Do Indoor Cats Need to Be Vaccinated?
There are several serious animal illnesses that indoor cats can acquire. The right core vaccinations can be an important step in protecting your cat from the health risks associated with these diseases. Do you have an indoor cat? We are ready to discuss which vaccinations your kitty should have to stay healthy and live a longer life.
When Should My Kitten Get Their First Rabies Shot?
Kittens should receive a first rabies shot at about 12 weeks, followed by a second vaccination a year later. A booster shot should be administered every year or three years afterwards to continue protection against this fatal disease.
What If I Don't Know My Cat's Vaccination History?
For many cats adopted from shelters, the vaccination history may be unknown. At Affordable Animal Hospital, we recommend the following approach:
Your cat should receive two distemper shots about 3-4 weeks apart, your cat should also receive two shots for feline leukemia about 3-4 weeks apart, and rabies vaccinations should also be administered.
Vaccinating Pregnant or Nursing Cats
We recommend that vaccinations should not be given to a pregnant or nursing cat, unless the manufacturer of the vaccine has been tested for safety during pregnancy or nursing. Vaccinating a nursing cat will not pass on vaccine protection to growing kittens. Another reason to not vaccinate pregnant or nursing cats is that their body is under a great stress already. Your cat will be better prepared for any vaccination after having time to recover from pregnancy and nursing kittens.
Will My Cat Feel Sick After Vaccination?
Most cats heal fairly quickly after getting vaccinations. Occasionally, cat owners report negative symptoms after their pet is vaccinated. If you notice any of the following, do not hesitate to contact our vet so we can evaluate your concerns:
- Appetite loss
- Breathing difficulty
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Seizures
- Sluggishness
- Skin problems (such as hives or discoloration)
- Swelling or redness at the vaccination site
- Vomiting
Do My Cat's Vaccines Take Effect Immediately?
Unfortunately, cat vaccines don’t work at once in protecting against illness or disease. Your cat's vaccines take about 14 days to take effect. Why? After the vaccine is administered, a cat’s immune system must recognize and then respond to the vaccine. This process takes time. For most pets, vaccines begin to take effect about five days after their vaccination. The full effect of the vaccine is reached by 14 days after the vaccination. Some vaccines need to be spaced apart to ensure that each has adequate time to become fully effective.
