What Vaccinations Do My Cats Need?

Do you have a feline companion? If you do, you need to understand the importance of cat vaccines. That is the case even for cats who spend most of their time indoors. 

What Are Cat Vaccinations?

Contrary to what the famous saying suggests, cats do not have nine lives. They can suffer from several severe and deadly conditions. Therefore, you should do everything possible to protect your cat’s health and well-being. 

Cat vaccinations can help protect your kitty from contracting several preventable diseases. It is equally important to follow up a kitten’s first vaccinations with booster shots. That is the case even if you expect your cat to be your indoor companion.

With that in mind, what are cat vaccinations? These are vaccinations applied to felines. They can play a vital role in protecting your cat from various infectious diseases. Some of these diseases can be fatal. Thus, you need to know which vaccinations are best and how often your cat should get them.

Are Cat Vaccinations Necessary?

Many states require cats to get certain vaccinations. When you think about your cat’s health, it is always good to be cautious. After all, cats tend to be naturally curious. That curiosity can increase their exposure to diseases from other pets, their environment, and even their human companions. 

When it comes to pet health, there is no one-size-fits-all healthcare approach. That includes recommendations for preventative care. One of the most contentious debates among veterinarians is cat vaccination recommendations. When you consider the conflicting information, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. 

Even if you are confused, ensure your furry friend has the needed shots. It would help if you kept up with your cat’s booster shots. Whether you have an adult cat or a kitten, your veterinarian should help you understand which vaccinations your kitty needs. That will depend on your cat’s overall health, age, and lifestyle. 

Necessary Cat Vaccinations

Veterinarians recommend certain vaccines for all cats. These vaccines protect against serious diseases such as:

• Feline calicivirus.
• Rabies.
• Feline viral rhinotracheitis.
• Feline distemper.

These vaccines often come in a combination shot. However, your furry companion may need extra vaccinations. Your vet may recommend them depending on how much time your cat spends with other cats, time spent outdoors, and the common diseases in your area. Hence, your cat may need extra shots for conditions such as:

• Bordetella.
• Feline leukemia.

That said, indoor cats are not automatically safe from such diseases. They could still catch the infections from airborne germs coming through a door or window. They may also pick up viruses and bacteria when they spend time in a kennel.

When Should Cats Receive Their First Vaccinations?

It would be best to take your kitten to your veterinarian for their first shots at about six to eight weeks old. Your cat should then receive a series of shots at four-week intervals until they are about four months old.

For more on cat vaccinations, visit Dr. Mike's Affordable Vet Care at our office in Arlington, Texas. Call (817) 663-8160 to schedule an appointment today.