In many ways, we see cats as highly independent. But one thing your cat will always depend on you for is their routine preventive care. One key part of preventive or routine cat care is their cat vaccines.
Whether it's the rabies vaccine for cats, FVRCP cat vaccine, or others, these vaccines protect your feline companion from contagious diseases—some of which have severe symptoms or NO definitive cure. This is why prompt vaccination is highly recommended during the kitten’s first year.
In this complete guide on cat vaccines by Sploot Vets, we will cover the different types of cat vaccines and the illnesses that they keep at bay.
Overview
- Cat vaccines can either be core or non-core. Core cat vaccines are generally recommended for all cats (e.g. rabies vaccine for cats)—while non-core vaccinations are recommended by your vet depending on lifestyle, location, and other factors (e.g. cat leukemia vaccine).
- Vaccines for kittens and revaccinations for adult cats follow a specific cat vaccination schedule to provide proper immunization.
- Cat vaccines can be legally required—while some may be required by establishments that offer cat boarding and cat grooming.
What Vaccines Do Cats Need?
When thinking about cat vaccines, the first to come to mind is might be the rabies vaccine for cats. However, another important core vaccine is the FVRCP cat vaccine, a convenient combo shot that helps strengthen a cat’s immunity against numerous serious feline illnesses.
Your location and your cat’s lifestyle are the key factors that influence which cat vaccines your vet will recommend. When in doubt, ask your trusted vet!
1. Required Cat Vaccines in Denver & Colorado Springs
If you reside in Denver, Colorado Springs, and other areas in the state of Colorado, the rabies vaccine for cats is a legal requirement for cats 4 months and older.
Note: Certain medical conditions can exempt a cat from vaccination. This would require a Vaccine Exemption Letter from a licensed veterinarian, as well as the approval of appropriate veterinary public health authorities.
Establishments like cat inns, cat boarding, or cat daycares may require additional vaccines along with the rabies vaccine. These include:
- FVRCP cat vaccine
- FeLV vaccine or cat leukemia vaccine
Note: Regarding the mandatory vaccines for cat boarding or daycare, it's recommended to confirm with the establishment before your visit.
2. Required Cat Vaccines in Chicago, Illinois?
According to state laws in Illinois, cats that are companion animals, and of 4 months of age or older, need to have rabies vaccination.
In addition to the rabies vaccine for cats, cat boarding or daycare establishments may require the following:
- FVRCP cat vaccine (which includes the distemper vaccine for cats)
- FeLV vaccine or cat leukemia vaccine (in select establishments)
Note: When it comes to required vaccines for cat boarding or daycare, it’s always best to confirm with the chosen establishment in advance.
I. Commonly Required Core Cat Vaccines
Core cat vaccines are typically recommended for all pet cats, regardless of location and lifestyle. These are administered along with non-core cat vaccines that are recommended by your vet.
1. Rabies Vaccine for Cat
Rabies in cats targets the central nervous system. It then infects the brain and is fatal in 99% of animal and human cases. Surviving rabies is extremely rare for both cats and humans. This is why the rabies vaccine for cats is essential.
a. Rabies Symptoms in Cats
Rabies in cats produces symptoms like increased aggression, abnormal behavior, difficulty breathing, seizures, hypersalivation, weakness, paralysis of the legs, and comatose.
b. Rabies Transmission
Rabies is transmitted via:
- A bite from an infected animal.
- Direct contact with saliva or ingestion of nervous system tissues/fluids of an infected animal, living or otherwise.
→ Jump to the cat vaccination schedule for rabies shots.
c. Rabies Protocol for Suspected Infections in Cats
Being one of the most dangerous diseases to mammals, certain actions need to be taken if rabies is suspected in pet cats, such as:
- If a person has been bitten or scratched by a suspected rabid cat (or another rabid animal), contact your health care provider and local public health department immediately.
- A cat that is suspected to have rabies needs to be carefully quarantined. This is to ensure the safety of the household and the community. In addition, this makes the potentially rabid cat available for observation — which will assist in determining if a person who is exposed to the cat would need rabies postexposure prophylaxis (PEP).
- Cats that have been exposed to a potentially rabid cat (through a bite or through grooming) will need to be quarantined separately.
- Please take note that rabid animals may show aggressive behavior — reach out to local animal control authorities if you need help.
- Contact local animal control authorities if the source of rabies is at large (i.e. a rabid pet that is loose; a stray dog or cat; or rabies reservoir species like bats, skunks, and racoons).
2. FVRCP Cat Vaccine [3-in-1]
The FVRCP cat vaccine is a combo shot that includes the distemper vaccine for cats, along with immunizations for other contagious feline diseases. FVRCP stands for the following:
- (FVR) Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis — a disease caused by the feline herpesvirus type-1; highly contagious; has no definitive cure.
- (C) Feline Calicivirus — a highly contagious disease; has no definitive cure.
- (P) Feline Panleukopenia — also known as feline distemper; a transmissible disease with life-threatening symptoms; hospitalization may be required.
2.1 FVR Vaccine for Cats (aka Herpesvirus Cat Vaccine)
Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR) is a common and contagious upper respiratory infection in cats with no known cure. This disease is caused by feline herpesvirus type-1 (FHV-1.) Therefore, the vaccine for FVR is also known as the herpesvirus cat vaccine.
Given that the feline herpesvirus type-1 is carried for life in the cat’s nerve cells—and will flare-up when the cat is stressed or weakened —the vaccine for FHV or FVR is one of the must-have core vaccines for cats.
Note: Veterinarians may recommend the Feline Rhinotracheitis & Calici Virus Intranasal Vaccine for very young kittens (less than 8 weeks of age) that need prompt immunization.
a. FVR Symptoms in Cats
Symptoms of FHV infection or feline viral rhinotracheitis include fever, lack of appetite, lethargy, salivation, sneezing, nasal discharge, ocular discharge, and conjunctivitis. In young kittens, an FHV infection can lead to death from pneumonia in kittens.
b. FVR Transmission
Feline herpesvirus type- 1 is transmitted through:
- Contact with the saliva and discharges from the eyes/nose of an infected cat.
- Kittens born to a cat infected with FHV-1 will, unfortunately, very likely also contract the disease
→ Jump to the cat vaccination schedule for FVRCP
2.2. FCV Vaccine for Cats
The vaccine for FCV is given as a part of the core FVRCP vaccine or, of the Feline Rhinotracheitis & Calici Virus Intranasal Vaccine.
Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a common and contagious virus that targets a cat’s upper respiratory system. The disease is most common in multicat environments and usually infects young cats.
Cats can potentially become carriers of feline calicivirus — meaning the virus will be in their bodies throughout their lifetime. Because FCV is common and has the potential to be carried for life — causing flare-ups during times that the cat is stressed or weakened — the vaccine for feline calicivirus is a must-have.
Note: Veterinarians may recommend the Feline Rhinotracheitis & Calici Virus Intranasal Vaccine for very young kittens (less than 8 weeks of age) that need prompt immunization.
a. FCV Symptoms in Cats
Feline calicivirus resembles a common cold with symptoms including sneezing, fever, nasal congestion, discharge from the eyes, and occasionally, drooling.
b. FCV Transmission
FCV is transmitted through the following:
- Contact with respiratory droplets or saliva of an infected cat.
- Contact with eye discharge from an infected cat.
→ Jump to the cat vaccination schedule for FVRCP
2.3. Feline Distemper Vaccine (aka Feline Panleukopenia Vaccine)
Feline distemper, also known as feline panleukopenia (FP), is a common, contagious, and life-threatening viral disease that affects multiple systems in a cat’s or kitten’s body. Feline panleukopenia targets the cellular lining of the intestines, bone marrow, and lymph nodes.
A feline panleukopenia infection requires hospitalization to help improve survival rates in both kittens and cats. Unfortunately, younger kittens have a rare chance of surviving this disease.
Due to the life-threatening nature of this disease, the feline panleukopenia vaccine or distemper vaccine for cats is a core vaccine—administered as a part of the FVRCP cat vaccine.
a. Feline Distemper Symptoms
Feline distemper produces serious symptoms including a high fever, loss of appetite, nasal discharge, vomiting, lethargy, severe diarrhea, and consequent dehydration.
b. Feline Distemper Transmission
Feline panleukopenia is transmitted through:
- Direct contact with an infected cat’s bodily secretions and excretions (e.g. urine, feces, vomit.)
- Direct contact with fomites or material carriers (e.g. bedding, human hands, shoes, and other items that had contact with the infected cat or their secretions.)
→ Jump to the cat vaccination schedule for FVRCP
3. Feline Rhinotracheitis & Calici Virus Intranasal Vaccine [FVRCP Alternative]
The Feline Rhinotracheitis & Calici Virus Intranasal Vaccine is a limited alternative to the FVRCP cat vaccine. It can be administered at a younger age (~4 weeks of age) versus the FVRCP vaccine which is given at 6 to 8 weeks of age. It provides prompt protection against two feline diseases with no cure: feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR) and feline calicivirus (FCV).
This intranasal vaccine is likely to be recommended by vets in the following cases:
- For very young kittens that need to be protected from FVR and FCV immediately. This intranasal vaccine acts faster.
- For cats that need quick immunization from FVR and FCV due to an upcoming boarding or exposure to a high-risk environment.
For administering periodic boosters (2-3 times a year) for cats that are carriers of FVR, aiding in the reduction of recurrent infections and viral shedding of FHV.
II. Non-Core Cat Vaccines
The American Animal Hospital Association categorizes the following cat vaccines as “non-core.” These cat vaccines are recommended by vets based on lifestyle, geographical location, and individual needs.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The term ‘non-core’ vaccine may lead some to mistakenly think these cat vaccines are not as important as core vaccines. However, non-core vaccines are essential when recommended by a vet. Disregarding some of these vaccines can lead to lifelong consequences on a cat’s health.
1. FeLV Vaccine for Cats
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus that invades the cat’s blood-forming tissues and immune system. It is contagious and dangerous. Even healthy adult cats can contract a FelV infection with enough exposure.
Unfortunately, FelV is known to reduce a cat’s lifespan significantly due to its effects on the immune system—although supportive treatments can still help. Because feline leukemia virus has lifelong effects, pet parents are advised to get this vaccine if it is recommened by the veterinarian.
Note: Vets typically perform a FeLV antigen test on cats prior to vaccination because in case a cat already carries the feline leukemia virus, FeLV vaccination can no longer provide immunization for it.
a. FeLV Symptoms in Cats
Symptoms of a FelV infection in cats include swollen lymph nodes, pale gums, inflamed gums, a dull coat, fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, diarrhea, skin infections, upper respiratory infections, eye conditions, seizures, and behavioral disorders.
b. FeLV Transmission
Feline leukemia virus is mainly transmitted through:
- Contact with saliva or nasal secretions from infected cats.
- It can also be transmitted through urine and feces.
→ Jump to the cat vaccination schedule for FeLV or the cat leukemia vaccine
2. Chlamydia Felis Vaccine
Chlamydia felis is the bacteria that causes feline chlamydial conjunctivitis, a disease targets the eyes or upper respiratory tract of a cat. Left untreated, this disease can also spread to the lungs. This disease is often seen in kittens but cats of any age can be infected as well.
Because this disease can persist for months if left untreated, the Chlamydia felis vaccine is sometimes recommended by vets for cats that are regularly exposed to other cats or those that are allowed to go outside.
Note: There are very rare cases wherein humans developed conjunctivitis after being exposed to a cat infected with the C. felis bacterium.
Feline Chlamydial Conjunctivitis Symptoms
Symptoms of chlamydia felis in cats include watery eyes, discharge from the eyes, sneezing, coughing, difficulty breathing, lack of appetite, weight loss, and fever.
Feline Chlamydial Conjunctivitis Transmission
Chlamydial conjunctivitis is spread through direct or close contact with an infected cat.
3. Bordetella Vaccine for Cats
Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterium that causes the highly contagious respiratory disease known as feline bordetellosis, also known as bordetella or kennel cough.
Because this respiratory disease is highly contagious and can, in some cases, be transmitted to humans, vets may sometimes recommend the Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccine for cats on top of other cat vaccinations.
Bordetella or Kennel Cough Symptoms in Cats
Bordetella in cats produces symptoms like sneezing, coughing, fever, nasal discharge, and ocular discharge.
Bordetella or Kennel Cough Transmission
B. bronchiseptica is typically transmitted through respiratory droplets.
III. Common Cat Vaccines Schedule
Following the prescribed schedule initial vaccination and revaccination helps ensure that the cat’s immune system is boosted effectively. The following is the recommended cat vaccination schedule for the most commonly recommended feline vaccines.
Note: Need a convenient way to keep your cat’s vaccinations up-to-date? Download the Sploot Vets app today and get helpful pet care notifications—from vaccines to heartworm preventives and more!
1. Cat Vaccination Schedule: Rabies Shots
Initial Vaccination
- First shot = 16 - 20 weeks of age
Note: The above age range is when kittens are typically vaccinated for rabies. Make sure to check with your local city or state’s ordinances or laws regarding when the rabies shot needs to be administered.
- Follow-up booster shot = 1 year after the first shot
Revaccination
- Regular booster shots = Every 1 - 3 years
2. Cat Vaccination Schedule: FVRCP Vaccine [Feline Herpesvirus, Feline Calicivirus, & Feline Distemper Vaccine]
Initial Vaccination
- First shot = 6 - 8 weeks of age
- Immediate follow-up doses after the first shot = For kittens under or equal to 16 weeks of age, 1 dose every 3-4 weeks (until 16 - 20 weeks of age). For cats over 16 weeks of age, 1 follow-up dose (3-4 weeks after the first).
Revaccination
- Regular booster shots = Every 1 - 3 years
3. Cat Vaccination Schedule: FeLV (Cat Leukemia Vaccine)
Initial Vaccination
- First shot = 8 - 12 weeks of age
- Immediate follow-up doses after the first shot = 2 doses (3-4 weeks apart)
- Follow-up booster shot = 1 year after the last shot
Revaccination
- Regular booster shots = Every year - for individual cats that are at high risk
Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Vaccines
How Long Can a Cat Go Without Shots?
All cat vaccines follow a required schedule. The timeframe for cat shots are set so that the cat’s immune system responds properly to the vaccine. Missing scheduled shots could mean needing to redo cat vaccination.
In cases where scheduled shots are missed, veterinarians may need to perform blood tests to check the animal’s existing immunity. If you missed a scheduled vaccination for your cat, consult your vet for next steps.
What Happens If I Don’t Vaccinate My Cat?
Not vaccinating a pet cat increases the risk of contracting serious illnesses. Some of the illnesses we’ve discussed earlier have low chances of survival; some may also greatly reduce a cat’s lifespan.
Furthermore, some viruses could turn the cat into a carrier of that virus, staying in the cat’s body for the rest of their life — and causing flare-ups when the cat is stressed or weakened. If you'd like to get started with strengthening your cat or kitten’s immunity through regular cat vaccinations, consult your vet!
Hassle-Free Cat Vaccination at Sploot Vets
We hope you found this guide on cat vaccines helpful. We covered everything from the rabies vaccine for cats, to the FVRCP cat vaccine, and more! If you have specific questions about feline vaccines, cat vaccines available at Sploot, and general cat care, we’re here to help!
Sploot Veterinary Care provides all-in-one care, including primary care, urgent pet care, and emergency vet services. We offer utmost convenience, with numerous Denver and Chicago vet clinics open 365 days a year, for extended hours. Give your cat stress-free vet visits, made possible by our Fear Free certified team, committed to providing next-level care.
Book a vaccination appointment today! Schedule your appointment online or through the Sploot Vets app!
