Vaccinations

Vaccinations are your cat’s first line of defence against harmful viruses. Keeping your pet on the core vaccination schedule will help control the spread of these viruses while protecting your cat’s health.

Does my indoor cat need to be vaccinated?

Keeping your cat indoors is an excellent way to protect them from many sources of harm, but even indoor cats are at risk of catching certain diseases. These diseases can be prevented with vaccination. At a minimum, your indoor cat should be vaccinated with the FVRCP (feline distemper) vaccine. This combination vaccine protects against the very severe Distemper infection, as well as two types of viruses that cause upper respiratory illness. These upper respiratory viruses are very hardy and easy to catch. They can be carried into your home on your clothing, or your cat could contract it from sniffing another cat through a screened window. The FVPCR vaccine protects your cat from these infections for up to three years.

What are FVRCP and core vaccines for cats?

FVRCP is a combination vaccine that covers the following diseases: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia. Cats can receive other core vaccines such as Rabies and Feline Leukemia, dependent on their history and lifestyle.

How often does my adult cat need to be vaccinated?

Adult cats require an examination annually to ensure they are healthy and are not showing any early signs of disease. Vaccination will be given every 1 – 3 years depending on your cat’s lifestyle and risk level.

Are there any risks associated with cat vaccines?

Just like people some cats can react to the ingredients in a vaccine. Your veterinarian will let you know what signs and symptoms to watch for and what precautions you should take if any problems come up. It is common for a cat to be slightly lethargic or have minor pain at the injection site.