Vaccinations for cats are very important, since they protect them from the most serious and life-threatening diseases that they can suffer. But what are the mandatory ones? When do you have to put them on? Do they have side effects?
It is normal to have these and other doubts about it, so if you have just adopted a furry one, You cannot miss this article to know everything related to feline vaccination.
Cat vaccination schedule
Depending on the country, the vaccines and their administration may vary. But it is important that as soon as we have the cat with us for the first time we take it to the vet so that, once there, it can be dewormed and, after a few days, come back to vaccinate it.
You have to think that kittens during their first 2-3 days of life are fed colostrum, which is breast milk that provides them with immunity against viruses and other microorganisms that cause diseases. But this protection weakens as the weeks go by, and with two months they should receive their first vaccination.
Kitten Vaccines
Thus, in the case of Spain, a vaccination plan would be this:
- 2 months: trivalent vaccine (panleukopenia, calicivirus and rhinotracheitis)
- 2 and a half months: feline leukemia, for cats that go outside
- 3 months: trivalent reinforcement
- 3 and a half months: leukemia booster
- 4 months: vaccine against rage
- Once a year: reinforcement of rage.
OPTIONAL: trivalent and leukemia booster.
Vaccines for adult cats
In the case that the cat is an adult, the vaccines are given more or less monthly and are: trivalent, feline leukemia and rabies.
What are the mandatory vaccinations for cats?
Compulsory vaccinations are that of the feline trivalent throughout Spain, and that of the rage only in some communities such as Andalusia, Castilla la Mancha or the Valencian Community. If in doubt, check with your vet. The rest are recommended.
What is the trivalent feline?
It is a vaccine that protects against three serious infectious diseases:
- Feline panleukopenia: it is a disease that can be fatal. Symptoms are lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, vomiting, and severe diarrhea.
- Feline calicivirus: it is a disease that mainly occurs with ocular and nasal secretions. More information.
- Feline viral rhinotracheitis: it is an infectious disease whose symptoms are sneezing, conjunctivitis, fever and nasal discharge.
How much do cat vaccinations cost?
Again, it will depend a lot on the country. In Spain they cost an average of 20 euros, except for the rabies which costs an average of € 30, and the trivalent which are about € 40-50.
What are the side effects of vaccines in cats?
They are not common, and when they occur they are usually mild, but it is important to know them:
- Fever: the animal will look a bit sad, but after a few hours it should pass.
- Vomiting and diarrhea: He may not want to eat anything for a few hours, but especially if he is young, if he does not improve, take him to the vet.
- Pain: may be accompanied by inflammation. It is normal in the area where the needle has pierced the skin. If a small nodule forms, it should disappear in about two weeks without causing further discomfort.
- Hypersensitivity: is the most serious side effect. It can be locally, that is, in a specific organ, or general causing anaphylactic shock. In the first case, the symptoms are intense itching, vomiting, diarrhea, possible edema; and the second could have seizures and die. Consultation with the vet is mandatory so that he can recover.
I hope it was useful 🙂.