Cat Vaccinations

Whether your cats stay indoors or go outside from time to time, being up-to-date on their vaccinations is important. These vaccines keep them safe from diseases that can be deadly, such as distemper and rabies. At Pine Castle Animal Care Center in Orlando, our veterinarians offer cat vaccines. Give us a call at 407-855-5010 to schedule a preventative care visit that includes vaccinations.

Why Vaccinate Your Cats?

Cats can catch illnesses that put their lives at risk. Outdoor cats may come into contact with other animals. Indoor cats might be exposed to pathogens from other pets or family members. Having your cats vaccinated helps them stay safe from potentially life-threatening diseases that could shorten their lives or lead to serious health problems.

Core Vaccines for Cats

Which vaccines do cats need? Some are known as core vaccines. These are recommended for all cats, rather than being optional. Core cat vaccines include feline panleukopenia, rabies, feline viral rhinotracheitis, and feline caliciviruses. Feline leukemia vaccines are core vaccines for kittens. In some cases, cats can receive vaccines that include multiple viruses, such as a distemper vaccine that includes feline viral rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia, and calicivirus.

Non-Core Vaccines for Cats

Non-core vaccines aren’t necessarily recommended for all cats. They can be an important part of preventative care for some cats, depending on their risk of exposure. These vaccines include feline leukemia virus for adult cats, Bordetella bronchispetica, and Chlamydophila felis. Our vet can recommend non-core vaccines for your cats as needed.

When to Schedule Cat Vaccinations

For kittens, vaccinations usually start when they’re roughly six to eight weeks old. Over the next several weeks, they typically receive booster doses. For adult cats, our veterinarian can recommend a vaccine schedule. Some cats might need to be vaccinated more often than others, depending on their lifestyle and exposure risks. Some vaccines provide protection for a year, while others offer protection for three years.

Vaccine Side Effects in Cats

Side effects in cats are usually mild and temporary. Your cat might have less energy than usual and have soreness at the infection site. More severe side effects are rare. Our vet can give you more information on the side effects and potential risks of vaccines for your cats. Keep in mind that these shots offer effective protection from severe illnesses.

Visit Our Veterinarians in Orlando, FL

Are you looking for a veterinarian near you?  Call Pine Castle Animal Care Center at 407-855-5010 to make an appointment with our veterinarians in Orlando. We can ensure that your cats are current on all of their vaccines to help protect them from serious illnesses.