It is recommended that all kittens and cats receive the core vaccinations. The core vaccinations include feline distemper, feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and rabies. These core vaccines will protect your cat from some of the most common and most dangerous feline illnesses.
These vaccines help to prevent illness and death by 1) reducing the severity and length of illness OR 2) preventing initial infection. If your cat or kitten has received these vaccines, it doesn’t mean that they will never get sick.
Booster shots, or re-vaccination, is commonly recommended. However, you should speak with your veterinarian to determine a plan and schedule that works for you and your individual pet. According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners, low-risk adult cats that completed their core vaccines as kittens may receive core booster vaccines every three years. Depending on your cat’s lifestyle (indoor, outdoor, exposure to other animals, etc.) your veterinarian may recommend vaccinating your cat annually.
Core vaccinations are given to prevent (or reduce the severity) of the following illnesses.
Feline distemper (panleukopenia)
- Virus
- Decreases the white blood cell count
- Lowers immunity, making your cat’s body less able to fight infection
- Booster vaccines recommended
Feline viral rhinotracheitis (feline herpes virus 1)
- Infectious disease spread by direct contact
- Species specific (only transmissible between cats)
- Causes upper respiratory disease and conjunctivitis
- Vaccine doesn’t completely prevent feline viral rhinotracheitis if your cat is exposed, but will reduce length and severity of illness
- Booster vaccines recommended
Calicivirus
- Virus
- Causes upper respiratory infections and oral infections
- Contagious: air-born and direct contact
- Vaccine doesn’t completely prevent calicivirus if your cat is exposed, but will reduce length and severity of illness
- Booster vaccines recommended
Rabies
- Virus that can affect all warm-blooded animals (including humans)
- Almost always fatal
- Spread through saliva (often transmitted through a bite)
- Rabies vaccination is required by law in most states and provinces
- Booster vaccines recommended
Jennifer Kean is a writer and pet-lover who owns two rescue kittens (lifetime cat owner too!) and has a 40 gallon fish tank!
