Questions surrounding vaccinations

Every cat owner faces a series of health care decisions for their animal. Vaccines are a very important part of health management in cats. Just like in humans, vaccines fool your cat’s body into believing it is being attacked. The body then stimulates defense systems to produce antibodies to fight the attack. While no vaccine is 100 percent safe or effective for every cat, many protect your animal from terrible diseases. For example, distemper, a viral disease of the blood and intestines, is now under control due to rigorous vaccinations.

All cats are not created equal

Lifestyle is the basis for determining which vaccines are appropriate for your feline friend. Vaccination protocol differs for indoor and outdoor cats. All cats must receive what are called “core” vaccines. These include:

• Feline Panleukopenia : Distemper, usually high effectiveness with low incidence of side effects
• Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis : viral disease of the eyes, nose, and throat, usually high effectiveness with low to moderate side effects
• Feline Calcivirus : viral immune disease that is usually fatal, moderately effective but may not work in carrier animals, moderate side effects
• Rabies : nervous system disease that is always fatal, usually high effectiveness with low incidence of side effects

A combination vaccine called FVRCP is usually given for Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calcivirus and Panleukopenia.

Non-core vaccines are given to cats that could be exposed to other diseases by life outside the home. Some cats and kittens are vaccinated with these “non-core” vaccines due to exposure at breeder facilities. Non-core vaccinations include:

• Feline Leukemia (FeLV) : this virus suppresses the immune system and causes cancer; can easily pass between mothers, kittens, and all cats; vaccine can causes sarcomas (cancer), low to moderate effectiveness
• Feline AIDS (FIV) : immune deficiency disease, all cats test positive after receiving vaccination
• Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) : highly infectious disease causing inflammation of the stomach; cats rarely survive, low effectiveness
• Ringworm : fungal infection in cats, easily spread, low effectiveness
• Chlamydia : infectious eye disease, usually not given to cats unless exposed, low effectiveness.

Exceptions to the vaccine rules

Vaccines are rarely given to cats that have a chronic illness or are receiving cortisone therapy. Pet parents of older cats (above 10 years) can request that some boosters be discontinued if their animal remains indoors. However, locally required vaccinations such as Rabies are still required. Vaccines are typically not given to kittens under six weeks of age and pregnant cats.

Side effects

Some cats will experience discomfort at the booster site, mild fever, and decreased appetite for a day or two. Watch your cat closely and call your vet if your animal is exhibiting any worrisome behavior. Severe side effects happen very rarely.

Kittens are special

Since kittens rely on their mother’s immunity for protection, determining when their own immunity takes over is difficult. For this reason, kittens are given a series of boosters spaced four weeks apart until three sets of shots are completed. Kittens begin their shots at six to seven weeks of age with the combination FVRCP vaccine. Rabies shots are given at 16 weeks. Your vet will determine the necessity for non-core vaccines. Boosters are given at one year and then repeated every three years.

Adult cats

Core vaccines should be given to adult cats every three years. Some manufacturers recommend that cats be vaccinated every year. Consult your veterinarian to determine what is best for your animal. Non-core vaccines are usually given yearly, as their effectiveness is not as great as core vaccines.

Just as every human immune system is different, so it is with your cat. And so it goes with determining the necessity of vaccinations for your pet. Opinions on this matter vary from vet to vet. However, there are a few certainties. No vaccine is safe for every pet all the time. No one can predict if a vaccine will cause immune system overload. Each cat’s immune system is so unique that your vet can’t predict how your cat will react to a vaccination.

Some vets recommend stopping or decreasing vaccinations for cats when they reach 10 years of age. At this point, your cat’s immune system might react abnormally and attack itself. In many cats, concern for elderly diseases such as kidney failure and hyperthyroidism are higher than infectious diseases. Your vet can test your cat for diseases to be sure you’re making the correct choice in discontinuing