Essential Guide to Cat Vaccinations: Protect Your Feline’s Health

Cat vaccines are extremely important for the health and overall wellbeing of your pet. They save your feline companion from many diseases that can prove fatal without the vaccine. Although vaccinations have revolutionized feline healthcare, they do carry some risks. Read further to learn about all you need to know about cat vaccines which can keep your kitty healthy.   

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What are cat vaccines?

Vaccines are made from very small amounts of disease-causing viruses and bacteria. They are generally injected into the cat’s body, but sometimes they can be given through the nose (intranasally).

Despite their minimal quantity, these disease-causing agents stimulate the cat’s body’s immune system to develop the antibodies to fight whichever particular pathogen your feline friend has come in contact with. Due to these vaccines your kitty is able to live a long and healthy life. 

What injections do cats need?

Vaccinations are categorized into two major categories, core and non-core. The vaccines that are considered core (Rabies, FVR, etc.) must be administered to all the felines. They are used to prevent severe contagious diseases that are potentially fatal.

On the other hand, the use of non-core vaccines (FeLV, etc.) is dependent on several factors, like lifestyle and environment. For instance, if your feline companion likes to go outside, the vet may recommend certain vaccines which will reduce the chance of your cat becoming infected if he/she comes in contact with a stray cat carrier of a certain disease.

Common cat vaccinations

According to Pet Central, there are some common vaccines that can be administered to most cats. The most popular among them are discussed below.

Core vaccines for cats

Whether a cat is living indoors or outdoors, core vaccines are necessary to protect him/her from contagious diseases. Although rabies is the only cat vaccine that is required by law (in some states), other core vaccinations are also vital for keeping your pet healthy.  

FVRCP vaccine

This combo vaccine is used to get your cat vaccinated against Feline Panleukopenia (FPV), Feline Calicivirus (FCV), and Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR). All of these diseases are highly contagious and dangerous.