Blog Layout

How Much Do Vaccinations Cost For A Cat

Rebecca Schmidt • Aug 27, 2015
Vaccinations are normally started at 8 weeks of age. Kittens receive upper respiratory and distemper combination vaccinations every 3-4 weeks until cat vaccinethey are 16 weeks of age. These vaccinations can cost anywhere from $25.00 to $50.00 each. Vaccinations for distemper and respiratory disease are extremely important in kittens. Distemper is a virus that can cause very severe immune system suppression that can be life-threatening. Respiratory virus can cause upper respiratory disease, pneumonia, ulcers and eye infections. Kitten’s immune systems are not mature yet, so they are much more susceptible to these diseases. So, getting their vaccinations is very important from the time you first have them.

As kittens grow into young adults your veterinarian should evaluate your cat’s lifestyle to determine which vaccinations are or are not necessary. One of the main considerations would be if your cat goes outdoors. If your cat does, then a feline leukemia vaccination series would be recommended. This consists of two vaccinations approximately 4 weeks apart which cost $25.00-$50.00 each.

Both indoor and outdoor cats need vaccinations. Even indoor cats are susceptible to disease. Many virus type diseases can live outside your cat’s body. This means if a sick stray cat passes through your yard you can theoretically bring the virus in on your shoes and expose your feline friend. You can also bring the virus home after visiting an animal shelter. Other common ways indoor cats become ill are exposure from boarding with other cats and exposure from a grooming facility. There are many ways your indoor-only cat can pick up harmful viruses. You may have a friend visit who has a sick kitty at home. 

It’s important to not over-vaccinate your cat. Vaccines themselves can cause illness. A mild vaccination reaction may cause fever and muscle soreness. A moderate reaction can cause vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy. A serious reaction can cause a severe anaphylactic response. So you want to only vaccinate your cat against viruses they may be exposed to.

Rabies is a vaccination required by law in most areas. Rabies vaccination costs are $25-$100.00 plus a county tag fee in some areas. Tag fees are generally $10.00-$30.00 for a neutered cat and $50.00-$100.00 for a non-neutered cat. An adjuvant free rabies vaccination should be administered. Vaccinations with adjuvants have been linked to sarcomas which are cancerous tumors.

Vaccinations are normally repeated every one to three years. This would be specific depending on the tested duration of the vaccine.

Sometimes the term “vaccinations” comes with a bad connotation. As with anything else, care and caution should be made when a veterinarian recommends vaccinating your cat. Vaccinations should be administered properly based on your cat’s lifestyle and health. Vaccinations should not be “skipped” because you have an “indoor only” cat. As we have discussed your “indoor only” cat is also susceptible to potentially life threatening viruses that can be prevented by vaccination. Veterinarians see many cats every year with illnesses that could have been prevented by vaccination.

 

To schedule an appointment for vaccinations click here : http://www.northernilcatclinic.com/schedule-appointment/
Share by: