Which vaccinations does my cat need? When and how often should these vaccinations be administered? We will try to answer these questions as best as possible in this section. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
We follow the WSAVA guidelines for vaccinating small animals. Below you can read which vaccinations are required or recommended.
RABIES (R):
For information on the disease, see above (DOG section). Rabies vaccination is only required for cats traveling abroad, but it is recommended for outdoor cats.
FELINE RHINOTRACHEITIS (RC):
Feline rhinitis complex includes herpes viruses and caliciviruses, which can cause symptoms of feline flu (sneezing, eye/nasal discharge, conjunctivitis), fever, and ulcerations of the tongue and palate. The disease is highly contagious and can, in some cases, be associated with high mortality, so vaccination is mandatory for cats.
FELINE PANLEUKOPENIA (P):
Similar to canine parvovirus, feline panleukopenia virus causes, among other symptoms, lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and abnormalities in the blood. The viruses are primarily excreted in feces and are highly contagious. Even indoor cats can become infected through contaminated clothing, for example. In kittens, the disease is fatal in up to 90% of cases, so vaccination is very important.
LEUKOSIS (FELINE LEUKEMIA/"FELINE AIDS" (FELV)):
Young cats, in particular, are highly susceptible to infection with the feline leukemia virus (FeLV). Infected cats can carry the virus for long periods without showing any symptoms. In cats with weak immune systems (young cats, sick animals), the disease breaks out and causes problems with the immune system and bone marrow, reproductive disorders, the development of tumors, and subsequent changes in blood count. These cats usually die within 3-5 years from the consequences of the infection. Therefore, vaccination is especially important for outdoor cats or breeding animals.
CAT VACCINATION SCHEDULE:
R: 12 weeks, repeated after 1 year, then every 3 years
RC: 8, 12, 16 weeks, repeated after 1 year, then every 3 years (or once annually for cats at higher risk)
P: 8, 12, 16 weeks, repeated after 1 year, then every 3 years
FeLV: 8, 12 weeks, then once annually