Core vaccines are crucial in the prevention care that we recommend to every one of our feline friends. How are vaccines considered “core”? It is based on having a high risk of exposure, lots of potential health problems, or being highly contagious.  

What vaccines are considered core, and how do they protect your cat? And - what is the plan of action for your cat if it is not yet vaccinated? Continue reading to find out.  

The Following Vaccines Are Considered Core: 

• Feline Panleukopenia is a virus that infects and kills important cells growing and dividing, such as those in the bone marrow, intestines, and a developing fetus. 

When to vaccinate: All kittens should receive this vaccine as early as 6 weeks and then at 3-4 week intervals until 16 weeks of age. After that, they should receive a 1 year booster. 

Non-vaccinated adults, including non-vaccinated pregnant cats, should receive 2 doses 3-4 weeks apart. After that, we vaccinate every 3 years. 

• Feline Rhinotracheitis is a respiratory disease that causes inflammation of the nose and windpipe or trachea. 

When to vaccinate: All kittens should receive this vaccine as early as 6 weeks of age and then in 3-4 week intervals until 16 weeks old. After that, they should receive a 1 year booster. 

If you have a cat that is not yet vaccinated, it should receive 2 doses 3 weeks apart. After that, we vaccinate every 3 years. 

• Feline Calicivirus is a virus can cause upper respiratory infections and oral disease. 

When to vaccinate: Every kitten should receive this vaccine as early as 6 weeks of age and then in 3 - 4 week intervals until 16 weeks old. After that, they should receive a 1 year booster. 

If your adult pet has not been vaccinated, they should receive 2 doses 3-4 weeks apart. After that, we vaccinate every 3 years. 

• Rabies is a deadly viral infection of the nervous system, which causes sudden, progressive inflammation in the brain and spinal cord. This is also untreatable and highly contagious in humans.

When to vaccinate: State and local statutes determine how often Rabies vaccines are administered. In Iowa a single dose is required as early as 12 weeks of age. Every kitten should receive a 1 year booster.

If your adult cat has not been vaccinated, they should receive 1 vaccine and a booster 12 months later. After that, vaccines should be given in 3 year intervals.  

Why Does My Cat Need Core Vaccines? 

These vaccines are considered core (and therefore recommended for all cats) because they protect your feline family members against the most common or most severe illnesses that we can vaccinate for. It is better to prevent and protect than just to hope something doesn’t happen. Once they become sick, it is too late to vaccinate, making more extreme (and expensive) methods necessary.

We recommend these vaccines to keep your pets, your family, and your community healthy. 

Is your cat up to date on their vaccinations? Schedule an appointment here.