Cat Vaccinations: Protecting Your Feline Friend from Diseases

Admittedly, cats do not need any assistance, and they are very independent, but they are exposed to diseases just as any other animals in their line. The unvaccinated cats are subjected to various health risks which are unknown to them and begin with very contagious viruses, to infections that can be spread to humans. When they get vaccinated, they acquire armor, and their immune system gets stronger because they become immune to severe diseases before they strike.

The vaccinations are an indispensable part of being a responsible pet owner, because either your cat spends most of his time indoors or he prefers outdoor activities, exploring the world. They not only protect the cat’s health, but also assist in the overall safety of other pets and other people who live around them.

Why Are Vaccinations Important for Cats?

Vaccinations are crucial to the longevity of your cat and their health. Specifically kittens are very susceptible during their first few months and vaccines can assist in immunizing against potentially deadly diseases such as panleukopenia or rabies.

The other key factor is community protection. The vaccinated cats prevent the transmission of the infectious diseases in the neighborhoods, shelters, or in the family that consists of many pets. This renders vaccines to be not only necessary to the health of an individual but also to the community of felines in the large sense.

Finally, some vaccines, including rabies, are mandatory in a variety of areas. Leaving them out may jeopardize the health of your cat, besides posing legal problems to owners. In brief, vaccinations will be a long term investment in your pet’s health and safety.

Related Blog: Pet Vaccinations: Complete Guide for New Pet Owners

Types of Cats Vaccines

Similar to dogs, cats also need various kinds of vaccines based on their way of living and the exposure they may have. Vaccines are usually classified into two major types which include core vaccines and non-core vaccines.

• Core Vaccines – These are required to all cats irrespective of their places of residence whether indoors or outdoors. They are against the most contagious diseases that are usually fatal.
• Non-Core Vaccines – These are optional and they are recommended depending on the environment, health of the cat and the risk of exposure.

Whereas core vaccinations are compulsory to all cats, non-core ones are equally beneficial to those cats that may travel, spend time in boarding centers, or live in places where the prevalence of some infections is known. Depending upon the lifestyle and the requirements of your cat, your veterinarian will know the type of vaccines required.

Core Vaccinations Every Cat Needs

Core vaccines are essential since they cover cats against the most threatening and prevalent diseases. These diseases are extremely infectious, deadly, and in other instances, they are also dangerous to human beings. Whatever be the location of your cat, whether indoor or outdoor, these vaccines are said to be vital.

The most fundamental vaccinations a cat ought to possess are the following:

• Rabies Vaccine– This helps in prevention of rabies which is a deadly virus that can attack humans. In the majority of regions it is legalized.
• Feline Panleukopenia (FPV) Vaccine – helps the cats to overcome feline distemper, which is a severe and deadly disease that inhibits the immune system.
• Feline Calicivirus (FCV) Vaccine -It is used to prevent respiratory diseases, oral cancers and arthritis in felons caused by the calicivirus.
• Feline Herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) Vaccine -Prevents sneezing, nasal discharge, and eye infections of feline rhinotracheitis, an infectious, upper respiratory disease.

These types of vaccines can also be delivered in a single injection under the name of FVRCP vaccine ( Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia ), which is the most comfortable to the cat and a person alike.

Non-Core Vaccinations for Cats

Not all cats need non-core vaccines, however, they are suggested depending on the lifestyle, exposure, and environmental risk. An example is such as the outdoor cats, cats which live in multi-pet homes or cats which travel frequently. Although optional, such vaccinations may be essential in the prevention of diseases that otherwise are difficult to control.

The most popular non-core cat vaccinations are as follows:

• Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) Vaccine – The FeLV is transmitted by kittens and cats spending time outside, thus recommended to all of them.
• FIV Vaccine Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) Vaccine – Some defense against FIV, which suppresses the immune system. It is usually recommended to high-risk cats.
• Chlamydophila felis Vaccine -Prevents bacterial infections leading to conjunctivitis and respiratory disease.
• Bordetella Vaccine – This is considered as a must have vaccine in shelters, boarding houses, or in multi cat homes to minimize the chances of respiratory infections in the cat.

The veterinarian will assess the need of these vaccinations in your cat depending on the environment and lifestyle. Core vaccines will be enough to protect most indoor-only cats, although non-core ones will provide an additional level of protection to at-risk cats.

Cat Vaccination Schedule

An appropriate vaccination treatment is the key to protecting your cat against the dangerous diseases. Early weeks in the life of kittens are the most susceptible and this is why vaccines are so critical at this early age. Routine boosters can be used once the initial doses are taken thus sustaining immunity throughout their lives.

The exact timetable can be changed, according to the health and the style of life of your cat, and the recommendations of your veterinarian. Nevertheless, the majority of cats adhere to a time-based schedule that starts at the time when they are a few weeks old. The tailored schedule can be caught up by even adult cats whose vaccination history is unknown.

The following is a general cats vaccination schedule:

• 6-8 Weeks -First FVRCP vaccine (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia).
• 10-12 Weeks -Second FVRCP injection + optional non-core vaccines (such as FeLV against high-risk cats).
• 12-16 Weeks -Rabies vaccine (law in most places) and third FVRCP.
• 1 Year – FVRCP and Rabies booster shot.
• Annually or every 1-3 Years (Lifelong) – Rabies, FVRCP, and non core vaccines should be boosted regularly depending on the recommendation of your vet.

This program will keep your cat protected against life threatening illnesses on a regular basis throughout the lifespan.

Cost of Cat Vaccinations in India

It is not only important to vaccinate your cat but it is also quite cheap than not only the cost of treating serious diseases. The prices may be different depending on which city, clinic, and even whether you are choosing core or non-core vaccines. In most instances, the initial cost of vaccinating the kitten is relatively higher because several doses are paid during the first year, whereas the cost becomes lower after administering booster shots after a year or after every three years.

Knowing the prices also allows the pet owners to make more plans and have them available to take the necessary doses because there is no need to skip on the important dosages just because of the budget.

The average prices in India (might be different by clinic/region) are:

• Rabies Vaccine – ₹300 to ₹500 per dose.
• FVRCP Vaccine (3-in-1) – ₹700 to ₹1,200 per dose.
• Feline Leukemia (FeLV) Vaccine – ₹700 to ₹1,200 per dose.
• FIV Vaccine – ₹800 to ₹1,500 per dose.
• Chlamydophila Vaccine – ₹500 to ₹900 per dose.
• Bordetella Vaccine – ₹500 to ₹800 per dose.

Note: A great number of vets have a kitten vaccination plan, which includes all necessary vaccinations and boosters at a reduced rate, ensuring it is more convenient to control the expense.

Myths About Cat Vaccinations

There is a tendency of fake information being spread quicker than the actual truth when it comes to cat vaccinations. There are numerous myths surrounding the issue of cats being owned by pet families, which deny their pets an opportunity to be safeguarded in due time. It is important to debunk these myths and vaccines are among the most effective preventive measures of keeping your feline safe.

These are some of the most frequently used myths about cat vaccinations:

Myth 1: Cats that live indoors do not require vaccinations.

Although your cat may be kept inside, it is still possible that he/she can be exposed to viruses by an open window, other pets or even humans who may carry pathogens into the house on their clothes, or shoes.

Myth 2: Vaccines can be used to make cats sick.

Immunization is aimed at boosting the immunity of your cat. Although mild side effects such as slight lethargy or soreness at the place of injection can take place, there are extreme health risks, which are very rare.

Myth 3: Cats are vaccinated and they are safe forever.

Vaccination immunity fades away. To ensure long term protection, regular boosters are necessary.

Myth 4: Elderly cats are not supposed to be vaccinated.

Older cats are also susceptible to infections due to weakened immune systems that come with old age. Maintaining the vaccinations is particularly significant to them.

Myth 5: I have natural immunity.

Natural immunity is not so safe. Vaccines give the safe exposure of antigens which is a much more certain method compared to wishing a cat to develop resistance after becoming ill.

Tips for Cat Owners to Manage Vaccination Schedules

It is easy to get lost in keeping up with the vaccination schedule of your cat yet it is very easy to make it simple with a little planning. A good time finally keeps your cat safe the entire time that he or she is alive. Being proactive will help you not to rush at the last moment and contribute to the opportunities of missing doses.

The following are tips that help cat owners to handle the schedule of vaccination:

• Keep a record of vaccination -Keep a small health diary or digital record and include all the dates of vaccination and boosters.
• Set reminders – Get yourself a reminder on upcoming vaccinations either through your phone calendar or pet care app.
• Call your vet– Ask your veterinarian to develop an appropriate vaccination plan, depending on the lifestyle and age of your cat as well as the state of his health.
• Visit to the vet, combine – Make reservations to have your cat vaccinated as well as to check his health regularly to save time and minimize stress.
• Be educated– Stay up to date with any new vaccine information and recommendations by reliable veterinary sources.
• Don’t lose the boosters – Although your cat may not be showing any signs of sickness, it is important to have boosters to sustain immunity.

Related Blog: Does Pet Health Insurance Cover Vaccinations? A Complete Guide

FAQs About Cat Vaccinations

These are some of the concerns of many cat parents in regards to vaccinations. The following are some of the most common questions asked that may aid you to make wise decisions.

Q1. Are yearly boosters necessary for indoor cats?

Yes, indoor cats should have boosters. Their exposure is not as high, though they are still susceptible to some airborne viruses or pathogens that might be introduced by visitors, other pets or even by the windows. Boosters guarantee long term protection.

Q2. When should kittens get their first vaccine?

The primary vaccination on kittens is normally administered at the age of between 6 and 8 weeks. This is followed by a series of boosters at the interval of 3-4 weeks until they are approximately 16 weeks old so that they have good immunity.

Q3. Can cat vaccines cause long-term side effects?

Vaccines are extremely safe in the majority of cases. Slight and transient side effects such as fatigue or minor lump at the place of injection may occur but extreme cases of side effects in the long run are very rare. The risks are insignificant as compared to the benefits.

Q4. How to handle an unvaccinated adopted adult cat?

When you adopt an adult cat and he has no record of vaccination, make a visit to your vet. They will create a catch-up vaccination program that will be specific to your cat and its age, lifestyle, and health status.

Q5. Do vaccines guarantee full protection?

Vaccines decrease the possibility of the disease significantly yet those are not one hundred percent protective. Nevertheless, when an infected cat is vaccinated, the disease is never as severe and quick to cure as it is in an unvaccinated cat.

Conclusion

One of the surest methods to protect the well-being of your cat and make its life longer and happier is to vaccinate the cat. Since the basic vaccines are used to immunize against fatal viruses and the boosters are used to sustain high immunity, each of them is essential to the safety of your feline. 

Being a responsible pet parent is the greatest gift that you can give to your cat, and that is to always be informed and adhering to a vaccination program. They are much better visiting your dentist whenever you are unsure of what to do as they will advise you on the correct path to survive depending on the lifestyle of your cat and health requirements. It is also important to remember that prevention is better than cure.