What vaccines does my older indoor cat need and can I give them?

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is great that you decided to get your cat fixed! To be considered fully vaccinated, she will need at least a rabies vaccine, FRCP vaccine, and I recommend an FeLV vaccine for outdoor cats. These are all potentially deadly or extremely common viruses that cats can get from each other or wildlife such as raccoons. Although your cat is indoor only, there is a risk that she may run away and be exposed. I recommend having her microchipped and wear a collar in case this happens so that the two of you can be reunited. She should also be on monthly flea control, even f she is only indoors to prevent flea infestations.

I would worry a little more about the new kitten passing on diseases to the older cat - viral upper respiratory infections in particular are common. I'd recommend vaccinating both cats with the FVRCP combo and rabies vaccines. If the cats are going to continue to be outdoors then the FeLV vaccine would also be recommended, and I actually usually recommend vaccinating all kittens for FeLV since you never know if their lifestyle might change.

Excellent question. The main vaccination(s) they need are: 1) FVRCP- a combo upper respiratory vaccine. 2) And if they go outdoors they should get the FeLV (leukemia) vaccination, which is an infection that is spread through drinking water. 3) Then of course the Rabies vaccine, if it is required in your state. The FVRCP and Rabies vaccine can be given once a year for the first year, then once every 3 years. The FeLV vaccine is given yearly.

Yes, I would recommend giving this vaccine on a regular basis, even though Gracie does not go outside. These are highly contagious and serious viruses that can be transmitted easily - even if Gracie is laying by an open window and a stray cat is outside. Depending upon the vaccine manufacturer's labeling claims, this vaccine may be given every 1 or 3 years. Since she does not go outside, feline leukemia vaccines (FeLV) are likely unnecessary unless she has a housemate cat that does go outside, or you plan to introduce a feline leukemia positive cat to your household.

I would have her vaccinated at least once and checked by your veterinarian to make sure everything is all right and she does have any health issue. Basic vaccination would include RCP (herpesvirus, calicivirus and panleucopenia virus) and FeLV (leukemia virus). Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Hi there, if Gabriella is an adult cat, she world need the rabies and fvrcp combo given once, then boostered after 12mths. That second dose would likely be good for 3yrs. If she is a kitten, we recommend boosting the fvrcp every 2-4wks until she's 16wks old. The risk for felv increases if she's ever in contact with other cats eg. If neighbors cats come into your yard, or she goes to a boarding facility. If that is the case, she should get the felv (leukemia) vaccine. After the initial 2 doses, felv should be boosted annually. I hope this helps - I can offer a consult if you would like more specific recommendations.

Most veterinary internists advise vaccinating FeLV positive cats just like any other cat - they are not at higher risk for vaccine-related problems, and the vaccines are just effective in them as they would be in any other cat. She doesn't need an FeLV vaccine, obviously, but there's no reason she can't be vaccinated normally for RCP and rabies :)