Keep Your Pet Healthy! Essential Vaccinations Every Cat Needs

Last updated 7 months ago

For your beloved companion animals, regular visits to the veterinarian are an important part of their healthcare regimen. Vaccinations are one of the medical services that pets need in order to stay happy and healthy, and are a cornerstone of pet preventative medicine. Here are three core vaccines specifically for your feline friends:

Panleukopenia (FPV)
Most kittens need an initial FPV vaccine from the vet between six and eight weeks of age. Depending on the risk of exposure and incidence of the illness in their environment, some kittens may require a few more doses. Most cats require a booster at age one or two, and then every three years throughout their life.
Feline Viral Respiratory Disease Complex
Young kittens usually require two doses of this vaccine, given between six and 16 weeks of age. An adult cat that has never been vaccinated may also need two initial doses. After that, cats should visit their veterinarian for a booster after one year, and follow-up boosters every three years.
Rabies
Keeping your pet up to date on this vaccine is not only essential for health reasons—many states, such as New York, legally require it. Documentation of current rabies vaccination is sometimes required when transporting your cat across state lines. Many vets recommend this vaccine for kittens between eight and 12 weeks of age and for any adult cats with unknown vaccination history, such as recently adopted shelter pets.

There are different options for vaccine administration, including traditional needle shots. Since each cat has a unique lifestyle and history, no two will have the exact same vaccination requirements. At Heart of Chelsea Animal Hospital, our highly qualified veterinarians can create a vaccination schedule that will help keep your cat happy and healthy. Call us today at (917) 675-3708 to learn more about the high-quality pet medical services we offer.