What Cat Shots Are Actually Necessary?

Feline vaccines are grouped into two types: core and non-core. Core vaccines are considered essential for all cats, as they protect against the most common and highly communicable diseases affecting felines. Non-core vaccines are recommended based upon specific risk or need. The four core vaccines for cats are feline panleukopenia, feline calicivirus, feline herpes virus and rabies.

  1. Feline Panleukopenia (Distemper)

    • Feline Panleukopenia, also known as feline distemper, is caused by the female parvovirus. This highly contagious disease is spread through contact with secretions or fecal matter of an infected cat. The virus is hardy, and can remain viable for years on surfaces such as cages and litter boxes. The disease can be fatal, but vaccinations effectively prevent its spread.

    Feline Calicivirus

    • Feline Calicivirus, a viral infection, is spread from one infected animal to another via nose-to-nose contact or through contact with infected items such as bedding and food bowls. The infection affects the upper respiratory tract, causing sneezing and discharge from the nose and eyes. Though most healthy cats will recover without the need for medical intervention, vaccination is recommended to minimize the severity of the infection and to stem the spread from one animal to another.

    Feline Herpes Virus (Rhinotracheitis)

    • Characterized by discharge from the eyes and nose, conjunctivitis, sneezing, loss of appetite, fever and pneumonia, the feline herpes virus is sometimes called "cat flu." It's transmitted from bodily secretions when a cat has an active infection, but also may be spread through contact with infected items. Once infected with the herpes virus, animals will carry it for the rest of their lives and can shed the virus and spread the infection even when asymptomatic.

    Rabies

    • The rabies virus transmits through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite wound. Most carriers are animals found in the wild--bats, skunks, raccoons, coyotes and foxes. While cats have a resilience to rabies, they can transmit the disease to humans, and there is at present no known cure. United States law requires dogs are required to be vaccinated against rabies, but the laws vary from state to state regarding cats.