Is it okay if I never vaccinate my cat

Are Vaccines Necessary For Indoor Cats?

Question:

My cat lives indoors. Are vaccines necessary?

Answer:

Like many veterinarians, I wish I had a quick and simple answer, but there is no one size fits all solution to the complex (and sometimes controversial) question of what vaccines should be given to cats. Some people hesitate to vaccinate their cats due to concerns about over-vaccination and a type of tumor called a vaccine-associated sarcoma. Some cats are really difficult to take to a veterinary hospital. However, it is important to discuss your cats individual risk factors with your veterinarian before skipping any shots.

The American Association of Feline Practitioners vaccination guideline recommends that kittens get a full series of vaccinations against panleukopenia, feline herpes type 1, calicivirus, feline leukemia, and rabies followed by a booster one year later. The type and frequency of vaccines given after that point varies considerably, depending on a cats lifestyle, and where you live. If your cat is truly 100% indoors, and does not have contact with indoor-outdoor cats, the current recommendation is to continue to receive boosters for panleukopenia, feline herpes type 1, calicivirus every 3 years, as these diseases do not require direct cat-to-cat contact to spread.

Also rabies vaccination should be in compliance with local legal requirements. Even if rabies is not mandatory where you live, there are other reasons to give it to an indoor-only cat: if it is likely that wildlife (especially bats) might come into your home, if it is likely your cat might bite a person, or if you may be taking your cat overseas within a year.

If your cats risk of disease exposure warrants more vaccines and more frequent vaccination, talk to your veterinarian about newer types of vaccines (such as non-adjuvented and transdermal vaccines) that reduce the risk of sarcomas. And for cats who dont want to make the trip to the hospital, find a doctor who will come to you! House-call veterinarians are available in many areas.

When Does My Cat Need Vaccines? Our Vet Explains the Schedule, Side Effects & FAQ

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One of the best ways to keep a cat healthy is to ensure that they get the medical care they need. This means that in addition to a yearly or twice-yearly physical exam with their vet, they need to have their vaccine needs assessed on an annual basis as well.

Vaccines can consist of core and non-core vaccines, depending on a cats lifestyle (i.e., indoor vs. outdoor, how often they might board in a cattery, etc.), age, and other risk factors. Core vaccines are designed to protect against infectious diseases that are either life-threatening or commonly encountered by the majority of cats. They include feline parvovirus (also called feline distemper), feline calicivirus (also called rhinotracheitis), feline herpes, feline leukemia virus, and potentially rabies, depending on where the cat lives.

Vaccines are designed to protect either sterile or partial immunity against these diseases so cats dont develop severe illnesses as a result of being exposed to these viruses. The timing of vaccines can be a bit complicated, as so much depends on an individual cat. The primary series of vaccines for kittens is probably the most straightforward, with vaccines given every 34 weeks until they reach a certain age. For adults, vaccines are given every 13 years, depending on what the vaccine is, and what type of lifestyle the adult cat is living.

Read on to learn more about how vaccine schedules and timing are determined in cats, so you know what to expect.

How Do Vaccines Work?

To understand how vaccine schedules in cats are timed, you first need to understand how vaccines work, and what are core vaccines versus non-core vaccines.

Some vaccines contain inactive DNA or RNA from a pathogen, such as a virus or bacteria; these are called killed vaccines. Some vaccines contain less pathogenic forms of the normal virus or bacteria; these are called modified live vaccines. Some vaccines contain only a small part of a virus or bacteria inserted into an organism called a plasmid that acts to amplify this portion of the virus or bacteria. Once an animal is vaccinated, these are called vectored or recombinant vaccines.

Modified live and killed vaccines are some of the original and more traditional vaccines, whereas vectored vaccines are a more recent scientific development. Each has possible pros and cons.

After receiving a vaccine, the body recognizes the foreign material contained in the vaccine and produces an immune response. This response takes about 714 days to reach a peak response. In part, this is why vaccines are timed 34 weeks apartto allow for this response, and then a settling of the immune system before challenging it again with another vaccine.

Some vaccines made to fight infectious diseases that cats do not commonly encounter, such as rabies, are considered effective after a single dose. Vaccines made to fight diseases that cats do routinely come across, or that are made to fight antibodies that cats may have received from their mother, generally require a minimum of two doses (sometimes more), depending on the cats age.

How Does a Primary Vaccine Course Work? How Often Do Kittens Need Vaccines?

Kittens receive their first vaccines in what is called a primary vaccine course. This involves vaccines that generally start around 8 weeks of age and continue every 34 weeks until they are 16 weeks of age or older.

The reason for this is that, at around 16 weeks of age, any antibodies that their mother (queen) had for various pathogens will generally drop to levels low enough to not interfere with the vaccines. Otherwise, cat vaccines given prior to this time may be ineffective if they have antibodies from their mom, that respond before their own immune system can create their own antibodies.

This means most kittens get a first vaccine, and then one to two boosters after until they are 16 weeks of age or older. After 16 weeks of age, most kittens then need their next vaccine 1 year later.

Ages for a typical kitten primary vaccine course:

• 8 weeks
• 12 weeks
• 16 weeks

Primary vaccines in kittens include their core vaccines, feline leukemia, and potentially rabies, depending on where they live and their lifestyle risk factors. Rabies vaccines cannot be given to kittens until they are at least 12 weeks old.

What Is the Schedule for Adult Cat Vaccines?

Adult cats fall into two categories for how their vaccines are scheduled.

Adult cats that have never been vaccinated or dont have a known history of vaccines (e.g., found outside as an adult stray) generally get a primary vaccine, and then a single booster 34 weeks later. The reason for this booster is that a single vaccine for herpes, calicivirus, and panleukopenia may not be fully effective. So, a second vaccine provides a bit more protection. Rabies, on the other hand, produces good results after a single vaccine, so a primary vaccine is considered sufficient.

Adult cats that received their primary course as kittens generally receive boosters either annually or triennially, depending on the vaccine, how much time they spend outside or boarding with other cats, and their age.

Are There Instances Where a Cat Vaccine Schedule Might Change?

There are certain instances where a cat may go in for vaccines, but may be deemed not healthy enough to receive one. Alternately, it might be too early for them to receive a vaccine just yet. A veterinarian might choose to delay vaccination of a cat for the following reasons:

• Weight loss
• Not eating
• Urinary tract infection
• Upper respiratory infection
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Too soon from last vaccine

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Possible Vaccine Side Effects?

Vaccines, as with any medication, can have potential side effects. One of the more well-known side effects, particularly in cats, is called a vaccine-associated fibrosarcoma.

Fibrosarcomas are cancer that forms from the cells that form the connective tissue layer under the skin. There is strong evidence to suggest that a combination of genetics, and certain vaccines and vaccine adjuvants, can lead to the formation of these cancers in cats. Many of these vaccines are now made in a different manner, so as not to contain adjuvants, and most vaccines in cats are also now given in specific locations of the body so that if one of these cancers occurs, it can be known which vaccine may have played a role.

The most common side effect for vaccines in cats tends to be lethargy, followed by vomiting, or diarrhea. Cats rarely develop anaphylaxis, facial swelling, or hivesas seen in many other species. If your cat does experience any sort of reaction to a vaccine, report it to your vet, as this may change how they are vaccinated in the future.

How Are Vaccines Given?

Most vaccines for cats are injections given under the skin. Vaccines are generally about 1 milliliter in volume. There are other forms of vaccines that include nasal drops, as well as transdermal vaccines, but these are uncommonly encountered.

My Cat Is Late for Their Vaccine. Does That Change the Schedule?

The answer is: it depends. If your cat is less than a week late for an annual booster, it is generally not a problem. If your cat is more than a week or two late for their primary course booster, it might mean they will need an additional booster vaccine.

I Feed Stray Cats. Do They Need Vaccines?

Ideally, yes. You can contact local cat rescue groups as if you are helping to care for a colony, and they may assist you in finding a way to vaccinate these cats.

Is My Cat Too Old for Vaccines?

In general, veterinarians no longer consider cats too old for most things, and for many reasons! There are many healthy, happy 20-year-old cats that come in for veterinary care that would definitely not be happy to hear they are too old. Sometimes, senior cats need the immunity provided by vaccines far more than adult cats. Discuss with your vet what risk factors exist for your senior cats, such as time spent outside, boarding around other cats and dogs, and any medical conditions your cat may have, to determine what vaccines he or she needs, and how often.

Conclusion

Vaccination in cats is an important part of preventing serious illness and keeping our furry friends healthy. Vaccines are part of a lifelong health plan for your cat, not just something done when they are kittens.

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Featured Image Credit: Ilike, Shutterstock

Do I Need to Get My Indoor Cat Vaccinated? Vet Approved Facts & Safety Guide

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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If your cat is an indoor cat that rarely ventures outside, their chances of injury and illness are likely lower, but does this mean they wont need to be protected against any potential diseases?

Veterinarians recommend all cat get their core vaccines. These vaccines protect cats against widely distributed diseases that have a high mortality rate. A cats core vaccines are feline herpes virus vaccine 1 (FHV-1), feline calicivirus vaccine (FCV), feline panleukopenia virus vaccine (FPV), rabies, and feline leukemia virus vaccine (FeLV). Believe it or not, even your indoor cat is at risk of contracting the disease through fomites, and this is the term used for third objects that work as a transportation system for a pathogenic virus. Thats right, even if your cat does not have contact with other cats, you could certainly bring a virus home on your clothing or shoes!

This article discusses vaccines, their pros and cons, and how you can make the best and safest decision for your cat.

Vaccine Overview

Vaccines are one of the most controversial topics when it comes to both humans and animals, and making the right decision can be a stressful and confusing process for pet owners.

It is essential to understand that no vaccine is 100% safe, and its also important to be aware and acknowledge that vaccines also save lives. Vaccines are preparations of microbes, like bacteria or viruses, that have been manipulated or inactivated so that they dont cause a disease process. By administering these vaccines to the animal, it trains the immune system to protect against the agents targeted by the vaccine.

There are two classifications of cat vaccinations: core and non-core vaccinations. Core vaccinations are recommended for all cats to protect them from common and severe conditions.

They include:

• Rabies: Rabies kills several mammals every year, and there is no cure. Rabies vaccinations are required in most states in America.
• Calicivirus, Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, and Panleukopenia (FVRCP): This combination vaccine, commonly known as the distemper shot, protects against viral infection rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia.
• Type I feline herpesvirus (FHV, FHV-1): This is the leading cause of upper respiratory infections.
• Feline Leukemia Virus (Felv): This vaccine is considered a core vaccine for kittens and young adult cats under 1 year of age. Even if it protects against a viral infection spread by close contact, if your cat typically stays inside, you never know if it will jump out or escape one day.

Non-core vaccinations are recommended for outdoor cats.

They include:

• Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (Felv): Also known as cats AIDS, this attacks the cats immune system and is normally spread through bites.
• Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP): Is caused by a coronavirus and normally spread through feces.
• Chlamydophila felis:Is a bacteria that causes respiratory disease in cats. It is normally transmitted from cat to cat, especially in crowded conditions.
• Bordetella: This vaccine is recommended to protect your cat from the bacteria Bordetella, which can cause upper respiratory infections that are highly contagious. Your vet may recommend this if your cat is around a lot of other animals.

What to Consider?

Before giving your pet a vaccine, you should consider your cats overall health and the risk factors it is exposed to, the prevalence of disease in your area, consequences of infection, previous vaccine reaction, vaccine efficacy, duration of immunity, and vaccine properties. As you see, even indoor cats need to be protected against certain viral agents. Its best to consult your veterinarian about your cats vaccination schedule and keep them up to date.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Vaccines

Vaccinating your cat can help protect it and other cats from serious diseases. It will also help protect people from diseases, such as rabies, that can be transmitted by cats.

Vaccinations can also have reactions that range from mild to severe. Every cat can react differently, but there are a few signs you can look out for.

• Swelling: Lumps and swelling in specific areas are also common side effects. A firm bump usually develops at the injection site. Its essential to keep an eye on it for signs of inflammation, growth, or infection. It typically passes within a week, but if it doesnt, and it has grown or seems infected, you will need to contact your vet.
• Lethargy and a mild fever: These signs should be mild and last only 1 or 2 days, but if it goes on longer than 2 days, you should consult your vet.
• Cold-like signs: Some vaccines are administered through your cats nose or eyes, which can lead to cold-like signs, such as sneezing, coughing, and a runny nose, but it should pass within a day or two.

If your cat has a severe reaction from a vaccine, the signs will appear either straight away or up to 48 hours later. These signs include facial swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. Anaphylaxis is the most severe allergic reaction that pets can experience due to vaccinations, and it can be life threatening if not treated immediately.

Several studies have found a link between the FVRCP vaccines excessive use (hyperinoculation) and kidney inflammation. The FVRCP vaccine is made from feline kidney cells; when injected into your cat, the body recognizes them as foreign and produces antibodies.

Unfortunately, those antibodies do not distinguish between the injected kidney cells and the cats kidney tissue, which can result in an autoimmune attack on its kidneys. However, more research is needed to determine whether vaccines cause or contribute to feline kidney disease.

Keeping Your Cat Safe

Vaccines can be a vital part of keeping your cat safe, and your cat is most likely to be safe from a severe vaccine reaction.

Cats are no different from humans regarding needles, so you will need to make their visit to the vet as comfortable as possible. Use a sturdy and comfortable carrier with their favorite toy or blanket so that they can recognize the smell. Cats are sensitive and can pick up on your energy, so its important to stay as calm as possible.

When you arrive home, provide a warm, safe space for your cat to lie down and make sure they have access to water and food. Keep checking up on your cat, ensuring they are comfortable, but also try not to disturb them too much.

Adjuvants are substances added to vaccines that cause inflammation at the injection site, alerting the immune system to the presence of the vaccine. This substance can sadly cause an aggressive tumor that can be fatal, known as sarcoma. Its essential to ask your vet about the vaccines they are using and avoid vaccines with adjuvants.

If a cat requires two vaccines, they can be given at least 1 week apart. This allows time for the first vaccines inflammation to decrease before administering the second. Another valid reason for separating vaccines is that the immune system can only do so much at once.

Conclusion

There are many variables regarding vaccines, and your comfort level after research also plays a role in the decision. Core vaccinations for cats are highly recommended, especially rabies, since the disease can also be passed to humans, and there is no cure.

Cats that live indoors should also be protected since they could go roaming, escape, or be surrounded by other cats when visiting a grooming parlor or boarding facility. While all vaccines are not 100% safe, they also save lives, so weighing the pros and cons is vital to the decision-making process. At the end of the day, we all want to keep our pets safe, and its up to you as the parent to make the best-informed decision.

Featured Image Credit: Melanie Hogue, Pixabay