Recent advances in veterinary medicine have led to an increase in the number of vaccines available for cats. Measures to ensure the safety and effectiveness of immunizing drugs are constantly being improved. There are 2 types of vaccination - basic and additional. Basic drugs should be administered to all animals without exception; additional drugs are used selectively, in accordance with the environment and lifestyle of the pet. The set of basic vaccinations for cats varies depending on the country of residence.
Cost of vaccination
| Unit measurements | price, rub. | |
| Vaccination without rabies (without vaccine cost) | 1 animal | 500 |
| Rabies vaccination (without vaccine cost) | 1 animal | 500 |
| Administration of immune drugs (without the cost of the drug) | 1. Introduction | 200 |
| Vaccination against dermatophytoses (without vaccine cost) | 1 animal | 300 |
Vaccinations against the following infections are used as the main ones on the territory of the Russian Federation:
- panleukopenia (distemper) caused by feline parvovirus;
- viral rhinotracheitis, also known as herpesvirus type I;
- feline calicivirus disease, caused by various strains of feline caliciviruses.
Non-core (discretionary or elective) vaccines are required for kittens and cats at high risk for specific diseases. Their list includes:
- feline chlamydia;
- feline leukemia;
- infectious peritonitis of cats;
- bordetellosis;
- rabies.
Feline vaccines, which are not routinely recommended by leading veterinary associations but may be appropriate under certain conditions, prevent the following diseases:
- giardiasis;
- ringworm.
What age vaccinations are required for Scottish kittens?
No matter what breed of kitten you have, Scottish Fold (low-eared) or Scottish Straight (straight-eared), British or the most common, it needs care and attention.
For good health and long life of your pet, it is necessary to receive comprehensive vaccinations in a timely manner. If the owner refuses to vaccinate, serious health problems for the animal may arise.
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There are two main types of vaccines that are given to kittens according to age and annually throughout their lives:
- Against infections and viruses (comprehensively). Protects against diseases such as:
- Rhinotracheitis (required);
- Panleukopenia (required);
- Calicivirus (required);
- Chlamydia (recommended).
- Against an infectious disease caused by the Rabies virus:
- Rabies (required).
In addition to the main vaccines listed, others can be given additionally to a Scot at the owner’s discretion. For example: from ringworm (especially important for those Scots who live in the same apartment with a dog), coronavirus, viral leukemia, infectious peritonitis.
What is the difference between different types of vaccines
There are three main types of vaccines:
- Modified (live). Contains living organisms that have been weakened or genetically modified so that they are unable to cause disease, but can reproduce in the body of cats. These agents induce stronger and longer-lasting immunity than inactivated vaccines. They are not recommended for use on animals whose immune systems do not work properly (for example, cats infected with the immunodeficiency virus or suffering from other diseases).
- Killed (inactivated). Made using original or genetically modified bacteria that have been killed using various methods. They do not provide as high a level of protection as live drugs, so they may contain an adjuvant (added ingredient) that makes the immune response stronger.
- Recombinant. Preparations in this group include only certain specific structures of a pathogenic strain, implanted into a microorganism that is safe for cats.
Vaccinations for cats are comprehensive. In this case, protection against several diseases is achieved with one injection. Some vaccines are available in intranasal form (drops in the nose), but most are administered by injection.
After vaccination
- After vaccination, individual reactions are possible (weakness, malaise, fever, etc.), which disappear within 1-3 days. If there is redness, swelling, or pain at the vaccination site, it is recommended to take antihistamines. If your body temperature rises after vaccination, you can take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. If the symptoms that appear bother you, consult a doctor.
- It is recommended not to wet the injection site for 3 days after vaccination, not to visit the sauna, bathhouse, not to drink alcohol, and to avoid excessive physical exertion.
- Self-isolation after vaccination is not required, you can lead a normal lifestyle. But do not forget about general precautions: social distance and wearing a mask in public places.
When should a cat be vaccinated?
Kittens are vaccinated for the first time at the age of 6–8 weeks, and the subsequent vaccination of the cat is carried out at 10–12 weeks, then at 14–16 weeks. Immunity to rabies and other diseases does not develop instantly. This requires at least 7–10 days. During this period, the animal is not protected from infection. It is recommended to limit his contacts with other representatives of the species.
It is important to remember that vaccination given too early may not produce the required response. The fact is that the infection that has entered the body will be destroyed by the antibodies that the kitten inherited from the mother. In this case, permanent protection will not be developed. On average, the concentration of maternal antibodies decreases by the 6th week of life, but in 6% of kittens it remains at a high level until 18–20 weeks.
Most adult cats who have completed their full course of childhood vaccinations should be re-vaccinated every 1 to 3 years. The period is determined based on an assessment of the risk of infection. For free-ranging animals, the common practice is to administer core vaccines every 3 years and additional ones every year. This schedule may be changed at the discretion of the veterinarian observing the animal.
First vaccination
There is no point in vaccinating Scottish Fold kittens before 8–12 weeks. In recently born babies, maternal antibodies are still active in the body, and the vaccine will be unnecessary.
The first vaccination for a Scottish kitten is given:
- at 2 months of age, if he was fed artificial food;
- at 3 months, if the cub was fed with mother's milk.
NOTE! After the first vaccination, 2-3 weeks later, revaccination is done, that is, repeated vaccination, in order to consolidate the positive changes in immunity.
Are vaccinations guaranteed to protect a cat from diseases?
With the help of vaccinations, a high level of immune protection is achieved, allowing one to prevent the disease in 95% of cases. Unfortunately, there are situations in which vaccination is not effective enough. These include the following:
- Mutation of viral strains. The causative agents of infectious diseases are capable of changing, adapting to environmental conditions. Sometimes these changes are so significant that the immune system of the vaccinated cat ceases to recognize the virus. Available vaccines can only partially protect against some of these strains.
- Maternal antibodies. Kittens acquire antibodies from their mother. They may block the effects of your kitten's vaccinations. This effect decreases over time as maternal antibodies gradually disappear.
- Carrying out vaccinations against the background of stress or illness. Mental stress or physical illness may make it impossible to respond well to vaccination. For this reason, it is best to place the kitten in its new home five to seven days before the procedure. Immediately before injecting the drug, the veterinarian should examine the baby and rule out the presence of painful conditions.
In some cases, immunizing your cat may not completely prevent the disease. However, in an animal that has received vaccinations, it occurs in a milder form. It may seem that the vaccine did not work, but without it the pathology would be much more severe.
Preparing for vaccinations and vaccinations
Before vaccinating your cat against lichen, you must carefully prepare your pet for vaccination. First of all, you need to be examined by a veterinarian. The doctor will examine the animal and rule out factors that prevent vaccination:
- animal age up to three months;
- pregnancy;
- estrus or mating;
- infectious diseases;
- exacerbation of chronic diseases;
- feline immunodeficiency virus;
- decreased immunity.
The basic rules, in addition to examination by a specialist and setting a date for vaccination, include anthelmintic treatment. The anti-worm tablet should be given two weeks before vaccination. If you have skin parasites, you need to get rid of them. It is recommended to bathe the animal with a special shampoo.
The lichen vaccine is administered to kittens only in a clinical setting to avoid possible complications. The first vaccination in veterinary medicine is recommended immediately after reaching three months of age, and in some cases earlier, at two months.
Which vaccinations are most important?
The answer to this question depends on individual circumstances, including the area where you live and the cat's lifestyle. Your veterinarian will be able to advise on the most appropriate immunization schedule. Below is a list of diseases that pose the greatest danger to a cat:
- Feline panleukopenia infection. This disease is rare today due to widespread vaccination, but the risk of its occurrence remains. The disease occurs in the form of severe, often fatal gastroenteritis with severe dehydration. The infection is very contagious and easily transmitted. Vaccination provides a high level of protection.
- Feline respiratory viral infection. A very common infection in unvaccinated cats. May cause delayed complications. The vaccine is moderately effective because immunity to these viruses is short-term and unstable. Vaccination reduces the severity and duration of the disease, but does not always prevent it completely.
- Feline chlamydia. It is a bacterial process caused by Chlamydophila felis that causes painful inflammation and swelling of the conjunctiva or membrane around the eye, as well as upper respiratory tract infections. May cause infertility. Vaccination completely eliminates the risk of infection.
- Feline leukosis. This virus is widespread. Infected animals die either from tumors or from damage to the immune system. Modern vaccines provide a good level of protection.
- Feline infectious peritonitis. It is caused by coronavirus. More often, the infection occurs in the form of carriage, but under certain conditions a full-blown clinical picture develops, and the pet may die.
- Rabies. The disease almost always leads to death soon after the first symptoms appear. A bite from an infected animal can spread the infection to people. A vaccine intended to combat rabies should be administered to all cats that come into contact with representatives of any species.
Dangers of the disease and how to treat it
Outbreaks of canine distemper are not seasonal and can develop at any time of the year. Upon recovery, the pet receives lifelong immunity to this disease. This pathology is most dangerous for puppies under 1 year of age; adults tolerate it much more easily. The average incubation period is approximately 10 days. The duration of the disease usually depends on the breed and age of the dog, and also on its care and diet.
The most effective protection against canine distemper virus infection is the procedure of vaccinating the animal. Nowadays, many different vaccines have already been developed, which include the plague virus. There are 2 options at what age a dog can be vaccinated:
- A puppy can be vaccinated from the age of 4 weeks. Nobivac DP Puppy is used as a vaccination. Typically, this vaccine is given to puppies from large litters or when they are growing up in areas where there is a high likelihood of infection with this virus;
- A scheme can also be used in which the first vaccine is administered to the puppy at the age of 8-9 weeks, and after another 3-4 weeks, revaccination is performed. In such cases, Nobivac, Eurican, Vangard, Duramune, etc. vaccinations are used to perform the procedure;
- If the first vaccination is given to an adult dog, then it must be revaccinated after 3-4 weeks. After this, the vaccination procedure should be carried out every year.
All distemper vaccinations for dogs are attenuated - they contain weakened viruses that act as the causative agent of the disease. They help the dog’s body produce antibodies to the virus, but do not lead to illness in the animal.
Vaccination schedule
Vaccination calendar for Scottish kittens:
| Disease | Age for first vaccination | Second vaccination | Revaccination | Subsequent revaccinations |
| Rhinotracheitis | 8-12 | in 21 days | in year | annually |
| Panleukopenia (distemper) | 8-12 | in 21 days | need not | Not needed |
| Calcivirosis | 8-12 | in 21 days | need not | Not needed |
| Rabies | 12-14 | need not | need not | Not needed |
| Chlamydia | 8-12 | in 21 days | need not | Not needed |
| Infectious peritonitis | 16 | after 20 weeks | in a year | Not needed |
| Trichophytosis, microsporia | 8 | in 10 weeks | need not | Not needed |
| Viral leukemia | 8 | after 12 weeks | need not | Not needed |
After vaccination, the Scot is advised not to leave the clinic for 15 minutes to monitor possible allergic reactions.
For vaccination of kittens, domestic and imported complex vaccines are used: “Multifel 4”, “Felovax 4”, “Purevax”, “Nobivak Triket Trio”. The Purevax vaccine is the most modern on the Russian market. One dose (1 ml) contains components from 3-5 diseases. Protects against rhinotracheitis, calcivirosis, panleukopenia, chlamydia, viral leukemia + Rabizin against rabies.
Single-component vaccines:
- chlamydia - “Katavac Chlamydia”, “Chlamydia”;
- viral leukemia - “Leukocel 2”;
- rabies - “Nobivak Rabies”, “Rabizin”;
- Microsporia - "Microderm".
Imported drugs are slightly more expensive.
Why is vaccination necessary?
Veterinarians insist on mandatory vaccination of all pets, regardless of whether there are other animals at home or whether the Scot will be walking outside. This need is caused by the high risk of illness from a virus that can accidentally enter the house.
Such infections include panleukopenia, calicivirus and others.
Important! Vaccinations and regular revaccination will protect Scottish kittens from most diseases.
Types of vaccines for cats
Vaccines for animals are polyvalent and monovalent. Simply put, directed against many viruses at once or against just one. Nowadays, predominantly polyvalent vaccines are used; these are more modern, universal and easy-to-use drugs.
Vaccines are also divided into “live” and “dead”. In live vaccines, the viruses are greatly weakened, there are not so many of them to provoke the disease, but they cause an instant and strong immune response from the body, the formation of stable immunity. “Killed” viruses are completely safe even for very weakened animals, but additional exposure that causes inflammation is required for an immune response to occur. This can be dangerous and sometimes leads to complications.
WHAT VACCINATIONS ARE CATS, KITTENS, AND KITTENS GIVEN? WHAT DO VACCINATIONS PROTECT FROM?
We list exactly what vaccinations (as well as mandatory preventive measures) are given to cats and adult cats and kittens:
- Deworming (deworming kittens)
- For infectious viral diseases (panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirosis, chlamydia, viral leukemia, FIP)
- For rabies
- Prevention of fleas, ticks and other parasites
Let's take a closer look at each specific vaccination, its features, methods of infecting an animal and the immediate harm it can cause. Please read the information carefully and decide which vaccinations your kitten/cat needs.
| Cat diseases | Mandatory vaccinations | Defeat | Infection |
| Panleukopenia (distemper, feline infectious gastroenteritis, parvovirus enteritis) | + | A very contagious, acute infection that is difficult to tolerate. Possible fatalities. Sharply reduces the number of bloody white cells (leukocytes) (white blood cells) in the animal's blood. | - direct contact with an infected cat - through household/interior items - by airborne droplets - infection of kittens in utero through a sick mother cat - through sexual contact - blood-sucking insects - through clothes/shoes from the street - people who have been in contact with sick kittens and cats - in veterinary clinics where there may be infected animals |
| Rhinotracheitis (feline herpes) | + | A complex viral disease that affects the respiratory tract (organs responsible for breathing) and the eyes of cats. Lethal outcomes in 5-20% of cases. | |
| Calicivirus | + | Affects the respiratory system, eyes, mucous membranes. Causes lameness in cats. | |
| Chlamydia | Very desirable. When breeding and mating - a must! | The genitourinary system and gastrointestinal tract are affected. The disease also causes rhinitis and conjunctivitis. | - direct contact - airborne droplets - through sexual contact - through fleas/ticks - small rodents Recovered animals are also carriers of this disease. |
| Rabies | Very desirable. For show animals traveling abroad - a must! | The animal's nervous system is affected. Rabies infection is fatal in almost 100% of cases. | - bite of an infected cat - through saliva - eating small sick rodents |
| viral leukemia (leukemia, leukemia, lymphosarcoma, FeLV, FLV) | There are currently no vaccines | The natural immune system is suppressed. Malignant formations (tumors, oncology) appear, the tonsils, lymphatic system, circulatory system, and bone marrow are affected. High percentage of deaths. | — bite/damage from an infected cat — through saliva — sexual contact — intrauterine infection of kittens from a sick mother |
| FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis, ICP, FIP) | There are currently no vaccines | It affects the mucous membrane, small intestine (which causes severe diarrhea), and the abdominal cavity. Difficult to diagnose. Cats living together in large numbers are susceptible to infection. Possible fatalities. | - through feces (through the tray) - orally (through saliva, common dishes of cats) |
| Lichen (trichopytosis and microsporia, ringworm). | It is not difficult to treat, but if there is a possible risk of infection, it is better to vaccinate | Affects skin, fur, claws | - direct contact with affected cats - through spores (particles of infected skin areas) that can enter the house through clothes/shoes, household/interior items - people who have been in contact with sick kittens and cats |
| Feline immunodeficiency (FIV, AIDS) | If the cat is kept only at home, infection is unlikely. Cats freely roaming outside are a must! | The natural immune system is suppressed. Affected: lymphatic system, circulatory system. | — through bites — sexual contact — through blood, saliva — in utero from a sick mother cat — with the milk of a nursing cat |
| Aujeszky's disease (false rabies, infectious boulevard paralysis, pruritic plague, rabid scabies) | Cats freely roaming outside are highly desirable! | Lymphatic tissues, mucous membranes of the oral cavity and pharynx, nervous system, spinal cord and brain are affected. The disease is accompanied by severe itching. An animal can be cured in the initial stage of the disease. | - through the digestive system (eating infected rodents, unprocessed infected meat, pork) |
Complex vaccination Nobivac (Nobivac Tricat Trio):
Complex vaccination Purevax (Purevax RCPCh):
WHAT DO VACCINES PROTECT FROM. COMPLEX VACCINATION. RABIES VACCINATION.
Each specific vaccination is aimed at protecting a cat from a specific viral disease.
Comprehensive vaccination for cats
There are also complex vaccinations , which, accordingly, combine several vaccines at the same time. Most often, it is Panleukopenia + Rhinotracheitis + Calicivirosis, sometimes it also includes Chlamydia.
Rabies vaccination for cats, cats, kittens
Rabies vaccination is a separate issue. All animals are vaccinated against rabies, not just cats and dogs. It is highly advisable to do this to all animals.
Firstly, it protects your pet from infection.
Secondly, it protects you from unpleasant consequences that may arise due to physical contact (bite, scratch, saliva) of your pet with other animals, children, and adults. Such conflicts can end not only in administrative penalties and payment for preventive treatment of the applicant, but also in the euthanization of the animal.
How much does a cat's rabies vaccination cost?
Its cost is not at all high; it mainly depends on each specific vaccine. On average, the price ranges from $2 to $4.
Rabies vaccination for a kitten: when to do?
Kittens are also given this vaccination. It is allowed to be carried out no earlier than 3 months; vaccination is often carried out simultaneously with a repeated complex vaccination.
How often are cats vaccinated against rabies?
Rabies vaccination is repeated annually.
How long does it last?
Moreover, if the date of the previous vaccination is, for example, 01/01/2020, then the next one must be done no later than 12/31/2020. That is. the interval should not be more than a year.
Side effects
Side effects from rabies are minimal. If all the rules before vaccination were followed, such as a preliminary examination, prevention of worms, parasites, etc. (see below for more details), then the kitten will most likely simply be slightly lethargic and drowsy for some time after vaccination. They may refuse to eat for some time. More serious side effects are extremely rare. But if they suddenly appear, contact your veterinarian immediately.
VACCINES, INCCINATIONS AND THEIR PROTECTION
| Complex vaccination: Panleukopenia + Rhinotracheitis + Calicivirosis | Chlamydia | Rabies | Viral leukemia | FIP | Lichen |
| Felovax, USA | + | + | |||
| Multifel (Russia) | + | + | |||
| KhlamiKon, Russia | + | ||||
| Nobivac rabies, Netherlands | + | ||||
| Rabizin, France | + | ||||
| Felovax LV-K, USA | + | ||||
| Leucocel 2, USA | + | ||||
| Nobivac FORCAT, Netherlands | + | + | |||
| Purevax RCPCh, France | + | + | |||
| Quadricat, France | + | + | |||
| Leucoriphenin | + | ||||
| Nobivac Triquet, Netherlands | + | ||||
| Felocel CVR, USA | + | ||||
| Katavac Chlamydia | + | ||||
| Purevax FeLV, France | + | ||||
| Primucell FIP, USA | + | ||||
| Microderm, Polivac TM for cats, Vakderm – F | + |
Dead or live vaccines?
Vaccinations for cats and kittens can be done with two types of vaccines: dead and live. Let's take a closer look at them and compare them, identifying all the pros and cons.
| Comparison options | Alive | Dead |
| Description | These are weakened but living viruses | Dead viruses introduced into the cat's body |
| Speed of interaction | Immunity develops 6-7 days after the vaccine is administered | Immunity develops immediately after the vaccine is administered |
| Development of immunity | Develop stronger immunity | Immunity is developed only to the amount of injected antibodies that enters the cat’s body upon administration. Due to this, immunity is not as strong as in the case of live vaccines. |
| Post-vaccination period | The post-vaccination period may be more difficult; it is more difficult for animals to tolerate compared to cats vaccinated with dead vaccines. | Passes quite easily, without causing serious complications |
| Peculiarities | Storage and transportation conditions must be strictly observed | |
| Possibility of infecting a cat with this disease | can infect a cat with this virus (if the immune system is very weakened, as well as in the event of a mutation caused by a change in the genetic structure of the animal). But these are isolated cases | It is impossible to infect an animal |
How much does a cat's vaccination cost?
The cost of cat vaccination is not prohibitively high and is affordable to everyone. Compared to the problems that can be caused without vaccination, the cost is very much worth it. For example, the price of rabies vaccination for a cat is in no way comparable to the financial, moral and time losses that may arise if you refuse to vaccinate your beloved “fluffy” in a timely manner.
Below are the prices for vaccinations at the Univet veterinary clinic.
| VACCINATION OF CATS PRICES | ||
| Vaccine name | Cost, rub) | Note |
| Nobivak Tricat Nobivac Tricat R | 950 1200 | Cat vaccination includes:
|
| Nobivak Forcat Nobivak Forcat + R | 950 1200 | |
| Quadricate | 1200 | |
| Felovax Felovax + Nobivac Rabies | 950 1200 | |
| Purevax FelV (feline viral leukemia) | 1200 | |
| Purevax RCP (calicivirosis, panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis) | 950 | |
| Purevax RCP (calicivirosis, panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis) + Rabizin (or R) | 1200 | |
| Purevax RCPCh (chlamydia, panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirosis) | 1450 | |
| Purevax RCPCh (chlamydia, panleukemia, rhinotracheitis, calicivir) + Rabizin (R) | 1450 | |
Vaccination scheme when choosing a complex vaccination
The procedure is carried out according to a clearly defined scheme. Its individual stages may differ from the description given, but these differences will be insignificant. Differences in vaccination are determined by the individual characteristics of the pet’s body.
- The first vaccination is given to a kitten from three months. Before this, his body retains the immunity transmitted through mother’s milk. A comprehensive vaccine usually includes protection against chlamydia, rhinotracheitis, plague, calcivirosis and panleukopenia.
- A month later, the veterinarian gives a second injection, consolidating the results obtained from the first injection.
- A new procedure is carried out after one year according to the same scheme.
Another mandatory vaccination is rabies vaccination. It should be noted that even a pet that does not go outside needs protection from this deadly disease, because it is incurable for both animals and humans. However, timely vaccination will provide a reliable guarantee against rabies. The injection is usually given when the kitten reaches three months after birth.
You should vaccinate your pet against lichen a little earlier. The optimal age for such vaccination is a kitten that is two months old. Like all other remedies, it should be renewed every year.
Is comprehensive vaccination required for domestic cats?
All cats require immunization. Vaccination of a cat one year after completion of all vaccinations at birth. A combination FVRCP (feline distemper, rhinotracheitis and calicivirus), FeLV and rabies vaccine is administered annually. However, if your cat stays indoors and does not interact with other animals, these procedures may not be performed as often, or sometimes a primary immunization will be sufficient. Our veterinarians will consult with you at your visit to determine an appropriate vaccination schedule. Remember that recommendations vary depending on the age, breed and health of the cat. And of course, it is recommended to adhere to the rules of vaccination and revaccination.
