Vaccinations: Cats
All cats need vaccinations that keep them healthy and free of disease. Whether your cat is primarily outdoor or indoor, there are a variety of vaccines that work to keep them protected against the most common feline illnesses. Affordable Animal Hospital Covina creates a personalized vaccination plan for each cat based on their home environment, lifestyle, current age, and medical history.
Types of Vaccinations
There are two types of vaccines: core and non-core. Each vaccine contains antigens for a specific disease, and the vaccine resembles the organism of the disease it protects against. The antigens stimulate the immune system without bringing on the illness, familiarizing the body systems with the presence of the illness and so that antibodies form that protect your pet when it contacts that bacteria or virus.
Not every pet will need to be vaccinated for every disease. Your pet’s vaccinations will depend on several factors, and our Covina veterinarian will help you determine which vaccines are appropriate for the health and longevity of your furry friend.
Core Vaccines
Core vaccines are a group of vaccines that are considered vital to your cat’s health by the American Association of Feline Practitioners. The types of vaccines are determined by the severity of the disease, your pet’s risk of exposure, and the risk of transmission to humans. Core vaccines usually include injections for:
- Panleukopenia (feline distemper, also known as FVRPC)
- Feline calicivirus
- Feline herpes type I (rhinotracheitis)
- Rabies (administered at 12 weeks)
Calicivirus can cause upper respiratory infections by attacking the mouth, lungs, and nasal passages. Rabies is common among many species of animals, and can also be easily transmitted to humans. Some vaccines can be combined to reduce the total number of injections your cat will need to stay healthy and protect you and your family against certain animal-to-human transmittable diseases.
Non-Core Vaccines
Vaccines that are not recommended for every cat are also known as non-core vaccines. Any vaccine outside of the normal core vaccines is considered optional and will be selected based upon your cat’s lifestyle and other factors. Our veterinarian will help you determine which non-core vaccines are appropriate for your cat, including:
- Feline leukemia virus
- Bordetella
- Chlyamydophila felis
- Feline immunodeficiency virus
Does my adult cat need to be vaccinated?
Your cat’s health is a top priority for a longer life. It will be necessary to get them revaccinated periodically throughout adult life. Some vaccines are effective for one year and need to an annual booster to maintain protection, while others remain effective for about three years.
Even if your cat spends the majority of time indoors, it will not protect against the risk of common feline diseases. Each cat is different and requires specific vaccines to maintain health and protect against dangerous illnesses.
Cat Vaccinations in Covina
Affordable Animal Hospital Covina makes it simple to maintain your cat’s health with safe and effective vaccines. Our experienced veterinarians will help you take action to keep your cat healthy and free from disease for the long term. We are dedicated to providing affordable cat vaccinations for pet owners throughout the Covina area.
Contact Us
Affordable Animal Hospital
602 N Azusa Ave.
Covina, CA 91722
Tel:
(626) 498-8345
Hours:
Mon-Fri 9am to 6pm
