At All Cats Clinic, our Fayetteville, AR veterinarians are committed to protecting the health and well-being of cats across Northwest Arkansas. One of the most important ways we do this is through safe, effective vaccinations, which can start as early as 6 weeks of age. We are happy to offer the PUREVAX® vaccine. PUREVAX helps protect your feline friend against serious and potentially fatal diseases like rabies, feline leukemia virus (FeLV), and more, offering peace of mind for you and long-term health for your cat. Whether you have a playful kitten or a wise senior kitty, this vaccine is an essential part of a preventive care plan tailored just for cats.

Cat Vaccination Basics

Vaccinations work by training your cat’s immune system to recognize and fight specific diseases before they can cause illness. Think of vaccines as a practice drill for your feline friend’s immune system. They help your pet’s body learn to identify and fight off the bad guys without experiencing the actual battle. The benefits of vaccines are both clear and crucial to your kitty’s health. Vaccinations:

• Create lasting immunity against fatal diseases
• Reduce severity of illness if exposure occurs
• Protect entire cat populations through herd immunity
• Prevent expensive emergency treatments for preventable diseases
• Are required by boarding facilities, groomers, and many veterinary services

The economic benefits alone make vaccination worthwhile. Treating diseases costs far more than preventing them. Treatment can cost thousands, and may end with poor outcomes, despite intensive care. Following proper vaccination schedules for your new kitten creates the foundation for her long-term health. Whether you’re welcoming a new kitten or keeping your adult cat current with boosters, knowing which vaccines your pet needs helps you make informed decisions. Modern vaccine technology, including innovative options like PUREVAX vaccinations, offers safer, more effective protection.

What Vaccines Do Cats Need? Core vs Non-Core Vaccines

Core vaccines protect against many dangerous and widespread diseases. Every cat should receive them, regardless of lifestyle. Essential core vaccines every cat needs include:

• Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper) This highly contagious virus attacks rapidly dividing cells, causing severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dangerously low white blood cell counts. Kittens are especially vulnerable, with mortality rates reaching 90% in untreated cases. The virus survives in the environment for years, making exposure likely even for indoor cats. Read more about Panleukopenia at the American Veterinary Medical Association site here.
• Feline Herpesvirus and Calicivirus These viruses cause severe upper respiratory symptoms, including sneezing, nasal discharge, eye problems, and painful mouth ulcers. While not usually fatal in healthy adults, they can cause pneumonia in kittens and can spark lifelong infections that flare up during periods of stress.
• Rabies This fatal neurological ddisease can affects any mammal, including humans. Rabies is actually the deadliest disease on the planet, and is almost 100% fatal once symptoms start. This is why rabies vaccinations are legally required in most areas. Even indoor cats need protection, due to potential bat or vermin exposure or accidental escapes.

PUREVAX: Advanced Vaccine Technology for Fayetteville, AR Cats

PUREVAX represents a significant advancement in feline vaccine technology, offering safer protection without adjuvants. Adjuvants are substances added to traditional vaccines that may cause injection site reactions and, occasionally cause rare cancers in cats. PUREVAX vaccines stimulate strong immune responses without controversial additives, making them an excellent choice for health-conscious cat parents. The benefits of PUREVAX technology include:

• No adjuvants that may cause injection site reactions
• Reduced risk of vaccine-associated sarcomas
• Strong immune protection comparable to traditional vaccines
• Available for core feline diseases including rabies
• Suitable for cats with previous vaccine sensitivities

Your veterinary team can help determine whether PUREVAX vaccines are right for your feline companion based on their individual health history and risk factors. You can learn more about PUREVAX on the Boehringer Ingelheim website here. Non-Core Vaccines: Lifestyle-Based Protection Non-core vaccines protect against diseases that affect certain cat populations based on lifestyle and exposure risks. Your veterinarian will recommend these if your furry friend faces specific threats.

• Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) – Important for outdoor cats or those living with FeLV-positive cats. This virus suppresses immunity and causes cancers, primarily affecting young cats.
• Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) – Recommended for outdoor cats, as FIV spreads through bite wounds and gradually weakens the immune system.
• Bordetella – Important for cats in boarding facilities or multi-cat households where respiratory infections spread easily.

Ask your vet for more information.

Kitten Vaccination Schedule: Starting Protection Early

If you’re wondering “when do kittens need shots,” the answer is as early as six weeks of age. Kittens can begin their vaccination series at this age, with boosters scheduled to maintain immunity as maternal antibodies decline. Starting vaccinations at six weeks offers crucial advantages for your kitten’s health and development. Young kittens have immature immune systems. This makes them extremely vulnerable to infectious diseases, with mortality rates significantly higher than those of adult cats. This is a dangerous time for baby cats: the maternal antibodies are waning but the kitten’s own immune system isn’t fully developed. Early vaccination creates a protective shield during this critical window. Additionally, vaccinating young kitties allows for proper spacing of the vaccine series. This helps prompt optimal immune response and offers long-lasting protection. Kittens who receive their vaccines on schedule from six weeks develop stronger immunity compared to those whose vaccinations are delayed. Senior cats may need modified schedules based on health status, but most continue regular vaccination throughout their lives. Of course, vaccines are just one element of good kitten care. Click here to read our blog on taking care of your tiny ball of fur.

Cat Vaccine Side Effects: What to Expect After Vaccination

Most cats experience no adverse effects from vaccination, aside from a bit of brief soreness at the injection site. Your pet may be a little sore and sleepy, but this should only last a day or two. Common mild reactions that resolve within 24-48 hours include:

• Slight lethargy or decreased appetite
• Mild soreness at injection site
• Low-grade fever
• Temporary decrease in activity level

Contact your veterinary clinic immediately if you notice any of the following:

• Severe lethargy or weakness
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing or facial swelling
• Severe pain or swelling at injection sites
• Any concerning changes lasting more than 48 hours

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do cats need shots?

Adult cats typically need FVRCP boosters every 1-3 years and rabies vaccines annually or every 3 years, depending on the vaccine type and local regulations.

Do indoor cats need vaccines?

Yes! Even indoor cats need protection, as viruses can enter homes on clothing, shoes, or through open windows and doors.

Are cat vaccines safe?

Yes, cat vaccines are very safe, with serious reactions being extremely rare. PUREVAX vaccines offer even greater safety by eliminating adjuvants that may cause reactions.

What happens if I don’t vaccinate my cat?

Unvaccinated cats face serious risks from fatal diseases like panleukopenia, which has a 90% mortality rate in kittens, and rabies, which is always fatal once symptoms start.

How much do cat vaccinations cost?

Cat vaccination costs vary by location and vaccine type. However, prevention always costs significantly less than treating vaccine-preventable diseases. Contact our Fayetteville, AR clinic for info on cat vaccination costs and scheduling.

Do indoor cats need vaccines?

Yes! Even indoor cats need core vaccinations. Viruses can enter homes on clothing, shoes, or through openings, making vaccination essential for all cats regardless of lifestyle.

When should my kitten get their first vaccines?

Kittens can get vaccinations as early as 6 weeks of age, with the series typically starting between 6-8 weeks and continuing every 3-4 weeks until 16-20 weeks old.

Schedule Your Cat’s Vaccines at Our Fayetteville, AR Veterinary Clinic

At All Cats Clinic, we’re committed to protecting your feline family members through personalized cat vaccination programs that fit their individual needs and lifestyle. Our experienced veterinary team stays current with the latest vaccine technology, including PUREVAX options, to provide the safest, most effective protection possible. Whether you’re starting a kitten’s vaccination series or maintaining your adult cat’s immunity, we’re here to guide you through every step. Looking for “cat vaccinations near me” in Fayetteville, AR? Give us a call to schedule your kitty’s vaccination appointment and invest in their long-term health and happiness! Learn more about the vaccinations we offer and our wellness care options here. This blog is meant to be informational only. Always consult with your veterinarian for the right medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment plan for your pet and follow their advice.