What Vaccines do Indoor Cats Need?

Are you concerned about your cats health?

Cats need certain vaccinations and shots in order to immunize from certain diseases.

Here are essential vaccines that an indoor cat needs

• FVRCP – Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (herpes), Calici, Panleukopenia (cat distemper) every 3 years – Also known as the distemper combination vaccine
• Rabies – As required by law
• Panleukopenia Vaccine – if not included
• Feline Calicivirus Vaccine – if not included

What are the Essential Cat Vaccines?

1. Rabies Vaccine: This is a critical vaccine for cats. Rabies is a deadly viral disease that can be transmitted to humans. Even your adult cat that lives inside may encounter bats or other animals that can transmit rabies. The rabies vaccine is typically first given at 12-16 weeks of age, with boosters following as recommended by local laws.
2. Panleukopenia Vaccine: Also known as cat distemper, panleukopenia is a highly contagious and often deadly disease in cats. The vaccine protects against this virus, which can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms, bone marrow suppression, and other systemic problems. It’s important even for indoor kitties due to the virus’s resilience in the environment.
3. Feline Calicivirus Vaccine: This vaccine guards against a common viral cause of upper respiratory infections in cats. Symptoms can range from mild oral ulcers to severe systemic illness. Since the virus is easily spread, all cats should be vaccinated, including those living strictly indoors.
4. Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis Vaccine: Rhinotracheitis, caused by the feline herpesvirus, can lead to severe respiratory issues in cats. The virus is widespread, so vaccination is recommended for all cats. Symptoms can include sneezing, eye and nasal discharge, and potential chronic respiratory problems.

Why does my indoor cat need Vaccinations?

It is a myth that cats who live indoors do not need to be vaccinated against infectious diseases. While living an indoor cat’s lifestyle is certainly safer overall than living outdoors, and indoor living contributes to a longer life expectancy, important infectious diseases can find still affect cats that live inside.

Feline rhinotracheitis virus, feline calicivirus, feline viral rhinotracheitis calicivirus, and feline panleukopenia virus make up the feline distemper complex. Vaccination against the feline distemper complex is important because these diseases can be deadly.

Viruses Can Travel Inside

These are hardy viruses that can be brought into the home on inanimate objects like clothes or shoes. Because transmission does not require direct contact with another cat, indoor-only cats can be exposed and become ill if they are not appropriately vaccinated. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), World Small Animal Association (WSAVA), and Cat Healthy (Canada) have published vaccination guidelines that reflect the current standard of vaccine science. Your veterinarian will help you understand the most appropriate distemper vaccination schedule for your cat.

What is feline viral rhinotracheitis calicivirus

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) and Feline Calicivirus (FCV) are two of the most common infectious diseases in cats, primarily causing upper respiratory infections. They are highly contagious and widespread among cat populations worldwide. They are often mentioned together as part of a common vaccine, the FVRCP, which protects against FVR, FCV, and Panleukopenia.

1. Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR): This is also known as feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1). It is a major cause of upper respiratory disease in cats, and it is particularly severe in kittens and adult cats with other diseases. Cats infected with FVR can show symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, fever, and loss of appetite. Some cats can become chronic carriers of the virus, meaning they can show no signs but still infect other cats.
2. Feline Calicivirus (FCV): FCV is another major cause of upper respiratory infection in cats. The signs are similar to FVR but can also include ulcers in the mouth, pneumonia, lameness, and a condition called virulent systemic disease, which can be fatal. FCV is notable for its ability to mutate and re-infect, even after vaccination.

Cat vaccinations are the most effective way to prevent these diseases.

Kittens are usually first vaccinated between 6-8 weeks of age and receive booster shots every 3-4 weeks until they are 16-20 weeks old.

Afterward, cats usually get a booster every year or every three years, depending on the type of vaccine and the cat’s risk factors. Always consult with your veterinarian to determine the best vaccination schedule for your cat.

Do Cats that Stay Inside Need Distemper Shots?

Yes, indoor cats need distemper shots. According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), World Small Animal Association (WSAVA), and Cat Healthy (Canada). They need Distemper Shots. Typically vets recommend annual FVRCP booster shots for cats. Some veterinarians believe that cats should get a vaccination once every three years. All kittens should receive their first shots at age six to eight weeks. Young kittens are vulnerable to panleukopenia and calicivirus

Indoor Cat Vaccines FAQ

What is Feline Leukemia Virus?

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus that infects cats. FeLV (feline leukemia) can be transmitted from infected cats when the transfer of saliva or nasal secretions is involved. This can happen through mutual grooming, shared food bowls, bite wounds, or from an infected mother cat to her kittens.

FeLV affects a cat’s immune system, making it susceptible to a host of secondary infections. Infected cats are prone to developing various types of cancer, blood disorders, and may have an increased risk of infections due to the immunosuppressive effects of the virus. Some cats can fight off the virus and eliminate it from their bodies, while others may harbor the virus and can remain asymptomatic for years before showing signs of disease.

Cat vaccinations are available to protect cats from FeLV. The feline leukemia vaccine is generally given to kittens and then as an annual booster for cats that are at risk of exposure.

However, preventing exposure to the virus through lifestyle control (such as keeping cats indoors and preventing contact with infected cats) is the most effective method of prevention.

It’s also a good idea to test new cats or kittens for FeLV before introducing them to a household with other cats. The feline leukemia vaccine can help.

What is the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus?

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is a retrovirus in cats similar to HIV in humans. It attacks the cat’s immune system, making it more susceptible to various infections and diseases. FIV is primarily transmitted through bite wounds, as the virus is carried in high levels in the saliva. Infected cats can live symptom-free for years, but as the disease progresses, symptoms such as weight loss, recurrent infections, and poor coat condition may appear.

There’s a vaccine for FIV, but its use is debated due to its incomplete protective effect and potential to cause vaccinated cats to test positive for the virus. The most effective prevention method is to avoid your cat’s exposure to potential carriers, typically by keeping them indoors. Regular testing is also important, especially for outdoor cats or when introducing a new cat to a household.

Why Do Cats Need Shots?

Cats need vaccinations to protect them from various potentially serious and fatal diseases. Vaccines stimulate the cat’s immune system to recognize and fight specific viruses or bacteria, helping to prevent infection or lessen the severity of the disease if the cat is later exposed to these pathogens.

Routine vaccinations in cats commonly protect against diseases such as FVR, feline calicivirus, feline panleukopenia (also known as feline distemper), and rabies. Other vaccines, such as those for thsi virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), may be given based on a cat’s specific risk factors.

Vaccinations are particularly important in kittens, who may not have a fully developed immune system. However, adult cats also need regular vaccinations to maintain their immunity. You need to get your indoor cat vaccinated, as some pathogens can be brought into the home on people’s clothing or shoes, or the cat could accidentally get outside.

In addition to providing individual protection to vaccinated cats, vaccinations also contribute to herd immunity in the wider cat population, helping to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Always consult with a veterinarian for the best vaccination schedule for your cat’s specific needs and lifestyle.