Cat Vaccinations and Check-ups: A Guide to Preventive Care

A healthy cat doesn’t need to see the vet very often. But a few well-used visits prevent a lot of trouble. Cat vaccinations, parasite control and a regular check-up are the foundations of preventive care.

Here is what each one involves and how to plan it. The exact schedule for your cat, though, is for your vet to decide, based on age, health and lifestyle.

The check-up: more than a jab

Many people only take their cat to the vet for vaccinations. But the check-up matters just as much. The vet listens to the heart, weighs the cat, looks at the mouth, eyes and ears, and asks how things are at home.

For a healthy adult cat, a yearly check-up is usually recommended. Kittens and older cats may need more. It is the moment to pick up problems your cat is hiding.

Cat vaccinations

Vaccines fall into two groups.

Core vaccines. Recommended for every cat, including indoor cats. They protect against:

• feline panleukopenia, also called feline parvovirus, a serious and highly contagious disease;
• feline herpesvirus and calicivirus, the main causes of cat flu.

Non-core vaccines. These depend on your cat’s life:

• feline leukaemia (FeLV), for cats that go outside or live with cats that do;
• rabies, required in some parts of the world and for international travel.

Kittens need a series of doses in their first months. After that come boosters, as often as your vet advises. We now know some vaccines don’t need repeating every year, so schedules are tailored to each cat.

Each life stage has its needs

Kitten. The first visits are the busiest: vaccinations, parasite treatment, microchip and a general health check. It is also the time to talk about neutering and the right food for growth.

Adult. Usually one check-up a year, with any boosters due and parasite control.

Senior. Your vet may suggest more frequent check-ups and blood or urine tests. They help catch kidney, thyroid or dental problems early.

Weight at every visit

Weighing your cat at each visit is very useful. A small change, invisible at home, can be the first sign of a problem. If you keep a note, you’ll see the trend over the whole year.

Parasites: inside and out

Even an indoor cat can get parasites. Fleas can come in on clothes or with another pet.

• External parasites: fleas, ticks and mites. Controlled with spot-ons, tablets or vet-approved collars.
• Internal parasites: intestinal worms. Controlled with tablets or spot-ons.

How often depends on risk: whether your cat goes out, hunts, or lives with dogs or small children. Ask your vet.

Important: never use a dog product on a cat. Some dog flea treatments are highly toxic to cats.

Teeth matter too

Dental disease is very common in adult cats. Many keep eating, but in pain.

Watch for bad breath, red gums, drooling or chewing on one side. You can train a kitten to accept tooth brushing with a cat toothpaste. If your cat won’t allow it, the yearly check-up will catch problems in time.

Microchip and neutering

A microchip is the best way to make sure a lost cat can be returned to you. Your vet can implant it in a moment. In some countries it is a legal requirement. Keep your details up to date on the chip database whenever your phone number or address changes.

Neutering prevents unwanted litters, heat cycles and much of the urine marking. It also lowers the risk of some diseases. Your vet will advise on the best age.

After a vaccination: what’s normal

Many cats are a little quiet for a day after a vaccination, and the injection site may be slightly tender. That usually passes on its own. Call your vet if your cat has facial swelling, vomiting, breathing trouble or a lump at the injection site that lasts for weeks.

Making vet visits easier

A calm trip starts at home. Leave the carrier out all the time, with a soft blanket and the odd treat inside, so it isn’t only linked to the vet. Cover it with a towel on the way. At the clinic, keep the carrier up on a chair rather than on the floor near dogs. Some clinics offer quieter cat-only waiting areas or appointment times: it is worth asking.

A list for each visit

Before the vet, jot down:

• the date of the last vaccination and parasite treatment;
• any change in appetite, weight or behaviour;
• whether your cat goes outside or you are planning to travel.

If you notice something odd between visits, read signs your cat is sick. And if you’re going abroad, see our guide to travelling and moving with a cat.

Frequently asked questions

Does an indoor cat need vaccinations?

Yes, the core vaccines. Some viruses can come into the home on clothes or shoes. Your vet will decide which ones and how often.

How often should I worm my cat?

It depends on your cat’s risk. A cat that goes outside and hunts usually needs treating more often than an indoor cat. Ask your vet.

Is a microchip worth it for an indoor cat?

Yes. Indoor cats do slip out, and a chip is often the only way a finder can trace you.