Purr-fect Protection: Understanding the Main Vaccines for Your Cat
At Orange Grove Animal Hospital, we know that your cat isn’t just a pet; they are a member of the family. Whether they are a curled-up lap cat or an adventurous hunter, keeping them healthy is our top priority.
One of the most common questions we get from cat owners is: "Which shots does my cat actually need?"
While there are many vaccines available in veterinary medicine, we focus on three main vaccines to keep your feline friend safe. Here is a breakdown of what they are and why we recommend them.
1. Rabies (The Law & The Life-Saver)
This is the one most owners are familiar with. Rabies is 100% fatal for cats and can be transmitted to humans, which is why it is required by law in most areas. Regardless of whether your cat lives indoors or outdoors, keeping their Rabies vaccine up to date is non-negotiable for their safety and yours.
2. FVRCP (The "Distemper" Shot)
You might see this abbreviation on your invoice and wonder what it means. FVRCP stands for Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia.
Think of this as the "core" vaccine that protects against highly contagious upper respiratory infections and dangerous viruses. Because these viruses are airborne or easily tracked into the house on shoes or clothes, we recommend this for all cats.
3. FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) – The "Lifestyle" Vaccine
This is the vaccine that requires the most conversation, and it is the one we get the most questions about.
Feline Leukemia is a serious virus that attacks a cat's immune system. However, unlike Rabies or FVRCP, the need for this vaccine is highly dependent on your cat's specific lifestyle.
Here is what you need to know about FeLV:
How it spreads: FeLV is not airborne. It is typically transmitted through close, direct contact—specifically through prolonged salivary contact from an infected cat. This usually happens from grooming or being groomed by other cats, sharing water bowls, etc.
For Kittens: We generally recommend the FeLV vaccine for all kittens. Kittens are more susceptible to the virus, and because we can't predict if a kitten will try to escape outdoors as they grow up, it is best to provide that early immunity.
For Indoor Cats: If you have an adult cat that is strictly indoors and never interacts with strange cats, this is probably something you don't need to vaccinate for. However, if your indoor cat likes to screen-porch sit or occasionally escapes, the risk changes.
We Can Test for FeLV
Before we vaccinate, or if you are bringing a new cat into your home, we can easily test for FeLV right here at our animal hospital in Tucson. Knowing your cat's status is the first step in protecting them.
When in Doubt, Ask Us!
The best way to determine if your cat needs the FeLV vaccine is to have a chat with us during your appointment.
We want to hear about your cat's daily life. Do they sit by open windows? Do they have feline housemates? Do they roam the backyard? We will help you weigh the risks and benefits to create a vaccination plan that makes sense for your cat.
Is your cat due for their annual wellness exam? Give Orange Grove Animal Hospital a call today (520-877-2626) to update their vaccines and keep them purring for years to come!