Which Vaccines Does My Cat Need?

This is probably one of the most common questions we are asked on a daily basis. Unfortunately, the answer is neither simple, nor straight-forward.

At Albuquerque Cat Clinic, we strive to stay on the cutting edge of feline medicine by keeping abreast of the very latest information available. In recent years, feline vaccination protocols have been a topic that has sparked much controversy. We try diligently to make decisions on the protocols we use based on facts and evidence-based studies, not anecdotal information and conjecture. Upon much careful research of the data available, we have determined that the best thing for our feline patients is to make a determination on needed vaccines based on individual risk factors and the possible benefits of vaccination.

For most of our patients that spend all of their time indoors, the following is our recommended protocol:

8 weeks of age: Feline herpesvirus, feline panleukopenia and feline calicivirus (FVRCP)

12 weeks of age: FVRCP booster, plus feline leukemia virus

16 weeks of age: FVRCP and leukemia boosters, plus rabies

1 year of age: FVRCP and rabies

Every 3 years: FVRCP and rabies

We recommend a two-dose series of leukemia vaccinations for every kitten, regardless of whether or not you intend them to spend any time outside, in order to protect them somewhat in the event that they were to escape from your home or later spend time outdoors. At this young age, a kitten’s immune system has an extraordinary ability to respond to vaccines by producing immunity. Vaccination after exposure to leukemia has no benefits, so we believe that some protection is beneficial. For cats that spend any time outside on a regular basis, the leukemia vaccine must be updated annually.

These vaccines form the core vaccines that every cat should receive throughout its life. There are various other vaccinations available, considered non-core vaccines, and may be recommended in specific instances. These include FIV, Chlamydia and Bordatella. Vaccines that are NOT currently recommended for cats are the FIP vaccine and Giardia.

Part of the reason for the change in protocols is the risk of vaccine-associated sarcomas. These are very rare, malignant tumors that have been associated with the administration of vaccines. The incidence is currently estimated at somewhere around 1 in 10,000 cats vaccinated. There also may be a genetic predisposition in some cats to the development of this type of cancer, and all of the risk factors involved have still not been identified. At Albuquerque Cat Clinic, we use the following protocols to help minimize the risk for your cat.

• We give each vaccine in a different, specific leg, as far down the leg as possible. This accomplishes several things. First, it allows us to identify the vaccine responsible if a problem does develop, and report it. Second, if a sarcoma should form, it gives us the option of amputation to save the life of the cat. Third, giving multiple vaccines in one site has been identified as a strong risk factor for the development of sarcomas.
• We use non-adjuvanted vaccines whenever possible. Adjuvants are substances added to the vaccines to make them more potent. However, adjuvants are also identified as a strong risk factor for sarcoma formation. Unfortunately, there has yet to be developed a non-adjuvanted feline leukemia or three year rabies vaccine.

We want to stress that giving vaccines every 3 years does NOT remove the importance of the annual physical examination. It is IMPERATIVE for your cat’s health that he or she be thoroughly examined by a veterinarian every year. This is why we at Albuquerque Cat Clinic DO NOT give vaccines without performing an exam. This is especially true for geriatric cats, and in fact after the age of seven, we recommend examinations every 6 months for these “senior citizens.”

We encourage questions about our protocols from our clients. If we can be of assistance in helping you make an informed decision regarding vaccines and your cat’s health, please feel free to ask.

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