Here at the Blue Oasis Pet Hospital, we have a care standard that extends from the AAHA-certified Feline Vaccination Guidelines, with a twist for any Tennessee lifestyle differences that might be necessary:
All cats should have the following core vaccines (unless there’s a medical reason not to vaccinate):
- FHV-1 (Feline Herpesvirus)
- FCV (Feline Calicivirus)
- FPV (Feline panleukopenia virus)
- Rabies
Optional vaccinations that might be recommended by your veterinarian:
- FeLV (For Cats over one year)
- Chlamydia felis
- Bordetella bronseptica
Are cat vaccinations necessary?
Yes, cat vaccinations are necessary. Cats are exposed to various viral infections, and vaccinations can prevent them. Vaccinations are incredibly helpful and life-changing for cats that receive them. Cats that don't receive vaccinations may potentially end up with these diseases.
Dr. Noël Lucas
Blue Oasis Pet Hospital
What cat vaccinations are typically recommended and what are they for?
The most common cat vaccines that are recommended include FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia), rabies vaccines, and feline leukemia (FLV) vaccines. There are also vaccines for FIP (feline infectious peritonitis) and FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) available on the market, but they are less common.
What's the vaccination schedule for the three life cycles of a cat?
The three life cycles of a cat are kitten, adult, and senior. The lifestyle of your cat will determine the type of vaccines recommended. Kittens should receive the FVRCP, rabies, and feline leukemia vaccines. Adult cats, especially indoor cats, should receive the FVRCP and rabies vaccines every three years. The feline leukemia vaccine may be added for outdoor cats. Senior cats should still receive vaccinations, but the frequency may be reduced depending on their medical conditions and lifestyle.
Are there risks or side effects associated with cat vaccinations?
Yes, there are risks and side effects associated with cat vaccinations. Some cats may experience an allergic reaction or hypersensitivity to the vaccine, which can cause symptoms such as hives, vomiting, or diarrhea. These reactions are usually acute and occur within the first 30 minutes to 24 hours after vaccination. Other side effects may include tiredness, soreness at the site of the vaccine, or, in rare cases, an injection site sarcoma. However, the benefits of vaccinations generally outweigh the risks.
If my cat's going to live indoors, do they still need to be vaccinated?
Yes, indoor cats should still be vaccinated. The recommended vaccines for indoor cats are the FVRCP and rabies vaccines, given every three years. Cats can still be exposed to upper respiratory pathogens through windows, screens, or air, and rabies can be transmitted by species such as bats. Indoor cats should also see their veterinarian every year for a checkup.
If you have any questions about your cat's vaccinations, please consult your veterinarian or reach out to a pet hospital for more information.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (615) 975-2583 , or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media https://www.facebook.com/BlueOasisPetHospital/, https://www.instagram.com/blueoasispet/
Cat Vaccinations - FAQs
Dr. Noël Lucas
Blue Oasis Pet Hospital
Are all kitten and cat vaccinations necessary?
Yes, the vaccinations that we recommend for cats or kittens are necessary. These include FVRCP, rabies, and leukemia for kittens. As a kitten grows into an adult cat, the vaccine recommendations may change depending on the cat's lifestyle. However, we do vaccinate all cats for these common diseases.
Are core cat vaccinations mandatory?
The only core cat vaccination that is required by law is the rabies vaccine. Upper respiratory or FVRCP vaccines, which protect against pathogens like rhinotracheitis, calice, and panleukopenia, are not legally mandatory but are still considered core vaccinations. These diseases can cause upper respiratory infections, ocular issues, diarrhea, and oral ulcers, so it is important to discuss your cat's lifestyle with your veterinarian and follow their recommendations for vaccinations.
If my cat seems healthy, does the cat still need vaccinations?
Yes, healthy cats should still be vaccinated. Vaccines are safe and effective in preventing serious diseases that cats can contract. In Middle Tennessee, where rabies is still present in the community, it is especially important to protect both your cat and the community by keeping your cat vaccinated according to its lifestyle and age. If you have specific questions about your cat's vaccinations, reach out to your veterinarian or consider visiting Blue Oasis Pet Hospital if you are in the Mount Juliet, Tennessee area.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (615) 975-2583 , or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media https://www.facebook.com/BlueOasisPetHospital/, https://www.instagram.com/blueoasispet/
Cat Vaccinations - FAQs 2
Dr. Noël Lucas
Blue Oasis Pet Hospital
Is it safe to get multiple cat vaccinations at the same time?
Yes, it is safe to get multiple cat vaccinations at the same time. It's not uncommon for a cat or a kitten to receive multiple vaccines during a single visit to the pet hospital. However, the number of required vaccines and any concerns from the pet owner or veterinarian may lead to staging the vaccines and spreading them out more.
Will cats need boosters?
Yes, cats need boosters. The common kittenhood series begins when a cat is 6 to 8 weeks old, with boosters given every 3 to 4 weeks until they are 16 to 20 weeks old. After that, a one-year booster is given, followed by boosters every three years throughout their adult life.
What should I do if I miss one of my cat's vaccine due dates?
If you miss one of your cat's vaccine due dates, don't panic. The amount of time that has passed since the last booster will determine whether your veterinarian needs to start the series over or simply give a booster and advise you on the next vaccine date.
If my cat's vaccinated, is it safe to be around other animals that are not vaccinated?
If you have a young kitten going through their booster series, they may not be fully protected yet. It is not advisable to have them around adult cats with active diseases or upper respiratory infections until the kitten is completely immunized. Typically, a kitten is considered protected two weeks after their final booster and can be around other cats. Adult cats that receive vaccinations are generally just boostering their protection and can be around other cats. However, when in doubt, keep them separated.
If you have any more questions about your cat and cat vaccinations, feel free to consult your veterinarian or a pet hospital.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (615) 975-2583 , or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media https://www.facebook.com/BlueOasisPetHospital/, https://www.instagram.com/blueoasispet/
Cat Vaccinations - FAQs 3
Dr. Noël Lucas
Blue Oasis Pet Hospital
Can my cat have an allergic reaction to a cat vaccine?
Cat vaccinations are a medical procedure, and vaccine reactions can happen, although they are rare.
Can my cat get cancer from vaccinations?
Yes, in very rare situations, there are injection site sarcomas that have been linked to vaccinations. They're rare, occurring in about one out of 100,000 vaccinations, but they are called injection site sarcomas.
Is it safer to opt out of any non-core cat vaccinations?
There are core vaccines and non-core vaccines, and veterinary professionals can advise you on what's core and non-core. Veterinarians will not recommend a non-core vaccine for your cat unless it's necessary for their specific lifestyle. The goal is to minimize the risk of vaccine reactions and any type of harmful events while still protecting cats against the most common diseases they might be exposed to.
What is the Purevax line of vaccines?
The Purevax line of vaccines is a specific vaccine line chosen by some veterinarians, including Blue Oasis Pet Hospital, to minimize the risk of reactions. These vaccines are considered the safest and most effective for cats.
Are certain cat breeds prone to adverse reactions from vaccinations?
No, there is no specific cat breed that is more likely to have a cat vaccine reaction. While some breeds might be more sensitive, it's not an issue with the vaccinations. All cats should be treated the same, and vaccines are considered extremely safe and effective. If your cat has had a vaccine reaction in the past, it's important to have a conversation with your veterinarian to try to minimize that risk in the future.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (615) 975-2583 , or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media https://www.facebook.com/BlueOasisPetHospital/, https://www.instagram.com/blueoasispet/