Keeping your cat happy and healthy is your top priority as a pet owner, and vaccines are a major part of that. However, preventative care is not the same for every cat, so you may not know which vaccines your cat needs. With the help of the experienced team at Murieta Veterinary Hospital, you can better understand the care vaccines necessary for your cat, including rabies, feline panleukopenia, feline calicivirus, and others, to ensure your cat stays protected.
Vaccinations play a crucial role in preventing diseases, and we go beyond the basics to provide comprehensive care tailored to your pet’s needs. Located in Rancho Murieta, CA, we’ve built a reputation for compassionate, high-quality veterinary services. With a team of experienced doctors and modern facilities, we’re equipped to handle everything from routine wellness care to advanced medical and surgical services. Our dedication to personalized care ensures your cat gets the best protection for a long and healthy life.
5 Vaccinations Your Cat Needs
The Feline Vaccination Advisory Panel evaluates developments in cat vaccinations to make science-based recommendations. Based on their findings, the panel divides vaccines into core and non-core/lifestyle categories. Core vaccines are strongly recommended by veterinarians, while non-core vaccines are occasionally recommended.
The core vaccines your cat needs to safeguard their health include the following:
Rabies
Rabies is a deadly virus usually spread through the bites and scratches of an affected animal. While cats are not natural rabies carriers, they can become infected and pass it along to others, including humans. Because of its effect on cats and its ability to spread to humans, cats should receive rabies vaccinations at three months of age, 12 months after that, and then every one to three years, depending on the type of vaccine they received and your veterinarian’s recommendation.
Feline Panleukopenia
Also known as feline distemper, feline panleukopenia is a highly contagious disease caused by feline parvovirus. This condition has a higher mortality rate in kittens, killing white blood cells and leaving young cats more vulnerable to other infections. Feline panleukopenia is part of the FVRCP vaccine, which combines three core vaccines to prevent multiple injections in one visit.
Cats typically receive a series of FVRCP vaccinations for this condition, with the initial dose at six to eight weeks and boosters between 12 and 16 weeks. After another booster at one year old, cats can receive revaccination every three years.
Feline Calicivirus
This contagious virus that often infects young cats causes mild to severe respiratory infections with symptoms like nasal discharge, sneezing, and oral ulcers. Feline calicivirus is included in the FVRCP vaccine. If your adult cat stays indoors, they may receive FVRCP boosters every three years, but young cats, senior cats, or cats allowed outside may receive boosters annually.
Feline Rhinotracheitis Virus/Herpesvirus 1
Like feline calicivirus, feline rhinotracheitis virus/herpesvirus 1 (FVR/FHV-1) causes serious signs of respiratory infections in cats, such as sneezing, congestion, nasal discharge, and conjunctivitis. Once a cat recovers from this infection, it enters a latency period, often reactivating in stressful situations. FVR/FHV-1 is the third core vaccine in the FVRCP vaccine, which is highly recommended for cats in California.
FeLV
The FeLV vaccine is a core vaccination for kittens to prevent feline leukemia virus, which is found globally and spread through bodily fluids. Therefore, this disease often spreads when an infected cat grooms or shares bowls with another cat. Kittens should receive the FeLV vaccine with their other core vaccinations between eight and 12 weeks of age, followed by a booster a year later.
While this vaccine is only core for kittens, it may be administered yearly for high-risk cats and every two years for low-risk cats. Our knowledgeable team at Murieta Veterinary Hospital can help you determine your cat’s risk level and vaccination schedule that will keep them healthy and strong.
Learn More About Vaccinations Your Cat Needs With the Trusted Professionals at Murieta Veterinary Hospital
Protecting your cat from preventable diseases is one of the most vital steps you can take to ensure their well-being. At Murieta Veterinary Hospital, we combine years of experience with cutting-edge facilities to provide customized vaccination plans for your feline companion. Whether your cat is a playful kitten or a wise senior, our compassionate team is here to address their unique needs with care and attention to detail.
Our dedication to high-quality service and UC Davis-educated veterinarians have made us a trusted name in Rancho Murieta and beyond. Let us help you give your cat the gift of a long, healthy life. Call us today at (916) 885-0288 or fill out our contact form to schedule your visit!
