Question of the Day

The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) vaccination guidelines recommend three “core” vaccines for ALL cats, +/- other vaccines depending on the circumstances (i.e.: household pet, shelter).

The three core feline vaccines are:
1. Feline herpesvirus-1 ( FHV-1)
2. Feline panleukopenia (feline parvovirus, FPV)
3. Feline calicivirus (FCV)

The AAFP states that rabies is “essential in regions where required by statute/law,” and is required in most states in the US and Canada. So, cats should receive rabies vaccination in addition to the core three.

Other vaccines to consider, depending on circumstances:
– Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) vaccination is recommended for group-housed cats and is considered a core vaccine for pet cats <1 yo
– For shelters consider intranasal FHV-1 and FCV on admission for high-risk populations and kittens >4 wo. Provides more rapid protection.

Here are the 2020 AAFP feline vaccination guidelines.