What Vaccinations does my Cat need…?

At Better Pet Vets we vaccinate our feline patients according to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) and American Association of Feline Practitioner (AAFP) Guidelines. These guidelines represent the cutting edge of understanding of maximising benefits of vaccination and minimise the risks, and represent the best standard of care. The guidelines also allow us to customise vaccinations for each pet and household, which is best practice.

Be aware that not all vaccinations are the same and not all practices vaccinate their patients according to these guidelines. We use only Modified Live, Adjuvant Free vaccines in cats as they provide the greatest immunity with the least risk of adverse effects, and allow us to minimise the number of vaccines your pets need through their lifetime.

Cat vaccinations protect your cat against 3 significant and potentially fatal diseases:

  • Feline Panleucopaenia (or Feline Parvovirus);
  • Feline Herpesvirus 1, and;
  • Feline Calicivirus.

This Vaccine is known as an “F3”.

The recommended vaccination series for Kittens is:

  • F3 Vaccinations at 8, 12 and 16 weeks

The recommended vaccinations for Adult Cats are:

  •  F3 Annually

For cats who live indoors only, and who do not go to a cattery for care (while you are away on holiday for example), less frequent vaccinations may be appropriate (every 3rd year), and we are happy to personalise your cats vaccination programs according to risk and as part of assessing their whole health.

Other Vaccinations are available for cats in Australia but are not recommended – Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV), and Chlamydophyla felis (also known as an F4 as it is an F3 plus C. felis vaccination)

These vaccines are not recommended in cats (except in very specific circumstances which rarely, if ever, apply to companion cats, especially in regional Australia). Over vaccination is unnecessary and can endanger the health of your cat.

 We provide a reminder service to ensure you are kept up to date and your cats protection is maintained.

If you have any other questions or queries regarding vaccinations for your cat or Kitten, please call us and we will be happy to advise and help – 4955 6000