Vaccinating cats is an important part of their overall health care regimen. Vaccines help prevent the spread of infectious diseases that can be fatal or cause significant health problems in cats. The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) recommends a core set of vaccines for all cats, as well as non-core vaccines that may be recommended based on individual cat’s lifestyle and risk of exposure to certain diseases.

Core vaccines are those that are recommended for all cats, regardless of their lifestyle or risk of exposure. These vaccines protect against diseases that are highly contagious, have a high risk of transmission to humans, and/or have a high mortality rate. The core vaccines for cats include:

1. Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (FVRCP) vaccine: This vaccine protects against three major diseases in cats, including feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1), feline calicivirus (FCV), and feline panleukopenia virus (FPV). These diseases are highly contagious and can cause severe respiratory symptoms, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, death.
2. Rabies vaccine: This vaccine is required by law in most states and is essential to protect both cats and humans from the potentially fatal rabies virus. Rabies can be transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected animal, including cats.

The AAFP also recommends non-core vaccines for cats based on their individual lifestyle and risk of exposure. These vaccines protect against diseases that may not be prevalent in all areas or may only affect certain populations of cats. Non-core vaccines include:

1. Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) vaccine: This vaccine is recommended for cats who have access to the outdoors or live in a multi-cat household where at least one cat is infected with FeLV. FeLV is a viral disease that can lead to anemia, immunosuppression, and cancer.
2. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) vaccine: This vaccine is recommended for cats who are at high risk of exposure to FIV, which is most commonly spread through the bite of an infected cat. FIV is a viral disease that can lead to immunosuppression and other health problems.

The frequency of vaccination depends on several factors, including the type of vaccine, the age and health of the cat, and the cat’s lifestyle and risk of exposure. In general, most core vaccines are initially given as a series of vaccines when a kitten is young, with booster vaccines given every 1-3 years. Non-core vaccines may be given less frequently, depending on the individual cat’s lifestyle and risk of exposure. It’s important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate vaccination schedule for your cat.

In conclusion, vaccinating cats is an important part of their overall health care. Core vaccines, including FVRCP and rabies, are recommended for all cats, while non-core vaccines, such as FeLV and FIV, may be recommended based on individual cat’s lifestyle and risk of exposure. The frequency of vaccination depends on several factors and should be determined by your veterinarian. Regular vaccination can help protect your cat from serious and potentially fatal diseases, ensuring a happy and healthy life.