VETERINARY SERVICES

Cat Vaccinations

Cat vaccines are back in stock

Cat Vaccinations

Vaccination has revolutionised control of infectious diseases in our pets. It is essential that all pets are adequately vaccinated to help protect the pet population as a whole. Responsible pet care requires kittens to be given their initial course of vaccinations, but this cannot protect them for the rest of their lives. Adult cats require regular vaccination to maintain immunity against disease.

Kitten Vaccinations

Kittens are temporarily protected against many diseases by antibodies received through their mother’s milk. These maternal antibodies decline in the first couple of months of their lives. However, until they drop sufficiently, they can also neutralise vaccines. This is why a series of vaccinations are necessary for kittens.

Adult Cat Vaccinations

The immunity from kitten vaccinations weakens over time and your pet can again become susceptible to disease. Annual health checks and booster vaccinations will provide the best protection for the life of your pet.

A Guide to Cat Vaccination

Initial vaccination programs should provide at least two vaccinations three to four weeks apart against some or all of the following: feline panleukopenia, calicivirus, rhinotracheitis, chlamydia and leukaemia virus at or after eight weeks of age. Three vaccinations, two to four weeks apart, against feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are recommended at or after eight weeks of age.

After Vaccination Care

Following vaccination your cat may be off-colour for a day or two, or have some slight swelling or tenderness at the injection site. Access to food and water and a comfortable area to rest are usually all that is required for a quick recovery. However, if the response seems more severe, you should contact us for advice.

Please give us a call to discuss a suitable vaccination regime for your pet kitten or cat.

Infectious Diseases of Cats We Vaccinate Against

Feline Enteritis (also known as feline panleukopenia)

This disease is very contagious and the death rate is high, especially under 12 months of age. Pregnant cats may lose their young or give birth to kittens with abnormalities, quite often with brain damage. Symptoms are depression, loss of appetite, uncontrollable vomiting and diarrhoea, often with blood and severe abdominal pain.

The virus spreads so easily that heavily contaminated areas require cleaning with a special disinfectant. Cats that do recover may continue to carry the virus for some time and infect other cats.

Feline Respiratory Disease
(cat flu)

This is caused in 90 per cent of cases by feline herpesvirus (feline rhinotracheitis) and/or feline calicivirus.

Feline respiratory disease affects cats of all ages, but especially young kittens, Siamese and Burmese cats. It is highly contagious and causes sneezing, coughing, runny eyes, nasal discharge, loss of appetite and tongue ulcers.

Fortunately, the death rate is low except in young kittens, but the disease is distressing and may persist for several weeks. Recovered cats can continue to carry and spread the infection for long periods, and can show signs of the disease again if they become stressed.

Chlamydia (also known as chlamydophila)

Feline chlamydia causes a severe persistent conjunctivitis in up to 30 per cent of cats. Kittens are more severely affected by chlamydia when also infected with ‘cat flu’, and chlamydia can be shed for many months. Vaccination against cat flu and chlamydia helps protect against clinical disease.

Feline Leukaemia
(FeLV)

Feline leukaemia is a serious disease of cats caused by feline leukaemia virus (FeLV). The virus attacks the immune system and may be associated with lack of appetite, weight loss, pale or yellow mucous membranes, vomiting, diarrhoea, reproductive problems, increased susceptibility to other infections, leukaemia and tumours. Many cats may be infected and show no signs at all.

About one-third of infected cats remain chronically infected and may shed virus in their saliva, tears, nasal secretions and urine. The disease is then spread to uninfected cats by mutual grooming, fighting, sneezing or even flea bites.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

Feline AIDS is a disease caused by infection with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and affects the cat’s immune system. Their natural defence against attack by other diseases may be seriously affected, much in the same way as human AIDS.

This disease is not transmissible to humans.

FIV is almost always transmitted by bites from infected cats. The virus that causes the disease is present in saliva. While some infected cats show no sign of disease, others may display initial symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, lethargy and swollen lymph nodes.

As the disease progresses, symptoms may occur such as weight loss, sores in and around the mouth, eye lesions, poor coat and chronic infections. Eventually, the immune system becomes too weak to fight off other infections and diseases. As a result, the cat may die from one of these subsequent infections.

If you have any questions, please contact your local Sydney Animal Hospital.

Our SAH Locations

Providing Animal Hospital Care with Flexible Payment Options

Like any member of your family, an unexpected illness or injury can happen to your pet at any time and with that comes unforeseen expenses.

To help with these unexpected costs Sydney Animal Hospitals offer a number of payment options such as Afterpay, Zip, VetPay, cash and credit card.



If you have pet insurance you may be able to claim on the spot and only pay the gap with GapOnly™

SYDNEY ANIMAL HOSPITALS ACCEPT

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions pet owners ask regarding cat vaccinations

What vaccinations do my cat need, and how often?
Core vaccinations recommended for all cats include rabies and feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), calicivirus (FCV), and panleukopenia (FVP) vaccines. Non-core vaccinations, such as feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) vaccines, may be recommended based on your cat’s lifestyle and risk factors. Vaccination schedules vary, but most core vaccines require initial doses followed by booster shots every 1-3 years.
Are vaccinations safe for my cat?
Vaccinations are generally safe for cats and are crucial for preventing serious infectious diseases. Side effects are rare but can include mild swelling or discomfort at the injection site, lethargy, or fever. Serious adverse reactions are extremely uncommon and outweighed by the benefits of vaccination.
At what age should my kitten start vaccinations?
Kittens should start their vaccination series at around 6-8 weeks of age. They will need a series of vaccinations spaced 3-4 weeks apart until they are about 16 weeks old to ensure they are fully protected. Your veterinarian will determine the best vaccination schedule based on your kitten’s health and risk factors.
Do indoor cats need vaccinations?
Yes, even indoor cats need vaccinations. Indoor cats can still be exposed to diseases through contact with other animals, accidental escape, or contact with humans who may inadvertently carry infectious agents. Core vaccinations, at a minimum, are recommended for all cats to ensure they are protected against common infectious diseases.
What happens if my cat misses a vaccination?
If your cat misses a scheduled vaccination, it’s important to contact your veterinarian to reschedule as soon as possible. Depending on the vaccine and the length of time since the last dose, your veterinarian may recommend restarting the vaccination series or simply administering a booster shot. Regular vaccination is essential to maintain your cat’s immunity and protect against infectious diseases.

Get Social with