Health & Safety: Vaccinations

An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure.

Vaccinations protect your cat from deadly infectious diseases, and they're an important first step in owning a cat. Always consult with your vet to determine which vaccinations your cat should receive.

Keep track. It's important to know what vaccinations your adopted kitten has received and at what age. For adult adopted cats, find out when he had his last booster vaccinations.

Core vaccines. The essentials include:

• Feline panleukopenia (feline distemper)
• Feline viral rhinotracheitis
• Feline calicivirus
• Rabies

Non-core vaccines. These depend on your cat's age, breed, where you live and whether he's an indoor or outdoor cat. They include:

• Feline pneumonitis (chlamydia)
• Feline leukemia virus (FeLV)
• Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP)
• Ringworm (dermatophytosis)
• Feline immunodeficiency virus

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