Like people, pets need vaccines. And pet vaccinations, like those for humans, may sometimes require a booster to keep them effective. Furthermore, cats are susceptible to diseases because they don’t get regular shots or boosters.
They also tend to catch infections from other animals. The good news is that vaccines are safe and effective and prevent serious illnesses. Therefore, The best way to stay on schedule with vaccinations for your cat is to follow the recommendations of a veterinarian you trust.
Vaccines are essential for cats. There are over 100 different types of feline viruses and bacteria that can cause illness. Vaccinating your cat regularly helps them stay healthy and have a good life quality.
Consequently, here we bring information about cat vaccinations that you might need to discuss with your cat’s veterinarian.
Pet Vaccines: Schedules for Cats
Chances are your vet’s suggestions will break down into two categories: core pet vaccines and non-core vaccines. Core pet vaccinations are those recommended for every pet, while non-core vaccines may be advised based on your pet’s lifestyle. For example, your vet may suggest certain non-core vaccinations if your cat or dog is outdoors only or boarded often.
Most vets will highly recommend the FVRCP and rabies vaccines. These diseases are highly infectious and seen worldwide. They are very dangerous to young cats, and the vaccines provide a good deal of protection with minimal risk.
The FeLV vaccine is tricky because it is required for kittens but optional for cats at least a year old.
Veterinarians administer vaccines to pets as young as six weeks old, so talk to your vet about setting up the best vaccination schedule for your cat or dog, kitten or puppy.
Vaccination Schedule for Cats: Core and Non-core Vaccines
Rabies Vaccine (Core)
The rabies vaccine does not appear as a core vaccine by the AAFP guideline; most regions require cat owners to apply it under law provisions. Rabies is a zoonotic disease (cats can transmit it to humans), so it is a public safety issue to keep your cat up to date on its rabies vaccine.
We recommend you give your cat a rabies vaccination every year or every three years, depending on state laws and the brand of vaccine used. Rabies is significant not only for its effect on the cat but because it is a disease transmissible to humans and can be fatal.
FVRCP Vaccine (Core)
A vaccine combined into a single three-in-one vaccine called the FVRCP vaccine, allowing veterinarians to efficiently administer the vaccines all at once, instead of having to inject a cat three separate times in one visit:
- Feline rhinotracheitis virus/herpesvirus 1 (FVR/FHV-1)
- Feline Calicivirus (FCV)
- Feline Panleukopenia (FPV)
If your cat is an indoor adult cat, FVRCP, you can get it to the vet for a booster every three years. If they are outdoor or indoor/outdoor, or young cats or seniors, your vet may recommend yearly FVRCP shots.
Feline Panleukopenia – FPV
Feline panleukopenia, also known as feline parvovirus, is a highly infectious disease with a high mortality rate in kittens.
While the disease usually starts with decreased energy and low appetite, it progresses to vomiting and diarrhea. Unfortunately, the virus also kills off white blood cells, leaving the young cats even more susceptible to secondary infections.
Feline Rhinotracheitis Virus/Herpesvirus 1 – (FVR/FHV-1)
Feline herpesvirus, also known as feline rhinotracheitis virus, causes severe signs of upper respiratory infection.
Some symptoms you can expect to see include sneezing, nasal congestion and discharge, and conjunctivitis. In some cases, it also causes oral ulceration and pneumonia.
Feline Calicivirus – FCV
Feline calicivirus encompasses several viral strains that cause signs of upper respiratory infection, such as sneezing, nasal discharge, and oral ulcerations.
Specialists associate FCV with chronic gingivitis/stomatitis, an excruciating inflammation of the gums and teeth. Some virulent strains cause hair loss and crusting on other body parts, hepatitis, and even death.
So, Back to the question, Whys is it important to have my cat vaccinated? Some neurological consequences can negatively affect your furry companion.
What Are The Neurological Complications For Unvaccinated Cats?
Your cat has a brain that controls many body functions that help its survival. However, failing to vaccinate your pet might derive in catching a virus. In addition, sometimes other factors interfere with affecting the neurological functions of your cat.
For instance, an infectious disease might cause meningitis or encephalitis. Also, the previously mentioned viruses, like rabies, could produce brain inflammation. So if you haven’t gotten your cat vaccinated and notice one of the following patterns, immediately take your pet friend to Brightcare Animal Neurology:
- Stroke;
- Disorientation;
- Spasmodic muscles;
- Rapid eye movements;
- Heat;
- Blindness;
- Complications walking and;
- Paralysis.
At Brightcare Animal Neurology, we provide outstanding neurological services for your cat.
We thoroughly examine your little companion and animal neurosurgery services here in Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, and the surrounding areas. Our main target is working in conditions affecting your cat’s nerves, spinal cord, muscles, and brain. So come by with your little cat pet, and If you have more questions regarding animal neurosurgery in Mission Viejo, please contact us.
