Pet vaccinations are usually not taken seriously by pet owners unless serious disease surfaces. On the other hand, there are some pet parents who over-vaccinate their animals. Here are the mandatory cat vaccinations that cannot be skipped. Moreover, these are the only vaccinations that your cat needs. If there is a need for more vaccines, a veterinary clinic will guide you.
FVRCP
This is the feline distemper vaccine that deals with three feline viruses namely rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia, and calicivirus.
Rabies
Rabies is a very common pet disease. It used to be one of the top most common animal diseases until the rabies vaccination was made mandatory. Prevent your cat from a hurtful disease by getting this cat vaccination done on time.
Feline leukemia
This is a viral infection. It spreads in the body through fluid including saliva and urine. Feline leukemia is an incurable disease. Cats who have outdoor interaction are more likely to be attacked by this virus. Make sure to get this vaccine shot done at a nearby animal care clinic.
Bordetella
Cats who live with other animals in kennels or visit the groomer where they interact with other pets are vulnerable to this viral disease. Bordetella cat vaccination is not the ultimate solution for this disease. However, it does minimize the consequences. You cat won’t get as sick as she would without the vaccination.
Side effects of vaccinations
Most cats are perfectly fine after getting their vaccine shots but some can get a minor reaction. You don’t need to worry about this. It only usually lasts for a few days. These side effects include:
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Hives
- Swelling and redness around the injected spot
These conditions will cure on their own in a couple of days. However, if you don’t notice any improvement over 2 days, immediately visit a veterinarian for cats. This specified professional will help ease your cat.
When to get these vaccinations
Most cat vaccinations are meant for cats of young age. This way they are secured of health risks from the get-go. However, a few vaccine shots are very strong and a kitten cannot bear them. Here is a guide on when to get which vaccinations:
- One FVRCP shot is given between 6 and 10 weeks of age
- The second FVRCP shot and feline leukemia shot is given between 11 and 14 weeks of age
- The third FVRCP shot, second feline leukemia shot, and the rabies vaccine is given after 15 weeks of age
- Stronger vaccine shots like calicivirus and rhinotracheitis shots are given to adult cats
- Certain vaccinations are monitored by the law and there are legal rules as to when those shots can be given
If you’re having trouble finding a nearby pet care clinic, simply search online for a ‘veterinarian near me’ and you’ll find someone close by. Do not fret. Professional help will make it easy for you to figure things out. Get this list of vaccinations checked to ensure a healthy cat! To have your pet checked, contact Dr. Stephanie Murphree at Republic Veterinary Hospital at (512) 269-0738