Step-by-Step Guide to Cat Vaccination Method

One, Vaccinations for Indoor Cats: A Necessity for Health Protection

Longterm indoor cats require vaccinations to safeguard both the health of the pet and their owners. It's crucial for cat owners to understand that vaccines primarily serve as a preventive measure, not a treatment. Cats can be exposed to pathogens through accidental escapes, the intrusion of other animals, or even from sources like cat food, water, feeding utensils, and even the air.

Two, Essential Vaccinations for Cats

In 1998, the American Association of Feline Practitioners and the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine released their recommended guidelines: they advise all cats to receive a combination vaccine and a rabies vaccine (both known as core vaccines). The feline distemper, rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus (FVRCP) combination vaccine is a single injection that protects against three diseases: feline distemper, rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus. The rabies vaccine, which is universally applicable to both cats and dogs, is typically administered alongside the FVRCP vaccine to prevent rabies.

Three, Timing and Frequency of Vaccinations for Cats

Puppies should receive vaccinations from around 2 months of age. Kittens younger than 2 months still have antibodies from their mother's milk, and vaccinating them too early can render the vaccine ineffective. The FVRCP vaccine can be administered once the kitten is over 2 months old, followed by two booster shots at intervals of 21 to 28 days. The fourth vaccination should be given one year later. Annual boosters should be administered one month before the vaccine's expiration date.

Four, Precautions Before and After Vaccination

Before vaccination, the cat must be in good health and any parasites should be removed (it's best to avoid administering deworming medication at the same time as the vaccine). The cat should have normal bowel movements for a week after deworming before vaccination. After the third vaccination, it's recommended to bring the cat to the vet for an antibody test to verify the effectiveness of the vaccine and decide whether further boosters are needed. Only when antibody levels are sufficient can the cat develop adequate resistance. During this period, the cat should be kept away from colds, and bathing and blowdrying should be avoided. Pregnant queens should not be vaccinated.

Five, How to Keep Cats Calm During Vaccinations

Most cats are quite cooperative during vaccinations. If a cat meows after being vaccinated, it's important not to rush to comfort it immediately, as this may cause it to meow louder during future vaccinations. Instead, create a supportive and calming environment, as the cat will pick up on your "calm" cues.

Six, What to Do If a Person Is Bitten by a Vaccinated Cat

During the vaccine's immunity period, if a person is lightly bitten or scratched by such a cat, they can simply clean and disinfect the wound. However, if the bite is severe, or if the adult cat's vaccination has expired, the vaccine was not up to standard, or it has expired, it is safer for the person to receive a human rabies vaccine. (If you have been bitten by a dog or cat and the animal did not die within 10 days of the bite, it indicates that the animal did not have rabies in its saliva at the time of the bite.)