Feline vaccinations are essential to your cat’s health. It’s important to make sure that all of your cat’s vaccinations are up to date. Getting vaccinated can ensure your pet avoids serious and even lethal feline diseases. We’ve put together some important information you should know about feline vaccinations:

Rabies Vaccine

Every cat needs to get a rabies shot. Rabies is a dangerous virus that can be deadly to both humans and animals. Cats and dogs are among some of the most commonly infected domestic animals to get infected. While the virus is most commonly transmitted through a bite, the virus can also be transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal through orifices (eyes, nose, mouth) or a break in the skin.

Even if you have an indoor cat, there’s always a chance that your pet will get loose or that an outside animal could sneak into your home. If a rabid animal comes into contact with your furry friend he or she may get infected.

Rabies is preventable with a simple vaccine. Kittens should receive their first rabies vaccine at about 4 months of age (16 weeks). Your cat will then need to be vaccinated 12 months later. After that, he or she will only need to get the rabies vaccine once every 3 years.

FVRCP – Feline Distemper Rhinotracheitis / Calicivirus / Panleukopenia Vaccine

Nearly 90% of cats who contract Panleukopenia do not make it. Panleukopenia is a viral infection that attacks all rapidly dividing cells in a cat’s body. It affects bone marrow, the intestines, and stomach, and can even kill kittens while they are still in the mother’s womb. When infected, kittens and older cats have a sudden drop in their white blood cell count, which would normally protect them from infection, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Rhinotracheitis and Calicivirus cause cold-like symptoms, such as coughing, sneezing, and runny eyes. These viruses are everywhere, which is why it’s important to keep your cat’s vaccinations up-to-date. Vaccinations can help prevent these viruses from infecting your little furry family member.

Kittens should receive this vaccine within 2 months of age. They should then be vaccinated every 3-4 weeks until they are 4 months old. This is to ensure that the kittens are protected from these viruses early on since they are more are at risk. Kittens will need to be vaccinated again after 1 year and every 3 years after that.

This vaccine used to be recommended every 12 months. However, researchers found that after the first series of vaccines and the 1-year booster, pets were protected for up to 3 years. As long as your pet’s vaccines are up-to-date your pet will be protected from these viruses.

Feline Leukemia

Feline Leukemia is a type of virus that attacks your cat’s immune system and can even cause cancer. Leukemia is considered a retrovirus, which means they can incorporate themselves into your pet’s DNA. Once your cat becomes infected it’s nearly impossible to clear out the infection entirely. Cats that are infected often do not show any symptoms until they are stressed. The virus often progresses and causes severe illnesses, cancer, and often times were fatal.

All cats and kittens should be tested for Feline Leukemia even if other cats in the home have tested negative. Veterinarians often recommend giving kittens this vaccine in a series of 2 shots administered 3 to 4 weeks apart, then vaccinating once annually. Indoor cats often do not need this type of vaccination.

Schedule Your Pet’s Appointment Today! Cat Vaccinations in Collierville 

Collierville Animal Hospital provides services to all of Collierville, Germantown, Piperton, and the surrounding East Memphis areas. Our team will treat your pet as if it were their own! To schedule an appointment for your pet with a Collierville veterinarian call us today at (901) 853-8519.