What vaccinations should be given to a cat before sterilization? - briefly
Before sterilization, a cat should receive core vaccinations, including those for feline panleukopenia, feline herpesvirus, and feline calicivirus, along with rabies if required by local regulations.
What vaccinations should be given to a cat before sterilization? - in detail
Before a cat undergoes sterilization, ensuring it is up-to-date on essential vaccinations is critical to safeguard its health and prevent potential complications during or after the procedure. Core vaccines that should be administered include the feline panleukopenia (FPV), feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1), and feline calicivirus (FCV) vaccines, often combined in a single FVRCP vaccine. These protect against highly contagious and potentially fatal diseases that could compromise the cat’s immune system during recovery. Additionally, the rabies vaccine is mandatory in many regions and is strongly recommended, as rabies poses a significant risk to both the cat and humans. Depending on the cat’s lifestyle and exposure risks, non-core vaccines, such as those for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), may also be considered, especially for outdoor cats. Vaccinations should ideally be administered several weeks before sterilization to allow the cat’s immune system to develop adequate protection. A veterinarian will assess the cat’s health history, age, and risk factors to determine the appropriate vaccination schedule and ensure the cat is in optimal condition for the procedure.