Cat Vaccines: Starting From the Basics

Biogal Academy | Vaccinating the High Risk Dog (Brochure)

How Do Vaccines Work?

Vaccines are weakened or killed micro-organisms (viruses, bacteria etc.) that are injected into the body to stimulate a primary immune response.

Every virus has its own special marker, called an antigen. The body will develop, as part of its immune response, antibodies towards that specific antigen. These antibodies will remain in the body for months or years (long after the virus is eliminated).

If the cat is then infected with the same virus, but this time a live virus, the body will develop a secondary immune response– it will react much faster because it already has specific antibodies for the virus. This helps the cat get better quicker.

What Vaccinations Do Our Cats Receive?

There are two groups of vaccines:

  • Core Vaccines- These are vaccines recommended for all pets and protect against diseases that are easily transmissible, serious and fatal.
    • Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV)
    • Feline Herpesvirus (FHV)
    • Feline Calicivirus (FCV)
    • Rabies Virus- in endemic areas
    • Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)- in most areas for all kittens and for high risk adults
  • Non Core Vaccines– These are vaccines that may be indicated, depending on geographic location, lifestyle and risk.
    • Chlamydia Felis
    • Bordetella Bronchiseptica
    • FIV

Risk Assessment

A cat’s risk level, when it comes to exposure to infectious diseases, is determined by its lifestyle and generally falls into one of two categories: 

Low Risk Cats:

  • Solitary cats (live alone)
  • Exclusively indoor
  • Don’t travel and are never boarded at catteries

High Risk Cats:

  • Live in a multicat household
  • Have outdoor access
  • Travel or are boarded in catteries

What Are These Core Viruses- Panleukopenia Virus/Herpesvirus/Calicivirus?

  • These are viruses that spread easily- from direct contact as well as infected surfaces. Some can pass from mother to kitten.
  • Cats infected with herpesvirus and calicivirus can be carriers for life without developing the disease.
  • Severe disease is more common in kittens, stressed cats, and those already ill.
  • There is no treatment! There is no medication that can get rid of these viruses so vets can only provide care to help manage the symptoms and support the cat.
  • The best way to prevent these diseases is vaccination (FPV and FCV vaccinations will prevent disease and not infection).

Vaccination Protocols (WSAVA)

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) has created general vaccination guidelines based on scientific research. These protocols divide cats into two main groups: kittens and adult cats.

Group FPV/FHV/FCV Rabies FeLV
Kittens First dose at 6-8 weeks of age, then every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. High risk- until 20 weeks of age. Follow local regulation. If none, follow leaflet of vaccine. First dose at 8 weeks, second dose 3-4 weeks later
Adult Dogs Booster at 6 months of age, then every 3 years for low risk cats and every year for high risk cats. Follow local regulation. If none, every year or every 3 years (depending on type of vaccine) Booster 1 year after last vaccine. Cats in high risk of contact, every year.

Are We Vaccinating Too Much or Not Enough?

The answer to both those questions is YES. And here is why:

  1. The Individual Cat– the duration of antibodies varies in each individual cat. In particular, antibodies for FPV can last for three or more years.
  2. Kittens– In the first few weeks of life, kittens have antibodies from their mother (called Maternally Derived Antibodies). These antibodies can stay in their bodies for a while and interfere with vaccinations. Every kitten is different and the length that these maternal antibodies stay differs, so that’s why they need multiple vaccine shots. But sometimes, even after the full series, kittens still might not be fully protected.
  3. Senior cats– older cats tend to be less responsive to vaccination and may need more frequent vaccinations. On the other hand, regularly vaccinated cats may have longer protection and need less vaccinations.

Checking Antibody Levels with VacciCheck

Is there a way to check if our cat needs a booster vaccine? YES.

VacciCheck is a simple blood test that measures the levels of antibodies for Panleukopenia virus, Herpesvirus, and Calicivirus in our cats.

  • If the antibody levels are sufficient, there’s no need to give a booster shot.
  • If the levels are low or there are no antibodies, a booster shot is needed.

Including VacciCheck as part of your cat’s annual vet checkup is a great way to ensure we’re not over-vaccinating and are only vaccinating when it’s necessary.

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