Do I need to vaccinate an 8-year-old indoor cat I'm adopting?

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.

If you are unsure of vaccine status, she should get aFVRCP (feline distemper) vaccine followed by a booster 3-4 weeks later. A Rabies vaccine should also be given. She should also be tested for FeLV and FIV. Submit a stool sample to diagnose intestinal parasites.

Congrats on your new cat! You can ask for routine blood work and a urinalysis to check how her organs are functioning. The vaccines she will need include Feline core vaccines include FVRCP (feline distemper combo) and a Rabies vaccine. If she is an outdoor cat, the FeLV vaccine (feline leukemia) should be considered. I hope this helps!

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.

I would recommend a feline upper respiratory vaccine (FVRCP) and a rabies vaccine. If she has any outdoor exposure, I would also consider the Feline Leukemia vaccine (FeLV). You may be able to purchase the FVRCP and FeLV from a feed store but you will need a licensed veterinarian to give the Rabies.

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.