Cat Vaccinations

Protecting Your Cat From Preventable Disease

Vaccination is one of the most important steps you can take to help protect your cat from serious and potentially life-threatening infectious diseases.

At Bankstown Veterinary Hospital, we recommend vaccination as part of a complete preventive healthcare program. Vaccinations help protect not only your own cat, but also the wider cat population by reducing the spread of infectious diseases within the community.

Whether you have a new kitten or an adult cat requiring ongoing protection, our veterinary team can recommend a vaccination program tailored to your cat's age, lifestyle and risk factors.

WHY ARE CAT VACCINATIONS IMPORTANT?

Many infectious diseases affecting cats are highly contagious and can spread rapidly between animals. Some can survive in the environment for extended periods, meaning even indoor cats may still be exposed indirectly.

Vaccination helps reduce the risk of:

  • Serious illness

  • Hospitalisation

  • Long-term health complications

  • Expensive treatment costs

  • Premature death from preventable diseases

Vaccination remains one of the safest and most effective ways of protecting your cat throughout their life.

KITTEN VACCINATIONS

Kittens receive temporary protection from antibodies passed through their mother's milk. However, these antibodies gradually decline during the first few months of life.

Because maternal antibodies can interfere with vaccine effectiveness, kittens require a series of vaccinations to ensure reliable protection develops.

Most kittens commence vaccinations from around 6–8 weeks of age and receive additional vaccinations every 2–4 weeks until approximately 14–16 weeks of age.

Our veterinarians will advise the most appropriate vaccination schedule for your kitten.

ADULT CAT BOOSTER VACCINATIONS

The immunity developed following kitten vaccinations gradually decreases over time.

Regular booster vaccinations are required to maintain ongoing protection against infectious diseases.

Vaccination appointments also provide an opportunity for a comprehensive health examination, allowing us to detect and address health concerns early.

During your cat's annual health check we assess:

  • Weight and body condition

  • Teeth and gums

  • Heart and lungs

  • Skin and coat health

  • Eyes and ears

  • Arthritis and mobility issues

  • General wellbeing

Many medical conditions are easier and less expensive to manage when detected early.

DO INDOOR CATS NEED VACCINATIONS?

This is one of the most common questions we are asked.

Even cats that live exclusively indoors may still benefit from vaccination.

Viruses can sometimes be carried into the home on clothing, shoes, hands or objects. Indoor cats may also occasionally escape outdoors, come into contact with visiting animals, require boarding, or need hospitalisation during illness.

The appropriate vaccination program for an indoor cat may differ from that of an outdoor cat, and our veterinarians can discuss the best options for your pet.

WHAT DISEASES DO CAT VACCINATIONS HELP PROTECT AGAINST?

Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Enteritis)

Feline Panleukopenia is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause:

  • Severe vomiting

  • Diarrhoea

  • Dehydration

  • Immune suppression

  • Sudden death, particularly in kittens

The virus can survive in the environment for extended periods and outbreaks continue to occur in Australia.

Feline Herpesvirus (Feline Rhinotracheitis)

A major cause of "cat flu", feline herpesvirus can cause:

  • Sneezing

  • Nasal discharge

  • Eye infections

  • Fever

  • Loss of appetite

Many infected cats become lifelong carriers and may experience recurring symptoms during periods of stress.

Feline Calicivirus

Another important cause of cat flu.

Symptoms may include:

  • Sneezing

  • Mouth ulcers

  • Eye discharge

  • Fever

  • Reduced appetite

Some strains can cause severe illness.

Chlamydia

Feline Chlamydia commonly causes:

  • Persistent conjunctivitis

  • Eye discharge

  • Squinting

  • Red, inflamed eyes

It most commonly affects young cats and kittens.

Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV)

FeLV is a serious viral infection that can suppress the immune system and increase the risk of:

  • Chronic infections

  • Anaemia

  • Weight loss

  • Certain cancers

Vaccination may be recommended for cats at risk of exposure.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

FIV is often spread through cat bites, particularly in cats that roam outdoors.

The virus weakens the immune system over time and may increase susceptibility to infections and chronic illness.

Vaccination may be recommended for cats considered at higher risk.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A VACCINATION APPOINTMENT?

A vaccination appointment involves much more than simply administering an injection.

Your veterinarian will perform a health examination and discuss:

  • Your cat's lifestyle

  • Vaccination requirements

  • Parasite prevention

  • Nutrition

  • Dental health

  • Behavioural concerns

  • Any health changes you may have noticed at home

Vaccinations are only administered if your veterinarian believes your cat is healthy enough to receive them.

ARE CAT VACCINATIONS SAFE?

Vaccinations have an excellent safety record and serious reactions are uncommon.

Most cats experience no side effects at all.

Occasionally cats may experience:

  • Mild tiredness

  • Temporary reduction in appetite

  • Mild tenderness at the injection site

These signs usually resolve within 24–48 hours.

If you are concerned about your cat after vaccination, please contact our team for advice.

AFTER VACCINATION CARE

Following vaccination, provide your cat with:

  • Access to food and fresh water

  • A quiet place to rest

  • Normal observation at home

Most cats return to their usual routine within a day or two.

VACCINATION REMINDERS

We provide convenient vaccination reminders via SMS, email and mail to help keep your cat's vaccinations up to date.

If you are unsure whether your cat is due for vaccination, simply contact our team and we can check their records for you.

BOOK A CAT VACCINATION

Whether you have a new kitten requiring their first vaccinations or an adult cat due for a booster, our experienced veterinary team is here to help.

Contact us today to arrange an appointment and keep your cat protected throughout every stage of life.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How often do cats need vaccinations?

Most cats require regular booster vaccinations to maintain protection against infectious diseases. The exact vaccination schedule can vary depending on your cat’s age, health status and lifestyle. Our veterinarians can recommend the most appropriate vaccination program for your pet.

At what age should kittens start vaccinations?

Kittens generally begin their vaccination course from around 6–8 weeks of age. Additional vaccinations are then usually given every 2–4 weeks until approximately 14–16 weeks of age to ensure reliable immunity develops.

Do indoor cats still need vaccinations?

Yes. Even indoor cats can still be exposed to infectious diseases indirectly through people, objects, visiting animals or unexpected escapes outdoors. Indoor cats may also require boarding or veterinary hospitalisation at some stage during their lives where vaccination protection is important.

What vaccinations do cats need?

Core cat vaccinations commonly protect against:

  • Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Enteritis)

  • Feline Herpesvirus

  • Feline Calicivirus

Some cats may also benefit from additional vaccinations such as:

  • Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV)

  • Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

  • Chlamydia

The most appropriate vaccination program depends on your cat’s lifestyle and risk factors.

Are cat vaccinations safe?

Vaccinations are generally very safe and serious reactions are uncommon. Some cats may experience mild tiredness, temporary reduced appetite or slight tenderness at the injection site for 24–48 hours following vaccination.

If you have any concerns after your cat’s vaccination, please contact our veterinary team for advice.

Can my kitten go outside before vaccinations are finished?

We generally recommend limiting exposure to unknown cats and public outdoor areas until your kitten’s vaccination course is completed. Young kittens are more vulnerable to infectious diseases before full immunity develops.

Your veterinarian can advise when it is safest for your kitten to begin exploring outdoors.

What happens if my cat’s vaccinations are overdue?

If vaccinations become overdue, your cat may no longer have adequate protection against infectious diseases. Depending on how overdue the vaccinations are, your veterinarian may recommend restarting part of the vaccination schedule.

What happens during a vaccination appointment?

Your cat’s vaccination appointment includes a comprehensive health examination as well as the vaccination itself. Your veterinarian will assess your cat’s overall health and discuss areas such as:

  • Weight and nutrition

  • Dental health

  • Parasite prevention

  • Behaviour

  • Mobility and arthritis

  • Any concerns you may have noticed at home

Vaccination appointments are an important part of your cat’s ongoing preventive healthcare.

Can vaccinated cats still catch cat flu?

Vaccination significantly reduces the risk and severity of illness, but no vaccine can provide 100% protection in every situation. Vaccinated cats that are exposed to cat flu viruses typically experience much milder illness than unvaccinated cats.

Why are annual health checks important even if my cat seems healthy?

Cats are very good at hiding signs of illness. Regular health checks allow veterinary problems to be detected earlier, often before obvious symptoms develop.

Early detection can improve treatment outcomes and may reduce long-term treatment costs.