Cat Vaccinations Perth

Cat vaccinations are extremely important to ensure your beloved pet is kept protected from disease while also safeguarding their health and wellbeing. The vaccine regime is a bit more complex in cats than dogs. What vaccines are used is based on the lifestyle of your cat and their age. For instance, if your cat is an indoor cat than we would only recommend the core vaccines as the risk of getting lethal diseases (Feline Leukaemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency virus infections) are virtually eliminated (unless they were exposed before they were isolated). 

At City Beach Veterinarians, we advise that every cat be vaccinated regardless of their age, breed, habitat, or environment and therefore we provide cat vaccinations at our Perth vet practice. Vaccinations are part of our Complete Health Packages. The Complete Health package means your pets vaccination and parasite control are looked after and saves you money. 

How to Determine What Vaccines Your Cat Needs

To determine the appropriate cat vaccinations that need to be administered, we first discuss your cat’s needs, their lifestyle and then recommendations are made based on this information.  

The various cat vaccinations are listed below: 

Core Vaccine – Cat flu (Herpes and calici virus) and Feline Enteritis. All cats receive these vaccines. Vaccinations are given yearly with kittens receiving 2 doses at approximately 8 and 12 weeks of age.  

The brand used is based on whether they get the following vaccine: 

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) vaccines are a bit more involved. We recommend these vaccinations if your cat is an outdoor cat as the risk of infection increases from close association, fights, bite wounds or saliva. 

If a cat has never been vaccinated against FeLV and FIV we generally will recommend pre-testing to ensure they are negative. 

Protocol for FeLV and FIV vaccinations: 

In their first year they are given: 

  • FeLV – 2 doses given 4 weeks apart 
  • FIV 3 doses 2 weeks apart 
  • Subsequent years the FIV an FeLV are given with the core vaccines annually. 

Post-Vaccination Symptoms You Need to Understand

Adverse reactions to cat vaccinations are rare. Infrequently we find that a cat may be sore, quiet or feverish for 24 hours post vaccination and this may start within 4 hours post vaccination.  

You may note that your cat is quieter, may be grumpy/react if touched near the vaccination site or be off food. This is not dissimilar to how people behave after their own vaccinations. Generally, no treatment is required but if you are worried then call us and we may recommend a check and may give a cat appropriate pain relief injection.  

Why choose City Beach Veterinarians for cat vaccinations? 

The experienced doctors at City Beach Veterinarians have a wealth of knowledge and experience around cat vaccinations. Our doctors take a well-informed and comprehensive approach to veterinary medicine, taking a holistic approach to your cat’s health needs. Our veterinary clinic is equipped with state-of-the art medical equipment, and with continuing education and research, we ensure we are up to date with the latest in vet medicine. We are also home to a dedicated and fully trained team of nurses who are on hand to assist our vets in the care of your cat. 

Contact Us for Cat Vaccinations Today 

If you’d like more information regarding our cat vaccinations, or if you’d like to book your cat or kitten in for its vaccinations at our Perth practice, please contact our City Beach Veterinarian team today by calling (08) 9245 1977.  

Cat Vaccination FAQs 

If you would like to learn more about vaccinations for your cat, browse our frequently asked questions below.  

What are the main vaccines that cats need?

The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) classifies cat vaccines as either “core” or “non-core.” The core vaccine is the F3, a single injection covering three diseases:

Feline Herpesvirus (cat flu): Causes sneezing, nasal discharge and eye ulcers. Once infected, the virus can remain dormant and reactivate during periods of stress.

Feline Calicivirus: Another major cause of cat flu, producing mouth ulcers and respiratory symptoms. Highly contagious and able to survive on surfaces for extended periods.

Feline Panleukopenia: Often called feline distemper, this virus can be fatal. Signs include high fever, lethargy and loss of appetite.

Non-core vaccines, such as those for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV), are recommended for cats with outdoor access or exposure to other cats in higher-risk areas. Your vet will assess your cat’s lifestyle and local disease risks to determine whether any non-core vaccines are worth adding.

How much is a yearly vaccination for a cat?

The cost of a yearly cat vaccination can vary depending on your cat’s age, health, lifestyle and the specific vaccines recommended by your vet. Your cat may also need a health check or additional care at the same visit, which can affect the total cost.

For an accurate estimate, please call the hospital and the team can advise based on your cat’s needs.

Do cats really need annual vaccinations?

Whether a cat needs annual vaccinations depends on several factors.

While yearly boosters are advised for some cats, current guidelines generally recommend core vaccines every three years once the initial course and first annual booster are complete. That said, cats with outdoor access or mixed indoor and outdoor lifestyles are typically recommended to receive annual F3 boosters, while strictly indoor cats may be vaccinated every three years.

Regardless of vaccination frequency, annual health checks are still recommended for all cats so any concerns can be picked up early.