Vaccination of cats at A-Vet in Larvik protects against serious infectious diseases. Which vaccines your cat needs depends on its age, previous vaccinations, whether it lives indoors or outdoors, contact with other cats and any travel plans.
Why cat vaccination is important
Core vaccination is recommended for all cats, including pure indoor cats. The virus that causes feline distemper in particular can survive for a long time in the environment and can be transported indirectly via clothing, shoes and objects, among other things.
Before vaccination, the veterinarian assesses the cat's general condition and vaccination history. The vaccination program is adjusted if the cat has an unknown vaccination status, has started the basic vaccination late or is at increased risk of infection.
What vaccines does the cat need?
Vaccines are often divided into core vaccines, which is recommended for all cats, and additional vaccines, which is assessed based on the cat's risk of infection and life situation.
The feline core vaccine protects against feline distemper and the two main viruses in the feline influenza complex: feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus. The combination is often referred to as RCP.
Feline plague
Feline distemper, or feline panleukopenia, is caused by the feline panleukopenia virus. The disease can cause fever, severe general weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe dehydration, and can be life-threatening, especially in kittens and unvaccinated cats.
The virus is very resistant in the environment and can be transmitted both directly between cats and indirectly via contaminated objects, clothing and shoes. Therefore, vaccination is also recommended for indoor cats.
read more about cat distemper in cats.
Cat flu
Cat flu is a collective term for respiratory infections in cats. Feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus are among the most important infectious agents. Symptoms may include sneezing, discharge from the nose and eyes, fever, decreased appetite and sores in the mouth.
Vaccination reduces the risk of serious disease and clinical symptoms, but does not necessarily provide complete protection against infection or the spread of infection.
When should the kitten be vaccinated?
Kittens receive maternal antibodies from their mother, mainly through colostrum, in the first hours after birth. These provide early protection, but can also reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine. Antibody levels decline at different rates in different kittens, which is why the core vaccine is given several times throughout the kittenhood period.
A common vaccination schedule when vaccination starts around eight weeks of age is:
- Nuclear vaccine at around 8 weeks of age
- New core vaccine 3–4 weeks later, often around 12 weeks of age
- New core vaccine at 16 weeks of age
- First booster vaccination with core vaccine at around 6 months old
If your kitten has already received one or more vaccines from a breeder or another veterinarian, we will not necessarily restart the vaccination program. Bring the vaccination card and we will assess which doses are remaining.
How often should an adult cat be vaccinated?
After the first booster at around six months of age, the interval between core vaccinations in adult cats at low risk of infection may be three years or more, depending on the vaccine used and the cat's individual risk.
Cats at higher risk of infection, such as outdoor cats, breeding cats or cats living in larger cat environments, may need annual revaccination against feline herpesvirus and calicivirus. The interval is adjusted to the cat's lifestyle and risk of infection.
Additional vaccines for cats
Chlamydia felis
Vaccine against Chlamydia felis is not a core vaccine and is not part of our standard program. At A-Vet it is considered individually, mainly in cats that have previously had chlamydia infection and where the condition is under control.
Chlamydia felis causes eye inflammation in particular and can occur in environments with many cats. If vaccination is appropriate, the primary vaccination consists of several doses and further revaccination is done based on the risk of infection.
FeLV – feline leukemia virus
FeLV can cause serious illness, including immunosuppression, anemia, and some cancers. The virus is transmitted primarily through close and sustained contact between cats, including through saliva and other bodily fluids.
FeLV vaccine is not included in our standard program. The infection pressure is considered very low in Norway, and the need is assessed individually, especially in cats that may have close contact with cats with unknown infection status.
If FeLV vaccination is indicated, testing for FeLV antigen prior to vaccination is recommended. Vaccination of a FeLV-positive cat serves no purpose.
Rabies and foreign travel
Rabies vaccination is not part of the regular vaccination program for cats that only stay in Norway, but is necessary for many trips abroad.
For the first rabies vaccination, the cat must be at least 12 weeks old and have an ID tag before the vaccine is given. For the first vaccination, at least 21 days must pass before the vaccine is valid according to travel regulations. If the cat is revaccinated while the previous rabies vaccine is still valid, a new waiting period of 21 days does not normally apply.
The rules that apply depend on the destination and which countries the cat will be traveling through or returning from. See our page about travel with animals and always check the current requirements with The Norwegian Food Safety Authority.
Side effects after vaccination
Most cats tolerate vaccination well. Some may experience temporary lethargy, a slight fever, decreased appetite, or tenderness or swelling at the injection site. Such reactions are usually mild and short-lived.
Serious hypersensitivity reactions are rare. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat has difficulty breathing, significant facial swelling, repeated vomiting or diarrhea, becomes very lethargic or collapses after vaccination.
Price of cat vaccination in Larvik
Vaccination of a cat at A-Vet in Larvik costs from 778 NOK. Which vaccine the cat needs depends on age, previous vaccinations, risk of infection and any travel plans. See current price list for updated prices.
See also our overview of dog and cat vaccination or read about dog vaccination.
Frequently asked questions about cat vaccines
The core vaccination usually starts around eight weeks of age and is given in several doses throughout the kittenhood period, often around 8, 12 and 16 weeks. The first booster is then considered around six months of age.
Yes. Core vaccination is also recommended for indoor cats. The virus that causes feline distemper can survive for a long time in the environment and can be introduced indirectly via clothing, shoes and objects, among other things.
The interval depends on the vaccine used and the cat's risk of infection. In low-risk adult cats, the interval between core vaccinations may be three years or more, while cats at higher risk of infection may need more frequent revaccinations.
Cat vaccination at A-Vet in Larvik costs from 778 NOK. See the current price list for updated prices.
Rabies vaccination is required for many international trips. The cat must be ID-tagged before the vaccine is given, and the cat must be at least 12 weeks old for the first rabies vaccination. For the first vaccination, at least 21 days must pass before the vaccine is valid according to travel regulations.
Contact us
Do you need help choosing the right treatment?
Contact us at A-Vet Larvik and together we will find the best solution for your pet.
