Cat Health Advice on Vaccinations - Which Ones Are Needed?

Kittens are particularly susceptible to disease, since their immune systems aren't yet mature enough to ward off the many diseases that can affect their health. That's why kittens should be vaccinated between the ages of 10 and 14 weeks to ensure that the vaccine is effective. A booster shot needs to be performed a year later, then a booster every three years after that.

While there are plenty of vaccines on the market, not all of them are necessary. Some may even pose more problems than the disease itself.

Following are the core vaccinations veterinarians recommend:

Core Vaccines

Feline Distemper:This is given after 10 weeks of age and again at 14 weeks. A booster is required every three years after that.

Feline Herpes Virus Type 1: This is usually given along with the feline distemper shot. Herpes Virus Type 1 and Feline Calicivirus cause some 90% of all upper respiratory infections. This shot doesn't offer complete protection, but it does reduce the severity of the illness.

Rabies: Many states require this vaccination and rabies is far more common in cats than dogs. Cats are especially vulnerable to bites from other animals if you have an outdoor cat.

Non-Core Vaccines

These vaccinations are available, but aren't essential to your cat's health. Before you authorize any of these vaccines, you'll want to discuss them in detail with your veterinarian. The only one that may be required is the Bordatella, which many borders require since it prevents the spread of kennel cough.

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV): This is recommended only if your cat is younger than 16 weeks or spends a lot of time outdoors. After 16 weeks, your kitten's own defense system should protect them from FeLV.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP): The effectiveness of this vaccine is in dispute and is not recommended at this time.

Bordatella: This vaccine is usually administered only if your cat is at risk of infection. However, some boarding facilities require this vaccination.

Chlamydiosis: This vaccination won't prevent the infection, which affects the eye membranes and respiratory tracts of cats. It will only reduce its severity.

Dermatophytosis: This is a vaccine for ringworm and though it is available, it hasn't been proven to prevent the infection or eliminate the fungus from a cat that is already infected.

FIV: This is a relatively new vaccine that is meant to be used against feline immunodeficiency virus, or feline AIDS as it is commonly called. Its effectiveness is still being debated. Your vet will be able to provide you with the latest update regarding Fel-O-Vax, the trade name of the vaccine.

Giardia: The effectiveness of this vaccine is still being debated and is not recommended.

If you have health insurance for your cat, you will want to check it to see which vaccinations are required for you to keep your insurance valid. Some of the policies have stringent requirements.

Finally, remember that you are the ultimate decision maker of which vaccinations you want your cat to have. If you have questions or concerns, be sure to discuss them with your veterinarian. You can never go wrong making an informed decision.

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