Vaccinating our cat populations have greatly reduced the incidence of serious disease. We follow AAHA guidelines, giving core vaccines to all our patients. There are additional vaccines that may be warranted based on lifestyle to aid in the prevention of serious disease. These options are discussed with pet owners. Our goal is informed owners and healthy pets.
Does my indoor cat need to be vaccinated?
Our veterinarians do recommend vaccines for all cats, whether strictly indoors or going outdoors as well. As pet parents, we can inadvertently bring home a virus to our indoor only pets when visiting other pet-owning friends and family, going to the pet store, veterinary clinic or any other pet-friendly location. There is a by-law in Brantford requiring all pets, outdoors or not, be vaccinated for rabies. Our veterinary team can discuss all the vaccines with you at your appointment.
What is FVRCP and core vaccine for cats?
Core vaccinations include rabies and FVRCP – feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia. These are initially administered within a year and then the FVRCP is on a 3-year rotating schedule, while the rabies vaccine is administered yearly.
The FeLV, feline leukemia virus vaccine, is recommended for any cats that will be going outdoors or will have contact with outdoor cats. The FeLV vaccine is considered a non-core vaccine and is boosted annually.
How often does my adult cat need vaccinations?
Our veterinarians follow all AAHA guidelines in regards to vaccinations for cats. Currently and with proper boosters, we vaccinate our feline friends against rabies on a yearly basis, while the FVRCP vaccine is given every 3 years.
If your cat’s lifestyle shows a need for the FeLV vaccine, then that is also administered on a yearly basis.
Are there any risks associated with vaccines?
While most of our cat patients rarely have any side effects from their vaccines, there are the occasional ones that will pop up. Most commonly reported would be lethargy, occasionally some vomiting or diarrhea and, much more rarely, a small lump at the site the vaccine(s) was given.
