Cat Vaccines : The Basics

Throughout my career I have only had experience using Nobivac vaccines so i will be discussing the course as i use it if your vet uses a different vaccine it may work differently.

What do we vaccinate cats against ?

- Feline calicivirus (FCV)

- rhinotracheitis virus (FVR)

- leucopenia and virus excretion caused by infection with feline panleucopenia virus (FPLV)

- feline leukaemia-virus (FeLV)

What do the stickers in my cats vaccine book men?

There are three main vaccine vials for cats - tricat trio, ducat and FeLV. Tricat covers for feline calicivirus , feline rhinotracheitis virus and feline panleukopenia virus. Ducat Covers for feline viral rhinotracheitis virus and feline calicivirus. FeLV has its own vial.

How the course is given

The primary course (the first round of vaccines your cat has usually when they’re a kitten) is two vaccines 3-4 weeks apart. The vaccines used at this time is Tricat trio and FeLV for both vaccines. On the first annual booster this is given again. It’s from the 2nd annual booster that ducat is used alone and again on the 3rd annual booster. On the 4th annual booster tricat trio and FeLV are given. It keeps cycling thereafter that every 3rd year tricat trio and FeLV are given and the years in between ducat is given.

Where is the vaccine given?

These vaccines are given under the skin. Cats can occasionally get injection site sarcomas therefore I personally choose to vaccinate in the lower part of the back leg in case this occurs therefor it may be easier to remove.

My cat has some issues going on should I still vaccinate them?

Only healthy cats should be vaccinated if there is underlying inflammation/infection it may be worth discussing if it is worth vaccinating your cat now or later on with your veterinarian!

References

https://www.noahcompendium.co.uk/?id=-455549

https://www.noahcompendium.co.uk/?id=-455427

https://www.noahcompendium.co.uk/?id=-455441