Core Vaccines for Shelter Cats

Second dose 2 weeks later

• Vaccination of pregnant queens and kittens <4 weeks of age should be avoided because of the theoretical concern for cerebellar hypoplasia^15,16
• Because of the theoretical risk of clinical signs due to residual virulence of the attenuated virus in an immunocompromised patient, consider avoiding in cats with retrovirus infections^17,18
• Provides cross-protection to canine parvovirus^19,20
• Considered by many clinicians to be their first choice for protection against FPV, owing to more rapid protective response than inactivated vaccines^16,21,22

• Do not vaccinate any earlier than 4 weeks of age because of the concern for cerebellar hypoplasia^15,16
• Shelters should be aware that postvaccinal clinical signs associated with the use of intranasal vaccines could be confused with those caused by natural infections
• Provides faster protection, which is especially relevant in high-risk populations and with kittens against respiratory disease²⁴
• Consider vaccination simultaneously with parenteral FPV
• Might cause transient clinical signs of respiratory disease

• Do not vaccinate any earlier than 4 weeks of age because of the concern for cerebellar hypoplasia^15,16
• Shelters should be aware that postvaccinal clinical signs associated with the use of intranasal vaccines could be confused with those caused by natural infections
• Provides faster protection, which is especially relevant in high-risk populations and with kittens against respiratory diseas^e24
• Might cause transient clinical signs of respiratory disease

• Optional in individually housed cats but shelters should consider the benefits of vaccinating more cats against FeLV
• Strongly recommended in group-housed cats
• Recommend testing to establish FeLV antigen status prior to vaccination (see text for comments)
• There is conflicting evidence in the literature regarding efficacy and safety when comparing recombinant and inactivated vaccines (see text for comments)^{12–14,28–30}

• Necessary for all cats where legally allowed/mandated or in an endemic region
• The authority to administer rabies vaccine to shelter-housed cats is often stipulated by state or local law and may not be at the discretion of shelter personnel
• In states/provinces where rabies vaccination may not be mandated, shelters should consider the benefits of vaccinating more cats against rabies
• There is conflicting evidence in the literature regarding efficacy and safety when comparing recombinant and inactivated vaccines (see text for comments)^12,30