometimes complicated with the intention of creating a strong immune system for your beloved kitty.
It is recommended to start vaccines between 6 to 8 weeks of age and repeat them every 3 to 4 weeks until kittens are between 16 to 20 weeks old. Beyond this, the frequency depends on the type of vaccine.
In some FVRCP vaccines, kittens can get a booster at 6 months old and then won’t need that particular vaccine again for 3 years. In other variants of FVRCP, once the kitten has received multiple boosters by 16 to 20 weeks, that vaccine is then good for one year.
In the case of rabies vaccines, it does not have to be given every 3-4 weeks like FVRCP because it can only be given once kittens are 12 to 16 weeks old (depending on the local laws). By that age, they are old enough that the immune response stimulated from that vaccine is enough to not need to be given again for at least a year.
In the case of FeLV vaccines, it is recommended to be given after 8 weeks old and one booster is required 3 to 4 weeks later. After that booster, that vaccine is viable for one year.
Check out the feline vaccination schedule for general practice, courtesy of AAHA/AAFP:
Why do kittens need so many vaccine boosters?
Kittens get vaccines more often than adult cats because their immune systems are weaker. Kittens who are lucky enough to nurse from their mothers get temporary immunity from her, but it only lasts for a few weeks. The exact length of how long that immunity lasts has not been quantified, not to mention that not all kittens get to nurse from their mothers.
Additionally, vaccines are not effective when maternal immunity is still protecting the kitten. So the series of vaccines are given to give each kitten the best chance of building their immune system as their previous immunity is dwindling.
At a typical new kitten vet visit, it will likely be recommended to start with an FVRCP vaccine and an FELV vaccine. In 3 to 4 weeks, you will repeat those vaccines, and if your cat is old enough, they may also get the rabies vaccines.
Depending on how young your kitten was when they got their first set of vaccines, there may be a 3rd visit to administer the FVRCP vaccine again. Some vets prefer to start with FVRCP alone, others prefer not to give FeLV at all. The reality is that the recommendation for each cat is going to be different because it will take into account the risk for your cat in light of their anticipated lifestyle, geographic area, breed, etc. Also, kittens are still not considered fully protected until 10 to 14 days after completing their vaccination series.
If you miss a kitten vaccine booster appointment, you may need to restart the vaccine series or incur the added cost of more vaccine boosters.
This is not to penalize you or your cat: it is because the timing of the vaccines is important to give your kitten's immune system the best chance of effectively fighting disease.
What vaccines do cats need yearly?
Some cats need FVRCP and rabies vaccines yearly, while others need them every 2 to 3 years. Vaccine schedules are not one size fits all; what kind of vaccine was given and previous vaccine history also plays a role in when your cat’s vaccines need to be updated. Plan for annual vet visits and your vet’s office can let you know when your cat needs to be seen again for their next vaccine.
Remember how there are different types of vaccines, some vaccine types have more limited efficacy; this can directly influence whether your cat's vaccine needs to be given every year versus every 2 or 3.
How to budget for vaccines
How much do cat vaccines cost anyway?
Most cat vaccines are going to cost somewhere between $30-$60 dollars each; this does not include the exam or office visit fee that is usually charged to be seen by the veterinarian. Office visit fees often range from $45 to $90.
Kittens and unvaccinated or overdue cats often require vaccine boosters to ensure that their immune system has had enough exposure to be able to mount an appropriate response in the event that your feline friend is exposed to one of these diseases. The best way to avoid extra boosters outside of what is required for maintenance is to ensure to get revaccinated as recommended by your veterinarian.
For adult cats, it is recommended to plan for 1 to 2 vet visits a year with 1 to 2 vaccines per visit. Knowing the estimated costs of vaccines and office visit fees, you can determine how much you would likely be spending and budget for this cost. Also, know that veterinarians are going to recommend other preventative care services such as heartworm, flea, and tick medications, and these come at an additional cost.
The cost of vaccines for a kitten is often higher than the cost of vaccines for an adult cat. This is because kittens often require more vaccine boosters than adult cats. Financially, it is recommended to plan for 2-3 vaccines over 2-3 consecutive vet visits. Many vet offices offer wellness or preventative care plans to spread out the cost of these vaccines and other preventative care services like intestinal parasite testing and spaying or neutering. Additionally, there are many pet insurance options that offer the ability to add preventative care policies as well.
Vaccine side effects
While receiving vaccines can be uncomfortable, most cats do well afterward. There is always a risk for side effects or reactions. Common vaccine reactions include:
- Local swelling or discomfort at the vaccination site
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Inappetence
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Respiratory distress
- Facial or generalized itchiness
- Facial swelling
- Collapse
An uncommon but serious vaccine reaction that can occur with injections is an injection site sarcoma, which is tumor growth at the vaccine's location. While this is rarely seen, veterinarians are very aware of this risk, and many adjustments have been made to avoid it and treat it in instances where it occurs.
How to make a cat feel better after vaccines
So what can be done to make cats feel comfortable after vaccines?
- Avoid touching vaccine sites, as they may be sore
- Provide quiet, cozy places for lounging
- Offer favorite snacks or treats
- Allow your cat to rest
- Ensure that they have access to a clean litter box and water
If you notice any vaccine reactions, call your veterinarian immediately. Some mild reactions are not uncommon and can be monitored with little to no intervention. Other reactions may warrant mild intervention like giving an antihistamine. Consult with your veterinarian to determine if this is best and to confirm their recommendation of medication and dosage. In the event of severe reactions, immediately take your cat to the nearest emergency facility if your veterinary office is closed.
Vaccines are selected and tailored to meet the needs of each cat. Because of this, it can be hard to simplify vaccine schedules, but it is important to remember that cats are healthier because of these shots—so whatever their individual schedule, it is best to follow it to maintain their health and avoid additional vaccines and costs.
FAQs
Does my cat need any more vaccines after they are all up to date as a kitten?
Yes. No vaccines last for life. All vaccines have to be re-administered every 1-3 years depending on your local laws, the type of vaccine they were given, and your veterinarian’s recommendation in light of your cat’s lifestyle.
What vaccines do cats need yearly?
The honest answer is that it depends. Vaccine schedules are not one size fits all because what kind of vaccine was given and previous vaccine history also plays a role in when your cat’s vaccines need to be updated. Plan for annual vet visits and your vet’s office can let you know when your cat needs to be seen again for their next vaccine.
How long do cat vaccines last?
Vaccines in very young kittens are only good for 3-4 weeks until they are 16-20 weeks old. Vaccines in older kittens and adult cats last 1-3 years.
Why do cats not need a booster of the rabies vaccine?
The rabies vaccine cannot be given until at least 12 to 16 weeks of age in most places. Since the kittens are older when receiving this vaccine, the immunity they get from this vaccine is enough until the following year when they need that vaccine again.
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