Cat Vaccination Schedule: What & How Often?

Section 1: How Often Should Cats Be Vaccinated?

1. Cats can receive their first dose of the Feline Trivalent vaccine at around 6 to 8 weeks of age. Subsequent doses should be administered every 3 to 4 weeks, totaling three injections for full immunization. After the initial vaccination series, a booster shot is required within the first year, followed by boosters every three years thereafter.

2. If a cat is older than 16 weeks, it will only need two doses of the Feline Trivalent vaccine, with each dose given 3 to 4 weeks apart. Just like with younger cats, a booster shot is necessary within the first year after the initial vaccination, and then every three years after that.

3. The Rabies vaccine can be administered to cats starting at 12 weeks of age. It is typically given alongside the third dose of the Feline Trivalent vaccine or one week apart. According to national regulations, a booster shot is required annually thereafter.

Section 2: What Vaccines Do Cats Need?

1. Core vaccines for cats include the Feline Panleukopenia virus, Feline Herpesvirus1, Feline Calicivirus, and the Rabies vaccine. The combination of these first three is commonly known as the Feline Trivalent vaccine, which is an imported vaccine that is widely used internationally. It protects against feline distemper, calicivirus infection, and infectious rhinotracheitis.

2. Noncore vaccines for cats include the Feline Leukemia virus, Feline Immunodeficiency virus, and Feline Infectious Peritonitis virus. While core vaccines are the most commonly administered, noncore vaccines are also important for some cats.

Section 3: Important Considerations for Cat Vaccination

1. Cats should be vaccinated strictly according to the age guidelines and the vaccine's instructions, and their postvaccination condition should be closely monitored.

2. Prevaccination health checks and deworming are essential. Cats that are sick or weak should not be vaccinated.

3. Even indoor cats that do not go outside should be vaccinated.

4. Cats that are not of the appropriate age for vaccination should not receive it.

5. The living environment of the cat is closely related to the effectiveness of the vaccine, so it's best to administer vaccines during spring or autumn.

Vaccination is crucial for preventing infectious diseases and rabies in cats, as well as enhancing their immune system. Pet owners should take cat vaccinations seriously. If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to consult an online veterinarian.