- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
When you bring home a new cat, they’ll probably need a round or two of shots. Not only do vaccines prevent your cat from catching common diseases, but they can also help to stop transmission to other cats and you. Generally, most cats will get the same vaccines, including rabies, feline distemper, feline calicivirus, and FeLV shots. However, every cat’s vaccination schedule varies. Additionally, some cats may need extra vaccines depending on factors such as their age, lifestyle, and any previous diseases they’ve been exposed to, says Dr. Candy Akers, a holistic veterinarian.
Below, learn more about the vaccines your cat could need, when they’ll need them, and even how much you can expect to spend on vaccinations throughout your cat’s life.
Cat Vaccination Schedule: First Year
Every cat’s vaccination schedule will look slightly different, depending on factors like age and any non-core vaccinations they need. But here’s an example of what a kitten’s first year of vaccines might look like.
Cat Age | Vaccines Given |
8 Weeks (2 months.) |
|
12 weeks (3 months.) |
|
16 weeks (4 months) |
|
72 weeks (16.5 months) |
|
After the first year, your cat will generally need booster shots annually. However, some vaccines may need to be administered more frequently, depending on your local laws.
Why Vaccines Are Important
Vaccines help “train” your cat’s immune system to recognize diseases. If your cat’s immune system ever encounters infectious agents in the future, their body will produce antibodies or activate germ-killing cells to fend them off. Some vaccines require multiple doses administered over a few weeks, then annual booster shots afterward.
Dr. Akers says that, ideally, vaccines should be administered when cats are still kittens. “This exposes their immune system to a disease before they go out into the world and encounter it,” she adds.
But if you’ve recently adopted a cat and aren’t sure of their vaccine status, experts recommend giving them the entire series of vaccines meant for kittens. If the cat is over ten or has known health issues, Dr. Akers says they’ll usually be given a “titer test.”
“A titer test measures the immune system’s strength that is already present in the bloodstream due to previous vaccines,” she explains. This will let the vet know if the cat needs vaccinations or boosters and help create a vaccine plan.
Which Vaccinations Does Your Cat Need? Every Shot Explained
The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) divides cat vaccinations into two main groups: core and non-core. Core vaccinations are essential for all cats, while non-core vaccinations are optional or only administered in certain circumstances.
Although all core vaccinations aren’t generally required by law in the United States, some states may require that cats receive certain vaccinations, like rabies, by the time they reach a set age.
Regardless, it’s recommended that most cats receive the following core vaccines at some point.
Rabies
Rabies is a severe viral infection that commonly spreads through bites from infected animals. In cats, it can cause extreme behavioral changes, paralysis, and eventual death. Infected cats can also transmit rabies to humans, which is fatal once symptoms develop.
The AAFP recommends following local laws and guidelines when vaccinating cats for rabies. For example, New York requires all kittens to receive a rabies vaccination by the time they’re four months old.
Panleukopenia
Panleukopenia (feline distemper) is a contagious virus commonly affecting kittens. It can cause symptoms like appetite loss, vomiting, diarrhea, and fevers. Severe cases can even lead to death. This vaccine is commonly administered in a combination vaccine, which mixes multiple core vaccines into a single shot.
Feline calicivirus
Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a contiguous virus that causes severe upper respiratory infections in cats. It can cause a loss of appetite, eye and nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, mouth sores, and even lameness. Severe cases can cause inflammation in vital organs like the liver, pancreas, and intestines and eventual death.
Feline leukemia virus
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is an infectious disease that causes symptoms like immune suppression, anemia and can eventually lead to cancer. It’s highly contagious and common in multi-cat environments. It affects between 2 and 3% of all cats in the United States and is the leading cause of virus-related death in cats.
Importantly, this vaccine is considered a core vaccination for kittens under 12 months old and a non-core vaccine for cats over 12 months.
Non-core vaccinations
Not every cat will need the following non-core vaccines. But they could prove beneficial for certain cats when your vet recommends them.
- Bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough): Highly contagious bacteria that cause upper respiratory infections in cats and dogs. It’s generally only recommended for cats from shelters or other multi-cat environments.
- Chlamydophila felis: A bacteria that can cause upper respiratory infections and conjunctivitis in cats. It’s only recommended for cats who have previously been exposed.
- Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP): A fatal viral disease caused by mutations of the feline coronavirus. However, research shows this vaccine isn’t always practical, and there’s little evidence that it can be transmitted from cat to cat. So, it’s not generally recommended.
- Dermatophytosis (ringworm): A fungal infection that causes skin inflammation and hair loss in pets and humans. Although the vaccine exists for cats, evidence suggests it isn’t effective.
- Feline Giardia: A parasite that can cause digestive issues in pets, like abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and vomiting. Again, there’s limited evidence to suggest that this vaccine is effective for cats, so vets don’t usually recommend it.
How Much Does Each Round of Vaccination Cost?
A cat’s first year of vaccinations will generally cost between $100-$200. Booster shots will generally cost $80-$150 per year. If you take your cat to the vet to be vaccinated, you may also need to pay for a vet exam, which could cost anywhere from $85-$130 per year.
So, if your cat lives to be 15 years old, you can expect to spend anywhere from $1,220-$2,300 on vaccines throughout their lifetime – plus any vet exams.
What if I can’t afford my cat’s vaccinations?
If you have difficulty affording the shots in your cat’s vaccination schedule from the vet, a low-cost pet vaccine clinic in your area might help.
Places to look for low-cost vaccinations around you include:
Additionally, while typical pet insurance might not cover vaccines, there are pet wellness insurance add-ons to cover vaccines and general exams to mitigate the cost.
All in all, your cat may not enjoy getting their annual shots. But following their vet-recommended vaccine schedule is essential to keep them and other cats safe from dangerous diseases.