Vaccines for Cats

 

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Covering all the nasty stuff to vaccinate your cat against, in one place. If you are still on the fence about vaccinations, check out this article.

Some brief and basic facts on vaccinations here:

  • There are core vaccinations and non-core. Core vaccinations are crucial while non-core depends on your cat’s risk of exposure.

  • Age of your cat will determine the most suitable vaccination schedule.

  • Dosage and timing matters so follow the schedule given to you.

  • Boosters may be necessary to ensure the protection lasts.

  • Vets give the best advice because they assess every cat based on individual medical history, lifestyle, environment etc.

Here’s the list of vaccines which help to purr-tect your cat, categorised by age and necessity.

Just click to jump to the section relevant to your pet:

For cats age 4 - 16 weeks

kittens need vaccinations

For cats over 16 weeks

Cats, regardless of age, need vaccinations

Core Vaccines for Cats: Age 4 - 16 weeks

 
calicivirus

Highly contagious upper respiratory illness that can cause joint pain, oral ulcers, fever and severe weight loss.

Dosage & Age:

Given early as 6 weeks, then every 3-4 weeks till 16 weeks of age.

Booster shots:

After 1 year of completing initial series. Subsequent boosters every 3 years or more often.

feline distemper

A severe and contagious disease that most commonly strikes kittens and can cause death.

Dosage & Age:

Given as early as 6 weeks, then every 3-4 weeks till 16 weeks of age.

Booster shots:

After 1 year of completing initial series. Subsequent boosters every 3 years or more often

feline herpesvirus

This disease causes feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), a highly contagious upper respiratory condition.

Dosage & Age:

Given early as 6 weeks, then every 3-4 weeks till 16 weeks of age.

Booster shots:

After 1 year of completing initial series. Subsequent boosters every 3 years or more often.

Non-core Vaccines for Cats: Age 4 - 16 weeks

 
Bordetella

A contagious upper respiratory condition caused by a bacteria.

Dosage & Age:

As early as 4 weeks.

Booster shots:

Yearly.

feline leukemia virus

An illness transmitted between cats. It can cause cancer and suppresses the immunity system.

Cat should be tested FeLV negative first before giving vaccine.

Dosage & Age:

Total 2 doses. Given as early as 8 weeks, then 3-4 weeks later.

Booster shots:

Every 2 years for cats at low risk and every year for those at higher risk.

Rabies

Fatal when contracted. There is no treatment available yet.

*Singapore is rabies-free so this vaccine is not necessary for cats here.

Only relevant for pet owners who intend to bring their cats overseas (to countries which may not be rabies-free)

Dosage & Age:

Single dose given to kittens from 8 weeks onwards.

Booster shots:

Required yearly or every 3 years, depending on vaccine used.

Core Vaccines for Cats: Age over 16 weeks

 
calicivirus is core

Highly contagious upper respiratory illness that can cause joint pain, oral ulcers, fever and severe weight loss.

Dosage & Age:

Total 2 doses. Given 3-4 weeks apart.

Booster shots:

After 1 year of completing initial series. Subsequent boosters every 3 years or more often.

feline distemper is core

A severe and contagious disease that is potentially fatal.

Dosage & Age:

Total 2 doses. Given 3-4 weeks apart.

Booster shots:

After 1 year of completing initial series. Subsequent boosters every 3 years or more often

feline herpesvirus is core

This disease causes feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), a highly contagious upper respiratory condition.

Dosage & Age:

Total 2 doses. Given 3-4 weeks apart.

Booster shots:

After 1 year of completing initial series. Subsequent boosters every 3 years or more often.

Non-core Vaccines for Cats: Age over 16 weeks

 
bordetella is non-core

A contagious upper respiratory condition caused by a bacteria.

Dosage & Age:

Total 2 doses. Given 1 year apart.

Booster shots:

Yearly.

feline luekemia virus is non-core

An illness transmitted between cats. It can cause cancer and suppresses the immunity system.

Cat should be tested FeLV negative first before giving vaccine.

Dosage & Age:

Total 2 doses. Given 3-4 weeks apart.

Booster shots:

Every 2 years for cats at low risk and every year for those at higher risk.

rabies is non-core in Singapore

Fatal when contracted. There is no known treatment available yet.

*Singapore is rabies-free so this vaccine is not necessary for cats here.

Only relevant for pet owners who intend to bring their cats overseas (to countries which may not be rabies-free)

Dosage & Age:

Yearly.

Booster shots:

Required yearly or every 3 years, depending on vaccine used.

You may opt for a Titer Test first to check if your cat already has protection from some of these illnesses. How it works: Blood is drawn and measured for the existence and level of antibodies to the particular disease. Antibodies are produced when a virus or bacteria provokes a response from the immune system. So the presence and levels of antibodies will tell you if your pet has immunity. This means you can make an informed decision to vaccinate or not.

If you are still unsure about the vaccinations suitable for your cat, come and see our vets at Gaia.