Vaccinating your cat is one of the best ways to protect your pet against serious infectious diseases. It’s a crucial step and the best line of defence for your cat that shouldn’t be overlooked, even for indoor cats.
Keep reading to learn more about our vaccination process and how to keep your pet healthy.
What’s the cat vaccine process?
Our veterinarians perform a general exam before administering the vaccine. We evaluate:
- Your cat’s vaccination status
- Their oral health
- Nutrition and digestion
- Their paws, coat, breathing and heart
- Their lifestyle and behaviour
- How protected they are against parasites
Each patient is unique. The exam helps us learn more about your cat or kitten before we vaccinate them. We take our time getting to know your animal and their particular needs so that we can design a detailed vaccination plan.
When should I vaccinate my cat?
Kittens start receiving their vaccines when they’re about 2 months (8 weeks) old. Your cat will then receive up to 3 rounds of booster shots every 4 weeks. In total, your cat will get their vaccines at 2, 3 and 4 months old.
What are the core vaccines for cats?
Feline viral rhinotracheitis (“cat cold”): Rhinotracheitis is a viral disease that is transmitted from cat to cat. If your cat is in direct contact with other cats, they’re at risk of catching it.
Much like the common cold in humans, rhinotracheitis is an infectious respiratory disease that causes fever, sneezing, loss of appetite, runny nose and coughing fits. This disease is harmful for both cats and kittens, which is why vaccination is so important.
Feline Calicivirus: This is another serious respiratory disease. Although cats can be cured, they can also become lifelong carriers or suffer from chronic sneezing and watery eyes. The main clinical signs are tongue ulcers, fever and lung inflammation (pneumonia).
Feline panleukopenia: Feline panleukopenia (feline distemper) is an incredibly resilient virus that can survive up to 1 year outside the cat’s body. The symptoms of this deadly disease are themselves alarming and include apathy, diarrhea, vomiting, severe dehydration and fever.
Rabies: There is currently no cure for rabies, which is why vaccinating your cat is so important.
Is every vaccine effective?
Vaccine effectiveness varies, so it’s important to vaccinate your cat each year.
Some vaccines, like the rabies vaccine, are the only real way to protect your pet. Since there is no cure for rabies, it’s vital to get your cat vaccinated.
How much do booster shots for cats cost?
It depends on the type of vaccine and how many booster shots are required. The experienced veterinarians at Hôpital Vétérinaire Mercier can answer all of your questions about vaccines for cats, including the cost with boosters.
How often should my cat get vaccinated?
Your veterinarian will let you know the proper schedule for the type of vaccine and the number of booster shots.
