Vaccinations

Our clinic recommends vaccines as an easy way to prevent some illnesses. We vaccinate cat against very serious and very contagious diseases. Some diseases, like Feline Leukemia, are prevalent in the Sudbury area. Other vaccines are required by law – such as the Rabies vaccine because the Rabies virus poses a threat to the human population as well as the pet population.

Does my indoor cat need to be vaccinated?

We recommend all cats have their initial kitten vaccines to build up immunity against serious and potentially life-threatening illness. Having a strictly indoor cat is a good way to help prevent the spread of disease as long as there is no possibility that another cat will come into your household (via adoption or fostering) and the cat has no way of sharing the same airspace as another cat. For example, if your cat likes to sit in an open window space with just a screen between the cat and the outside, there isn’t any way of preventing a passing stray cat from transmitting disease. It is always best to prevent disease rather than treat disease and some diseases have no treatment. Indoor cats don’t require vaccines as frequently as cats who go outdoors. Our veterinarians can help assess your cat’s risk factors and make recommendations to meet your specific needs.

What is FVRCP core vaccine for cats?

FVRCP stands for Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia. Core vaccines always contain protection against these highly contagious diseases. We also include Feline Leukemia in the vaccines that we offer for cats.

How often does my adult cat need vaccination?

After the initial series of kitten vaccines, once yearly vaccination is recommended for adult cats. The rabies vaccine is done once at 4 months of age, again at 16 months of age and then it is given every 3 years thereafter.

Are there any risks associated with vaccines?

Historically, there were some risks associated with vaccines and certain tumours. However, there have been vast improvements in the vaccines and in the ingredients used to formulate vaccines, so those risks have been dramatically minimized. The spread of disease in unvaccinated cats now poses a greater risk.