🏥 Health
Preventive
Cat vaccination: complete schedule
Full feline vaccination costs R$ 250-450 and avoids R$ 3,000-8,000 in disease treatment. This guide covers correct ages, mandatory vaccines and how to recognize reactions.
🚦 Urgency triage: yellow vs red flag
🟡 Yellow flag — monitor / vet in 24-72h
- indoor cat 30 days late on schedule
🔴 Red flag — emergency NOW
- cat exposed to stray cat without vaccines
Full vaccination schedule
| Age | Vaccine | Diseases covered |
|---|---|---|
| 8 weeks | FVRCP or FVRCP+FeLV (dose 1) | Panleukopenia, calicivirus, rhinotracheitis, chlamydia (+FeLV) |
| 12 weeks | FVRCP (dose 2) | Booster |
| 16 weeks | FVRCP + Rabies | All + rabies |
| Annual | FVRCP + Rabies | Lifetime booster |
Diseases prevented — real impact
- Panleukopenia: 90% mortality in unvaccinated kittens
- Rhinotracheitis: chronic sneezing, corneal ulcer
- Calicivirus: severe gingivitis and fever
- Feline leukemia (FeLV): progressive immunosuppression, no cure
- Rabies: 100% lethal, zoonosis required by law
What to do if a vaccine reaction happens
- Mild reaction (lethargy, low fever 24h): observe
- Moderate reaction (vomit, face swelling): back to vet within 6h
- Anaphylactic reaction (respiratory distress, collapse): immediate emergency
- Vaccine-associated sarcoma (rare): remove lump if persists 3 months
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an indoor cat need vaccines?
Yes. Viruses enter via owner's shoes, clothes and air. Rabies is required by law even for indoor cats.
Adopted stray kitten, when to vaccinate?
After deworming and 7-10 day observation. FVRCP at 8 weeks or immediately if already at that age.
Do vaccines cause feline autism?
Doesn't exist. Imported myth without scientific basis. Real reactions exist but are rare and mild.
FVRCP or FVRCP+FeLV, which to pick?
FVRCP+FeLV includes leukemia and is indicated for cats with outdoor access or multi-cat homes. FVRCP alone is enough for a single indoor cat.
Is vaccinating a senior cat safe?
Yes, if healthy. Do prior exams (kidney, liver) in cats 10+. Some vets space to triennial in seniors.