It’s very important to vaccinate cats against diseases that can make them unwell or prove life-threatening, says veterinary nurse Marcia Guerra.
Why do cats need vaccinations?
Vaccination creates immunity (the natural ability to fight infection) by exposing the body to a small but entirely harmless dose of the diseases we want to protect against. Kittens are protected in the first few weeks of life due to immunity passed through their mum’s milk, however this quickly fades, which is why vaccinations are needed. Having your kitten vaccinated ensures they are kept safe and protected against dangerous diseases.
What vaccinations do cats need?
Routine vaccinations for cats protect against four contagious and potentially life-threatening diseases:
• Feline herpes virus This common virus causes cat flu and can be very serious. Cats who survive can carry this disease and may have flare-ups at times of stress. The virus can cause painful eye ulcers and recurrent airway infections and is highly transmitted by direct contact.
• Feline calicivirus Another virus that causes cat flu. Signs include fever, decreased appetite and becoming very lethargic. Many cats will sneeze and have a runny nose and eyes, and some will develop painful ulcers of the nose and inside their mouth, making them unable to eat by themselves. This is a highly contagious virus and can be transmitted directly from another cat or in the environment.
• Feline infectious enteritis Also known as feline parvovirus or panleukopenia, this virus causes vomiting, diarrhoea, fever and dehydration and is a life-threatening condition, especially for kittens. It can be easily transmitted with direct contact with another infected cat through feacal-oral contact or even via contaminated objects or material in the environment.
• Feline leukaemia virus This attacks the immune system and makes it difficult for cats to fight off infections and other diseases. Sadly, cats who become permanently infected are likely to have a shortened lifespan. This virus sheds mainly in saliva, but could be spread by faeces, urine and milk and it is thought to be mainly transmitted through prolonged contact with another infected cats.
Booster vaccinations are needed against feline herpes virus and feline calicivirus every year and against feline leukaemia and feline panleukopenia every three years.
When should kittens have their first vaccination?
Cats usually start their vaccinations at around eight to nine weeks old, and often have a primary course of two injections, given three to four weeks apart. To stay protected, they will then need yearly booster injections.
Should indoor cats be vaccinated?
You should always discuss your cat’s individual level of risk with your vet, as many different health and lifestyle factors will need to be considered.
Cats who don’t go outside at all and don’t live with other pets will be at a greatly reduced risk of catching infectious diseases. However, it is often impossible to remove the risk of disease completely. For example, the virus that causes feline infectious enteritis is very hardy and can live in the environment for months. It is therefore possible that it could be carried into the home on clothes or shoes and infect an unvaccinated house cat.
Do cats need a rabies vaccinations?
Rabies is a life-threatening and often fatal infection of the brain and nerves. This disease is not normally found in the UK, but a rabies vaccination is essential if you are planning to take your cat or kitten abroad. Cats must be at least 12 weeks of age to receive this vaccine and they can't be given the documents they need to travel until 21 days later. Your vet practice can tell you more about this.
What happens at a vaccination appointment?
Your vet will give your cat a health check and record their weight. They will discuss any concerns with you and, providing your cat is well, they’ll be given a small injection, often under the skin on the back of the neck. Your vet will fill in your cat’s vaccination card and advise you when the next injection is required to achieve continued protection. Keep the record card safe as you’ll need it when your cat has further vaccinations or if they stay at a cattery.
Will my cat feel poorly after their vaccinations?
Most cats and kittens show no symptoms of feeling poorly after their vaccinations. Mild signs, such as being a little quiet or less interested in food are sometimes seen. On occasion, a small swelling can be felt at the scruff of the neck where the vaccine was given and will usually go down. Depending on the site of vaccination and the type of vaccine given, limping is sometimes reported.
Serious vaccine reactions are very rare, and the risks are far outweighed by the protection vaccines offer. Any vaccine reactions can be reported online by vets and owners to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD).
If your cat or kitten seems poorly after a vaccine or you’re worried about them having a vaccine, please reach out to your vet for further advice and support.
Do elderly cats still need to be vaccinated?
As pets get older, they can become more vulnerable to infections and may find it harder to fight off diseases if they become unwell. For this reason, it is sensible to ensure elderly pets keep up to date with their vaccinations, unless otherwise advised by your vet.
What do I do if I’m not sure whether my cat or kitten has been vaccinated?
If you’re concerned that your cat has not been vaccinated or may not have completed their primary vaccination course, speak to your vet. It is often safest to start the primary vaccination course from scratch. This will not cause any harm and will ensure your cat is fully protected in future.
Another reason a house cat may need to be vaccinated is if they go to cattery, for example if you’re going on holiday or in an emergency situation when you can’t look after your cat yourself.
If you have any questions about vaccinating your pet, reach out to your vet for further advice
Marcia Guerra is a senior veterinary nurse at Beechwood Veterinary Group in Leeds. Marcia trained as a vet nurse in Portugal and became a registered veterinary nurse in 2016 after moving to the UK. Marcia has completed her certificates in physiotherapy and small animal nutrition and is a senior consult nurse at Beechwood Vets.
Beechwood Veterinary Group is part of VetPartners, a UK and European veterinary group. Find your nearest VetPartners practice.