What vaccines does my cat need? What are the core vaccines and the non-core vaccines?
Yes. Certain cat vaccines are necessary, or what we would call core vaccines, which means we recommend them in all cats. That's going to include the rabies vaccine and the core viral vaccine called FVRCP. And then, other vaccines might be necessary based on the lifestyle of your cat, particularly the feline leukemia vaccine.
What cat vaccinations are required by law?
In Saskatchewan, there are no legal requirements for any cat vaccinations.
When should I start vaccinating my kitten?
Kittens should start vaccines usually around 8 weeks old when they come to live in your home. Sometimes they start earlier if they're in a higher-risk situation like a shelter. As soon as you get your new kitten, you should see the veterinarian and we'll start with vaccinations.
How often does my cat need a booster vaccine?
For kittens, booster vaccines need to happen every 3 to 4 weeks until they've finished their kitten series. After that, they can go on either a one-year or a three-year vaccination booster protocol depending on the type of vaccine and their age.
What are the benefits of vaccinating my cat?
All of the diseases we vaccinate against are highly dangerous to cats, with some being lethal. The benefits of vaccination mean that you won't have to worry about those severe diseases in your cat.
Are there any risks or side effects associated with cat vaccines?
It's important to understand the difference between a side effect and an adverse effect. Side effects are commonly seen after anyone gets a vaccine. Sometimes they feel a little bit under the weather, tired, or may not have much of an appetite. This is a normal side effect of vaccines. Adverse reactions are abnormal and can happen, although they are very rare in cats.
The more rare side effects are vomiting, diarrhea, severe lethargy, hives, swelling of the face, and, while they aren't very common, they require immediate evaluation. The most discussed vaccine reaction in the cat is called the feline injection site-associated sarcoma. Fortunately, that is extremely rare. Some studies show it's as rare as 0.0001% of the time, but that is always a possibility that's important to consider, which is why we only want to vaccinate as often as we need to keep their immunity up, and no more than that.
How do I know if my cat is up to date on vaccines?
The easiest way to know if your cat's up to date is to call the clinic. Sometimes it's hard to keep track of that at home, and I will admit, even I don't remember when my pets are due.
Can my cat receive multiple vaccines at once?
Healthy cats are absolutely able to receive more than one vaccine at once. This can boost their immunity and ensure they are all protected without needing multiple visits to the vet clinic.
What should I do if my cat has a reaction to a vaccine?
If your cat has a reaction to a vaccine, let us know right away. It's important that we treat those, record them, and even report them to the vaccine company.
How do I prepare my cat for a vaccine appointment?
There are several important things to do before you bring your cat in for a vaccine appointment. The first is to make sure that they're going to enjoy their trip. Get them used to their kennel and being relaxed in the car on the way to the clinic. It's also really important to know your pet's history, such as what they're eating and when they last went outside. All of this information is important for us to know. If you have any records from other clinics where they've been seen previously, that's also very helpful.
Can indoor cats skip certain vaccines?
There are some vaccines that are based on lifestyle. Indoor cats who never meet unfamiliar cats and aren't going to be exposed to situations where they might get into a fight generally don't need a feline leukemia virus vaccine, for instance.
How do vaccinations help prevent feline diseases?
Vaccinations are very effective at preventing a wide variety of feline diseases. These diseases are quite serious, and if we can prevent them completely or even reduce their severity, we can do a lot to keep our feline friends happy.
What is the difference between a vaccine and a titer test for cats?
Vaccines are a modified version of the virus we're vaccinating against. We show it to the cat's immune system, and they mount an immune response. That immune response produces antibodies. A titer test measures how many antibodies are already circulating in your cat's blood, ready to fight disease. We can check a titer and count how many antibodies there are to see if they have enough protection.
Are there any specific vaccines recommended for senior cats?
No, there aren't any specific vaccines for senior cats, but we do recommend continuing vaccinating senior cats. As we age, both humans and cats, our immune systems decrease, so we want to ensure they remain fully protected.
Can my cat be vaccinated if it has a health condition?
Sometimes it depends on what the health condition is, how it affects the immune response, and how sick your cat is at the time of vaccination. Giving vaccines to a cat whose immune system is working on other things isn't very effective and can make them feel worse. If their immune response is low, sometimes we need to change how frequently we give the vaccines to make them effective.
What vaccines are required for boarding and traveling with my cat?
That's a good question, and it depends on what the boarding facility requires and what the country you're going to requires. It's important to check these things out beforehand, especially if you're traveling to an island country, as they have stricter regulations, especially around rabies vaccination. If you have questions, you can check the CFIA website for travel or call the boarding facility.
How do I handle vaccination records and documentation for my cat?
Vaccination records are always kept on your pet's medical record and are available to you at any time you call the clinic. If you have records at home, like a vaccine booklet you've been keeping up to date, if you bring that in, we're more than happy to keep that updated as well. Some pets have passports, and if you are planning to travel, we need to be able to fill that passport out at the time of their visit.
Are cat vaccines covered by pet insurance?
Sometimes it depends on what package policy you have. Generally speaking, if you have a wellness package that covers vaccines, spay and neuter surgery, and preventative blood work, then those premiums are slightly higher. However, some companies do offer packages that cover vaccines.
How can I find a reputable vet for my cat's vaccinations?
All veterinarians in Saskatchewan who are licensed to practice medicine are listed on the SBMA website. You can also look for clinics that have low-stress or fear-free handling, as that can often be a factor that makes your cat enjoy their visit more.
What happens if I don't want to vaccinate my cat?
You're never obligated to vaccinate your cat. Your cat's health is your choice and decision. Our job is to ensure that you have all the information you need to keep your cat healthy and happy for as long as possible.
Why Is It Important To Avoid Missing a Cat Vaccination?
Missing vaccinations can compromise your cat's immunity, making them susceptible to infections and reducing the overall effectiveness of their vaccination program. Regular veterinary visits and sticking to the recommended vaccination schedule allow your cat to remain well-protected throughout their life.
At Forest Grove Veterinary Clinic, your pet is our priority. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call our team at (306) 955-6111, or you can email us at contact@forestgrovevet.com. Our staff would love to talk with you! Don't forget to follow us on Facebook.