Core Vaccines for Shelter Cats
For a printable PDF, click here.
Shelter-housed cats have unique vaccine needs depending on their age, population density, and housing environment (group vs. individual.)
FPV + FHV-1 + FCV
Parenteral - Attenuated live
<20 Weeks of Age First Dose Administered: |
Single dose at intake or where possible at least 1 week before shelter entry; in kittens, the first dose no earlier than 4 weeks, and then q 2 weeks until 16–20 weeks of age |
>20 Weeks of Age First Dose Administered: |
For adults, single dose at intake or where possible at least 1 week before shelter entry Second dose 2 weeks later |
Clinically Relevant Comments for Administration |
|
Parenteral - Inactivated
Not recommended owing to delayed protective response specifically for FPV (see comments in text)5,9–11
Intranasal - Attenuated live
<20 Weeks of Age First Dose Administered: |
Not recommended in shelters owing to less-than-optimal protection against panleukopenia31 |
>20 Weeks of Age First Dose Administered: |
Not recommended in shelters owing to less-than-optimal protection against panleukopenia31 |
Clinically Relevant Comments for Administration |
|
FHV-1 + FCV
Intranasal - Attenuated live
<20 Weeks of Age First Dose Administered: |
Single dose at intake or where possible at least 1 week before shelter entry; in kittens, administer no earlier than 4 weeks |
>20 Weeks of Age First Dose Administered: |
Single dose at intake or where possible at least 1 week before shelter entry |
Clinically Relevant Comments for Administration |
|
FeLV
Recombinant & Inactivated
<20 Weeks of Age First Dose Administered: |
Two doses 3–4 weeks apart beginning as early as 8 weeks of age |
>20 Weeks of Age First Dose Administered: |
Two doses 3–4 weeks apart |
Clinically Relevant Comments for Administration |
|
RABIES
Recombinant & Inactivated
Administration Instructions |
Follow vaccine label instructions and local laws. See rabiesaware.org for additional information on state-level rabies regulations. |
Clinically Relevant Comments for Administration |
|