When does my cat need to be vaccinated?

As a Kitten, they will need their first vaccination at 6-8 weeks of age.

Second vaccination should be at 10 – 12 weeks old (4 weeks after the first)

Third vaccination will be at 14 – 16 weeks old. From 16 weeks they will be vaccinated annually. Depending on your cat’s lifestyle and environment.

Why do we vaccinate?

We vaccinate so the cat’s immune system has the ability to fight off certain diseases.

Depending on your cat’s lifestyle; whether they are an indoor cat or outdoor cat will determine what diseases they will be vaccinated against. This is known as core and non-core vaccines, which your vet will talk to you about.

What does the vaccination prevent?

The most common core cat vaccines are feline herpes virus, feline calicivirus and feline panleucopoenia.

Feline herpes virus and Feline calicivirus are common in both cats and kittens and the disease can be severe. Showing signs of sneezing, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis and mouth ulcers. It can often be transmitted by direct or close contact between other cats.

The Feline panleucopoenia Virus is a highly contagious disease and can survive in the environment for long periods of time. This disease can be fatal and causes severe gastroenteritis. The symptom includes, vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, loss of appetite and weight loss. Vaccination against this virus in highly recommended.

          Non-core vaccines are dependent on the cat’s lifestyle and environment which increase their risk to these diseases;

The Feline leukaemia Virus is transmitted through fighting, sharing food or litter bowls and social contact. This is a viral infection which causes anaemia and cancer, some cats can die as a result of the infection.

Chlamydia is a type of bacteria that is a common cause of conjunctivitis in cats and especially kittens. It is transmitted by direct contact with affected cats. Typical signs are swelling, redness and discharge around both eyes.

The Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a fatal viral disease that weakens the cat’s immune system. The virus is transmitted through fighting any scratches or bites from affected cats to healthy cats can be fatal. Signs which may develop includes inflammation of gums, weight loss, kidney disease and neurological disease. There is no cure for FIV. The only option of prevention is confinement to avoid any contact with infected cats.