Does My Cat Need Vaccinations? Key Info Inside!

While vaccination for cats is not an urgent procedure, it is indeed an essential measure to prevent several infectious diseases.

When Should Cats Be Vaccinated?

In the UK, most cats receive their first vaccination at around 9 weeks of age, followed by a second dose at 12 weeks. This initial vaccination series consists of two separate injections, spaced three to four weeks apart. The kitten must be at least 12 weeks old for the second vaccination. Afterward, it's a good practice to vaccinate cats annually, although not all vaccines need to be administered at every visit, as some offer longerlasting protection than others.

Adult cats that have never been vaccinated or have not received a booster shot in at least 15 months may need to restart the primary vaccination series.

Cats require about 10 days after their second vaccination to achieve full immunity. During this time, it's important to monitor your kitten's behavior closely. If you notice concerning symptoms like weakness or vomiting, don't hesitate to contact your veterinarian immediately.

What Vaccinations Should I Give My Cat?

The vaccines given to cats can vary, but most will include protection against serious and common diseases:

Feline Enteritis (FIE), Feline Panleukopenia, and Feline Parvovirus

Feline Herpesvirus (FHV1) and Feline Calicivirus (FCV) Feline Influenza

Feline Chlamydiosis (Chlamydia, Chlamydial Infection)

Feline Leukemia Virus

These diseases are far less common now, largely due to the vaccination programs in place. In countries where routine vaccinations are not common, these diseases are still prevalent and can be fatal.

What Factors Should Be Considered Before Vaccinating?

Veterinarians are often asked whether vaccination is absolutely necessary for cats, or if it's merely a way for veterinarians to make money.

Viruses can change over time (such as the flu), and by regularly vaccinating pets, they can protect against new virus strains that may have emerged years ago.

Vaccines undergo rigorous testing and inspection to minimize the risk of harm to pets, which is why even the safest medications are often used.

Before vaccination, all these diseases were common, and it was only through vaccination that we were able to control them. In areas with low vaccination rates, many of these diseases are still widespread, indicating that they remain a potential risk. It's heartbreaking to see an animal die from a preventable disease, so as a pet owner, it's important to decide whether to vaccinate your pet.

What Are the Side Effects of Vaccination?

Most pets recover well after vaccination.

However, despite the safety and reliability of modern vaccines, they can sometimes make your pet feel very uncomfortable for about 24 hours. Some cats may develop small lumps at the vaccination site, which can cause some pain but should disappear within a few days.

Occasionally, pets may have an allergic reaction, similar to what humans experience, which can be severe and requires immediate veterinary treatment.

Vaccines come in many different forms, and your veterinarian will inform you of the specific formula they use and any potential side effects you might notice.