HEALTH

WHICH VACCINES DO CATS NEED AT WHAT AGE?

The kitties we rescue and foster are all up to date with vaccines, Elsa tested for FELV and FIV [Feline Aids], and neutered/spayed if age appropriate [we advocate altering after 6 months].

​

Our foster kittens' Immunizations are started at 8-10 weeks old, and are repeated 3-4 weeks. By the time the kitten is 4 months old they should be all set.

The routine or Core Vaccinations, also referred to as FVRCP, will cover your kitten from the foremost common diseases such as: feline distemper (panleukopenia aka parvo virus), feline viral rhinotracheitis (feline herpes virus 1), and calicivirus.
 

We do not advocate for rabies vaccine before 4 months old, or yearly due to sarcoma.

If a vet is too aggressive with yearly re-vaccinations, find a new vet!

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) are feline-only retroviruses that can't be transmitted to humans [non-zoonotic] or other creatures. Not  every cats who tests positive for FIV or FeLV will develop infections or symptoms that are fatal or that otherwise seriously affect their quality of life. 

Although they're going to have weaker immune systems, felines who have tested positive for FIV or FeLV should still live fulfilling and happy lives like all other cats, and can live for several years into their twenties.

​

Proper nutrition is essential for a robust immune system and growth, so it is important to choose the right food depending on your new cat's life-stage.

​

Further reading:

Your pets don't need shots every year

Vaccines and sarcomas: A concern for cat owners ~ AVMA

Post-Vaccination Sarcoma in Cats ~ VCA Animal Hospitals

Vaccine-associated feline sarcoma: current perspectives ~ NCBI/NIH

New Rabies Vaccine For Cats ~ Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine

Immunization against feline coronaviruses ~ NCBI/NIH