Vaccination in cats and kittens

Just like humans, vaccination is an effective way to protect our cats from certain diseases caused by viruses or bacteria. We'll explain which vaccines are necessary for your feline and at what age you can vaccinate your kitten.

Why vaccinate my cat?

Vaccination helps protect your cat's health. It stimulates your cat’s immune defenses, which will later protect them from certain serious diseases, such as feline calicivirus and panleukopenia. These two diseases can affect both outdoor and indoor cats. They are particularly resistant and can even be indirectly introduced into your home (e.g., via shoes or bags).

By vaccinating your cat, you provide maximum protection for your furry friend.

What vaccines are mandatory for my cat?

In France, the vaccination of cats and dogs is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended.

Recommended and essential vaccines for cats

Calicivirus

Calicivirus in cats is a respiratory infection caused by the simultaneous or non-simultaneous infection of various pathogens, including viruses and bacteria. Transmission occurs through direct or indirect contact. Cats under stress (moving, the arrival of another animal) are more susceptible to infection, as well as cats living in breeding facilities or shelters, kittens aged 2 to 12 weeks, and cats infected with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).

Feline Panleukopenia (or Distemper)

Panleukopenia is a serious infectious disease. It is transmitted through oro-nasal contact via secretions or excretions containing the parvovirus, affecting the intestines, bone marrow, and lymph nodes.

Feline Leukemia (FeLV)

This infectious disease causes immune deficiency in cats, making them very vulnerable to all kinds of infections. It is transmitted from cat to cat through direct contact (urine, feces, blood, saliva). Note that FIV—commonly known as cat AIDS—only spreads through blood, for example during fights, or via sexual contact. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for FIV.

Chlamydiosis

Chlamydiosis is a highly contagious respiratory infection that affects the nose and lungs. Symptoms are similar to those of calicivirus and include eye discharge (clear or purulent fluid). Infected cats may also show a loss of appetite, breathing difficulties, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and fever. Often, a small cat suffers from both chlamydiosis and calicivirus.

Rabies

This vaccine is the only mandatory one if you wish to travel within the European Union or elsewhere in the world.

Among these five diseases, vaccines against panleukopenia and calicivirus are considered essential.

As for the choice of other vaccines, it depends on your cat's lifestyle.

Vaccines based on lifestyle (indoor or outdoor cats)

The vaccine against leukemia is recommended if your cat lives with other cats or has access to the outdoors, even occasionally. The chlamydiosis vaccine is recommended for cats living in groups (breeding facilities, shelters...). Finally, the rabies vaccine is mainly intended for cats that travel abroad, as mentioned earlier.

Can I vaccinate my kitten at birth?

At birth, the kitten is protected by antibodies passed on by its mother. When the kitten is born, it consumes colostrum by nursing from its mother. Colostrum is the first milk secretion that the young kitten absorbs. It is very rich in antibodies, which will protect it against microbes in its environment and diseases its mother has been vaccinated against.

After a few weeks, maternal antibodies no longer provide sufficient protection in the kitten’s blood, but they still prevent a response to potential vaccines.

This is called the critical period: the kitten is no longer protected by its mother’s antibodies but cannot yet be vaccinated. This period is considered to occur between 8 and 10 weeks of age. Once this critical period is over, maternal antibodies decrease, and vaccination can become fully effective.

At what age can I vaccinate my kitten?

The ideal age to vaccinate your kitten is around 8 weeks, or 2 months. A second injection will be administered 3 to 5 weeks after the first. Some kittens are vaccinated around 3 months or older, depending on their health condition. Some veterinarians may prefer to vaccinate your kitten when it weighs at least 1 kg.

Primary vaccination for kittens

Primary vaccination is the first vaccination against a disease. It helps reach a protective level of antibodies. It may require multiple injections at specific intervals. Afterward, to maintain immunity, it’s recommended to renew all vaccinations one year after the first vaccination.

When should boosters be given to my kitten?

The indications in the table below may vary depending on your kitten’s lifestyle and health condition.

Vaccination in Adult Cats

An adult cat that has not been vaccinated as a kitten or whose vaccination status is unknown will need to be vaccinated against cat flu, feline panleukopenia (typhus), feline leukemia, chlamydia, or rabies if you are traveling abroad.

As with kittens, the choice of vaccines for an adult cat largely depends on its lifestyle.

When Should You Give Booster Shots for Your Adult Cat?

Unlike kittens, which still have colostrum antibodies that can interfere with vaccines, the vaccination protocol is simpler for adult cats. It’s also important to note that the frequency of boosters may depend on your cat’s lifestyle. If your adult cat lives in a group or has access to the outdoors, most vaccines should be renewed annually. However, for a cat that lives alone indoors, the intervals can be longer.

How Does a Vaccination Go?

Clinical Examination Before Vaccination

Before vaccinating your kitten or adult cat, your veterinarian will examine your feline to make sure it is not already fighting an infection. If your vet finds no health issues, they will proceed with the vaccination. Some vaccines are combined into a single injection. The injection is typically given at the back of the neck, but it can also be administered in other parts of the body, depending on your vet’s preferred method.

What Are the Possible Side Effects After Vaccination?

Mild Reactions: Fever, Fatigue, Swelling

Most cats tolerate vaccines very well. Side effects are relatively rare and can include localized swelling at the injection site, mild fever, fatigue (your cat may sleep a lot), reduced appetite, or sneezing. These symptoms usually disappear within a few days after vaccination. However, if you notice any unusual signs, consult your veterinarian.

If these symptoms persist for a prolonged period or if your cat doesn’t seem to be doing well, make an urgent appointment with your vet.

How Much Do Vaccines for Cats Cost?

Vaccination is essential, but it comes at a cost. According to the website Gang des Moustaches in their article “how much does a cat cost per month”, "vaccines cost between 50 and 80 € depending on the vaccinations required. You should budget about 100 to 120 € for the first year, then around 60 € per year for subsequent years. Don’t hesitate to check with your veterinarian, as they can best guide you in choosing the right vaccines for your furry friend!

How to Prepare Your Cat for Vaccination?

Vaccination is an important step in your pet’s health, but it can also be quite stressful for them. A simple visit to the vet can feel like a nightmare for many cats—something we can all relate to.

High levels of stress can lead to urinary marking or, in most cases, digestive problems such as diarrhea, vomiting, or constipation in cats. In this regard, our cats are not so different from us. When we are stressed, our stomachs are affected too.

Offering Probiotics to Your Cat

Along with a quality diet, probiotics are recommended in case of digestive problems, a stressful event, or as a preventive measure (especially before vaccination).

At Ziggy, we highly recommend giving your cat a small course of probiotics to support their digestive health.

Ziggy Care Probiotics support digestion and intestinal balance with a unique composition that promotes good health, microbial balance, and the quality of your cat’s stools. They also help strengthen your cat’s natural immune defenses.