What vaccination should cats get before going outside? - briefly
Cats should receive core vaccinations, including those for feline panleukopenia, feline herpesvirus, and feline calicivirus, before venturing outdoors to ensure their protection against common infectious diseases.
What vaccination should cats get before going outside? - in detail
Before allowing a cat to venture outdoors, it is essential to ensure they are fully vaccinated to protect them from common and potentially life-threatening diseases. Core vaccinations for cats include the Feline Panleukopenia (FPV) vaccine, which guards against a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease affecting the gastrointestinal tract, bone marrow, and nervous system. The Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1) and Feline Calicivirus (FCV) vaccines are also crucial, as these viruses cause severe respiratory infections and oral diseases. Additionally, the Rabies vaccine is mandatory in many regions due to its zoonotic potential and the fatal nature of the disease. Non-core vaccines, such as those for Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), are strongly recommended for outdoor cats, as FeLV is a leading cause of illness and death in cats, transmitted through close contact with infected felines. Bordetella bronchiseptica and Chlamydophila felis vaccines may also be considered, especially in areas where these infections are prevalent. Vaccination schedules typically begin at 6-8 weeks of age, with boosters administered every 3-4 weeks until the cat is 16 weeks old, followed by periodic boosters as advised by a veterinarian. Ensuring your cat is up-to-date on vaccinations not only safeguards their health but also contributes to the overall well-being of the feline population by reducing the spread of infectious diseases. Always consult a veterinarian to tailor the vaccination plan to your cat’s specific needs and local disease risks.