Cat Vaccinations

Vaccinations for the Felines (kittens and cats).

The recommendations on vaccinations for our cats and dogs does change, so if in any doubt, just ask.

The options available for our cats has changed a lot in the past 10 years. Previously, it was kitten vaccinations only, and nothing for life, which changed to the requirement of annual vaccinations. We now have the option of a three year vaccination for cats, as well as Titre testing.

At Russell Vale Animal Clinic, we closely follow the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, as well as the ISFM (International Society of Feline Medicine) and AAFP (American Association of Feline Practitioners).

With recent outbreaks of Feline enteritis in kittens (invariably fatal), and the risk of respiratory diseases becoming chronic (and incurable), means that vaccinations are revolutionary in protecting the general population, but only if pet owners get their kittens vaccinated.

Did you know? We perform a general physical examination prior to administering the vaccine?

A kitten’s first vaccinations are at 6-8 weeks, then 12-14 weeks, then 16-18 weeks.

Protocols for the more mature cat (older than a year) can vary depending on their lifestyle and holiday habits. We are able to offer the annual, triennial as well as Titre testing (like we do for dogs).

At Russell Vale Animal Clinic, the vaccine we used is referred to as a “F3”, which covers

• Feline Enteritis (Panleukopenia) – this condition causes fever, vomiting, diarrhea, liver failure and sudden
• Feline Calcivirus – this can cause oral ulcers, respiratory signs and lethargy (part of the Cat Flu syndrome)
• Feline Rhinotracheitis (Feline Herpes Virus) – which can cause ulcerations of the eyes, dermatitis, sinusitis and chronic nasal discharge (part of the Cat Flu syndrome and Chronic Snufflers due to nasal damage).

Other diseases which vaccines are available for which we do not do routinely are

• Chlamydia – this is a bacterial disease which causes conjunctivitis, respiratory infections (sneezing), arthritis and is implicated in some reproductive
• Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV or Feline AIDS) – is a virus spread by cat to cat through cat fight/bite wounds, for which there is no treatment or

Vaccination for this is recommended for cats who are outdoor, and who are likely to get into fights. (Note – when vaccines are available, we do offer this for many cats).

• Feline Leukemia Virus – is rare in Australia, and is not commonly vaccinated It an immunosuppressive virus, implicated in causing lymphoma in cats, as well as serious illness.

What about Titre Testing?

As of 2023, we are able to offer Titre testing for all adult cats – this is useful for cats who have had vaccination reactions in the past, but we wish to know whether they do have level of protection against these diseases.

It requires a blood sample, and the tests are done on site, with results within 24 hours.

If in doubt on what would be the appropriate recommendation for your cat, do not hesitate to reach out to us at any time.

Common Questions:

Question: My cat is now 6 months old, and has had only one vaccination at 8 weeks, do we need to have all three needles?

Answer – No, you don’t. The vaccine used at Russell Vale Animal Clinic only requires a single vaccine if the kitten ins 16 weeks of age or older, so your cat only needs the one needle now, and then one a year later. When they are an adult, we can then discuss what would be the appropriate recommendation for them.

Question: What can I expect after a vaccination?

Answer: Most kittens are cats act normally, however some may be a bit sleepy or a bit sore at the area of the vaccinations. Keeping them quiet and warm, usually settles things down, but if in any doubt, do contact us immediately so we can provide immediate pain relief (appropriate for cats).

Let us know as early as possible, as we will “flag” it in our software that there was a vaccine reaction, we will submit this information to the AVPMA, and we would recommend Titre testing in the future.