The ABCs of Cat Vaccinations – What Every Cat Owner Should Know

June 5th, 2024

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Cats are often exposed to bacteria or viruses, with the potential for serious health consequences. Vaccinations help protect your furry companion, keeping serious and potentially fatal diseases at bay. Our All About Cats Veterinary Hospital team in Kirkland, WA, will create a vaccination schedule tailored to your feline companion’s unique needs for maximum protection at every stage of life.

What Are Vaccinations and How Do They Work? 

Vaccinations offer a safe and effective way to help your cat develop immunity against infectious diseases. They work by introducing weakened or inactive forms of pathogens. The body’s immune system goes into high gear to fight off a potential infection. If the actual disease is encountered in the future, the immune system quickly recognizes it and responds by producing antibodies to safeguard your feline friend’s health. 

How About Strictly Indoors Cats?

Even if your feline companion is an exclusively indoor pet, certain vaccinations, like the rabies vaccine, are required by state law. Once your cat is vaccinated, we’ll provide a certificate showing it has been vaccinated as required. Aside from your pet, rabies can be transmitted to humans, with a nearly 100% fatality rate. Vaccinating your furry companion offers protection for your entire family. 

But what about other vaccinations? Cats are escape artists, so even strictly indoor cats may manage to sneak out the door and be exposed to deadly diseases. As the old saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” 

What Are Required Cat Vaccinations? 

Vaccinations are divided into two main categories: core and non-core. Core vaccinations are required for all cats, protecting them against serious infectious diseases. Non-core vaccines, on the other hand, are recommended based on your cat’s lifestyle and specific risk factors. 

Core Vaccinations: 

• Rabies: Current rabies vaccinations are required by law in the state of Washington. Your kitten will get the first injection as early as twelve weeks. Boosters are administered after one year and then every one to three years from then on. Rabies is a deadly disease with no treatment available, so it’s essential to vaccinate your furry companion. 
• FVRCP: This core vaccine protects your feline friend against feline distemper (panleukopenia), calicivirus, and viral rhinotracheitis (feline herpesvirus). We typically recommend vaccinating kittens as early as eight weeks, then every 3-4 weeks until they are 16 weeks old. Boosters are administered after one year and then every three years from then on.  

Non-Core Cat Vaccinations:

• FeLV (Feline Leukemia): The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) recommend vaccinating all kittens against the feline leukemia virus, but they first have to test negative. Every kitten should also get a booster at one year. From then on, the FeLV vaccine is recommended for cats who venture outdoors or those living with indoor/outdoor cats. 
• Bordetella: If you take your cat to a groomer or a boarding kennel, we may recommend a Bordetella vaccine. This bacteria causes a severe respiratory infection in cats, similar to kennel cough in dogs.

Cat Vaccinations Near Me in Kirkland, WA

Our team at All About Cats Veterinary Hospital is dedicated to ensuring our paw-some patients enjoy long, healthy lives. Whether your furry companion lives exclusively indoors or is allowed to roam, our team will evaluate any risk factors and recommend a custom vaccination schedule for maximum protection against infectious diseases. You can always count on our dedicated team for purr-fectly compassionate care because, after all, we are all about cats!