Vaccinating Your Cat

Vaccinations are a critical component to preventive care for your cat. Thanks to the development of vaccines, cats have been protected from numerous disease threats, including rabies, feline leukemia, upper respiratory viruses, and others. Some of these diseases are zoonotic, meaning they can be passed to humans, so vaccinating your cat helps protect you and your family, too.
Several factors have led to Dr. Ramsey and many other veterinarians recommending reduced frequency of vaccinations, while at the same time tailoring vaccines to specific risk factors. Recent studies have shown that vaccines protect cats for longer than previously believed. There have also been improvements in the type of vaccines produced. Additionally, concerns about vaccine reaction and risk factors may lead to a different vaccine schedule for certain cats.

Frequently Asked Questions about Vaccines

Is vaccinating my cat a risk to their health?

Vaccination against disease is a medical procedure and, like all medical procedures, carries some inherent risk. As in any medical procedure or decision, the benefits must be balanced against the risks. Veterinarians recommend that no needless risks should be taken and the best way to accomplish that is to reduce the number and frequency of any unnecessary vaccines. The choice in type and frequency of vaccines is determined by your cat's age, lifestyle, and potential exposure to infectious diseases.

What possible risks are associated with vaccination?

Vaccine reactions, of all types, are infrequent. In general, most vaccine reactions and side effects (such as local pain and swelling) are self-limiting. Allergic reactions are less common, but if untreated can be fatal. These typically occur within several hours of vaccination. If you notice facial swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, or other symptoms after vaccination, please contact us as soon as possible.
In very rare cases, vaccines can stimulate the patient's immune system against their own tissues, resulting in diseases that affect the blood, skin, joints, or nervous system. Again, such reactions are extremely uncommon but can be life threatening. There is an uncommon possible complication of a tumor developing at the vaccination site in a small number of pets, most frequently cats.

How do I know which vaccines my cat needs?

Your cat's vaccination requirements vary based on if they live indoors only, or if they go outside or live exclusively outdoors.

All cats are vaccinated for Rabies and FVRCP. Outdoor cats and even cats that move between indoors and outdoors should be vaccinated for Feline Leukemia, which is extremely common in our area.

How often should my cat be vaccinated?

To set up lifetime immunity, it is very important that your cat completes the initial series of vaccines administered at the kitten stage, as well as booster shots one year later. Following these one-year boosters, the FVRCP vaccine can be given once every three years. Dr. Ramsey chooses to use non-adjuvanted vaccines for her feline patients' safety, so the Rabies and Feline Leukemia vaccines are given once a year.

For more information or answers related directly to your pet's individual health, give us a call to set up a time you can visit with Dr. Molly one on one.