Feline Vaccine Basics
Even indoor cats are exposed to viruses and bacteria that can cause serious illness. Vaccines are your cat's best defense. Here's what every cat owner should know about core, lifestyle, and parasite prevention.
Core Vaccines
These vaccinations are so important we recommend them for every feline patient
Rabies
Rabies is a fatal disease that affects both animals and humans. Most states, including Wisconsin, require that cats receive rabies vaccinations and remain continuously vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian for their entire life.
Rabies is transmitted when saliva from a rabid animal enters the body through a bite, scratch, or open wound, or through contact with mucous membranes like the eyes, nose, or mouth. Wild animals including bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes, and opossums can all carry the virus. Bats are especially relevant for indoor cats: a single bat that gets into the house can be enough for exposure. Once rabies enters the body, it attacks the brain and spinal cord. There is no effective treatment.
Mortality rate: 100% in cats, nearly 100% in humansCats that contract rabies will die within days of showing symptoms. This fact, along with the risk to humans, is why rabies vaccination is required by law.
FVRCP Core
Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis
Caused by feline herpesvirus type 1. A highly contagious upper respiratory infection that causes sneezing, nasal and eye discharge, fever, and conjunctivitis. Once infected, cats carry the virus for life and can experience flare-ups during periods of stress.
Calicivirus
A highly contagious viral infection with respiratory symptoms similar to FVR, but often with painful oral ulcers on the tongue and gums. Spreads rapidly in multi-cat households, shelters, and boarding facilities through saliva and nasal secretions.
Panleukopenia
Also called feline parvo. A highly contagious, often fatal virus that attacks the intestines and bone marrow. Can survive in the environment for over a year. Especially dangerous for unvaccinated kittens, which can die within days of symptoms appearing.
Lifestyle Vaccines
Recommended depending on your cat's environment and exposure risk
Feline Leukemia (FeLV)
A retrovirus that attacks the immune system and is one of the leading infectious causes of death in cats. Spread cat-to-cat through saliva, urine, and nasal secretions, primarily during prolonged close contact like mutual grooming, fighting, or sharing food and water bowls. Mother cats can also pass it to kittens.
Once infected, cats can develop cancer, severe immune suppression, and other life-threatening conditions. There is no cure. The American Association of Feline Practitioners recommends FeLV vaccination for all kittens regardless of lifestyle, with continued boosters for at-risk adults.
One More Critical Prevention
Not a vaccine, but just as important. Especially for cats.
Heartworm Disease in Cats
Heartworm is a parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes. While most people think of it as a dog disease, cats can be infected too, and the consequences can be devastating. Even a single worm in a cat's heart or lungs can cause severe respiratory disease, vomiting, sudden collapse, and even death.
Indoor cats are not safe from heartworm. Mosquitoes find their way inside homes, and studies have shown that roughly a third of cats diagnosed with heartworm disease were considered strictly indoor cats by their owners.
Here's the most important part: unlike in dogs, there is no approved treatment for heartworm disease in cats. If your cat becomes infected, the only options are supportive care and managing symptoms. That's why prevention is everything. A simple once-a-month preventative given year-round is all it takes.
preventative
protection needed
exists for cats
Is Your Cat Up to Date?
Not sure which vaccines your cat needs or when they're due? Give us a call. We'll check your records and recommend the right protection based on your cat's lifestyle, age, and exposure risk.
Call (608) 294-9494